There's A Culinary Trail In Mississippi And It's Everything You've Ever Dreamed Of
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published September 29, 2016
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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.
It’s no secret that great food can be found all over Mississippi. It’s just too bad there isn’t a trail that showcases the state’s best restaurants and regional delicacies. Oh, wait, there is – the Mississippi Culinary Trail. Created in 2010 by the Mississippi Development Authority’s Division of Tourism, the trail highlights Mississippi’s cultural and culinary history. The tasty trail includes dozens of stops in each region of the state, allowing everyone from locals who are looking to discover something new to culinary enthusiasts to eat their way through Mississippi.
Here’s a small taste of the amazing restaurants you’ll find along the way.
Located just miles from the food-centric city of Oxford, you’ll find the small town of Taylor, which has garnered a reputation all its own when it comes to great food. In business for decades, Taylor Grocery has quickly become a local favorite, and is now so well-known, it’s often referred to simply as "that catfish place." But it’s not only locals that love the restaurant; Taylor Grocery has been featured in several publications and has been hailed the "south’s best catfish house" by Southern Foodways Alliance.
If it’s authentic local cuisine you’re after, you can’t go wrong with a stop at this iconic Delta eatery. The one-time grocery store has been operating as a restaurant since 1992, serving up smoky barbecue, perfectly fried catfish and mouthwatering hot tamales that are made using a decades’ old recipe.
Opened since 1976, Oby’s is a must when in northern Mississippi. The Cajun-inspired menu features everything from jambalaya and red beans and rice to an authentic Muffaletta and a variety of po' boys, including the restaurant’s famous alligator po’boy.
If this Jackson diner looks familiar that’s because it’s where several scenes from the movie "The Help" were filmed. And it’s not only Hollywood that’s noticed the allure of the nostalgic eatery. Brent’s Drugs has been included in "Travel and Leisure’s" list of best diners. If you do stop by, be sure to try the diner’s signature pimento cheese, egg, and olive sandwich.
Housed in one of the country’s oldest homes, Mary Mahoney’s is practically a state landmark. Over the years, this stop along the Mississippi Culinary Trail has garnered a reputation for its amazing fare of seafood, steaks, and French cuisine - all of which can be enjoyed in one of the many dining rooms or beautiful courtyard.
Ready to go on this delicious journey? Click here for a map of the Mississippi Culinary Trail. Ever dined at any restaurant’s on the trail? We want to hear about your experience. Tell us about it in the comments section.
