The Fairy Tale Road Trip That'll Lead You To Some Of Mississippi's Most Magical Places
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published May 30, 2020
×
Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
There are plenty of places in Mississippi that are fit for a fairy tale. From gardens and chapels to castle-like structures, the Magnolia State is downright magical! And if you need proof, or simply want to explore some of the state’s most enchanting sites, you’re in the right place. We mapped out the perfect route, which will lead you straight to the state’s most fairy tale-like sites. So buckle up and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.
As you can see from the map, the route spans 834 miles and takes about 15 hours to complete. Of course, the trip will likely take longer since you’ll want to get out and explore each site. To alter the route, simply click on the link below the map.
Located in Bay St Louis, the Lourdes Grotto is one of the state’s best kept secrets – it’s also one of the most enchanting. Built in 1938, the majestic site depicts the miraculous vision seen by a young girl named Bernadette in Lourdes, France in 1858.
There aren’t many things more magical than a sea of vibrant sunflowers, which is why Coastal Ridge Farm is a must-visit on this road trip. Boasting 15 acres, which are brimming with 10,000 colorful blooms, the farm is like something straight from a fairy tale. Coastal Ridge Farm is open to the public in the spring and fall, at which time visitors can meander around the farm’s u-pick field and search for the perfect blooms to take home.
These hauntingly beautiful ruins are all that remain of what was once the largest antebellum home in all of Mississippi. Truly a sight to see, it’s not surprising that Windsor Ruins have repeatedly been deemed a must-visit and a hidden gem. Most recently, it was included in Insider.com’s list of the best hidden gems you can visit in every US state.
This magical tree house is hidden deep within a forest, surrounded by magnolias, maples, and white oak. The interior is just as rustic, complete with stair railings made out of branches and a dining table fashioned from a cypress. Available for overnight rentals, the treehouse is a great spot to stop for the night, while keeping with the theme of the road trip.
Address: 130 Johnny Brown Rd, Mendenhall, MS 39114
Featured in Fodor's Travel Guide and The New York Times Travel Magazine, this historic home is a must visit. It’s open for tours all year, but it’s best to plan a visit in the spring time when the azaleas and wisteria are in bloom.
Located on the campus of Mississippi State University, this chapel was built from bricks salvaged from the Old Main Dormitory that burned down in 1959. Aside from its sentimental value, the chapel boasts some stunning features, including vibrant stained glass windows, arched entryways, and intricately placed panes of colored glass, which when illuminated by the sun, give off a lovely glow.
Described as the "fairyland of gardens," Wister Gardens is made up of 14 acres filled with colorful flowers, trees, and shrubbery. Pathways wind through the garden, making it easy to explore the enchanting site. The gorgeous gardens can be toured daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A true Delta treasure, McCarty’s Pottery first opened in 1954. Over the years, the award-winning pottery studio has grown to include a restaurant and breathtaking gardens, which are filled with beautiful plants, trees, and flowers as well as several terraces, cypress fences, and fountains.
One of the most recognizable buildings on the Ole Miss campus, Ventress Hall is absolutely majestic in appearance. Boasting towering spires and Romanesque arches, the building looks more like a castle than the home of the College of Liberal Arts. The magnificence isn’t limited to the building’s exterior, though. Inside, there’s an authentic Tiffany stained glass window.
Tishomingo State Park has a truly unique landscape, which includes massive rock formations and fern-filled crevices that don’t exist anywhere else in the state. The park’s other notable attributes include an historic cabin that dates back to the 1800s, several sculptures of Native Americans, and a swinging bridge that’s as charming as they come.
Address: 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873
So, ever visited the magical places mentioned above? Have one to add to this list? Tell us in the comments section.
Looking for another road trip to occupy your time? Click here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.