This Is One Of The Coolest Counties In Mississippi And You’ll Want To Visit
By Daniella DiRienzo
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Published November 09, 2016
When it comes to Yazoo County, most people know it’s located in the state’s Delta region and not much else, but as it turns out, that’s a real mistake. More than just fertile soil and flat terrain, the county is filled with amazing architecture, historic (and haunted) sites, great shopping and dining, outdoor activities, and so much more. Perfect for an off-the-beaten path road trip, Yazoo County is definitely worth exploring. Below are just a few of the must-visit highlights found in the county.
Yazoo City's Historic Main Street
One look at this colorful downtown area and it’s hard to imagine that less than 10 years ago it was in danger of becoming a ghost town. Luckily, the historic buildings, many of which date back to 1904, were restored and renovated, resulting in the quaint Main Street found today, which is lined with shops, eateries, and more. If you plan on staying in Yazoo City overnight, the Main Street Hotel is a great option. As the name implies, it’s located directly on Main Street in the second floor of the colorful buildings pictured above.
Yazoo City's Town Center Historic District
Main Street is part of Yazoo City’s Town Center Historic District, but it’s just a portion. Made up of both residential and commercial buildings, the district is the "largest single area" to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named the "Best Old House Neighborhood" by This Old House Magazine. A great way to see all of Yazoo City’s historic properties is by taking a walking or driving tour. For more information, click
here .
Triangle Cultural Center
Known simply as "the Triangle" by locals, this building was originally constructed in 1904 and served as a school. Today, it is the site of events throughout the year and the permanent home to two museums. In the basement of the building is the William Duke Carter Collection of Antique Tools, which includes a variety of tools and inventions from the 20th century. On the second floor, you’ll find the Sam Olden Yazoo Historical Society Museum. The museum tells the story of the city through prehistoric fossils, Yazoo firsts, famous residents, and more.
Visit the Triangle Cultural Center at 332 N. Main St. A in Yazoo City.
Glenwood Cemetery
Head to the historic Glenwood Cemetery and among the headstones, you’ll find one belonging to the Witch of Yazoo. The story of the witch dates back decades and involves a scorned witch returning from the grave to burn down the town of Yazoo, just as she vowed while on her death bed. The cemetery is also the final resting place of Confederate soldiers and many of the city’s most prominent citizens, including author Willie Morris. The local author wrote about the Witch of Yazoo and is buried "13 paces south" of her grave. Visit the cemetery and learn about the local legend of the witch firsthand by taking a guided tour. For more information, click
here .
Blue Front Café
A must for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Blue Font Café is the oldest juke joint in the state (possibly the world) that still operates daily. Opened in 1948, the café once offered everything from home-cooked meals to haircuts to live music. As of today, the landmark café no longer serves food, but is still the spot to go for some cold drinks and the sweet sound of Bentonia-style Blues. Visit the Blue Front Café at 107 E. Railroad Avenue in Bentonia.
The Satartia River Bridge
Spanning the Yazoo River, this bridge is one of only three vertical lift bridges in the entire state, but that’s not the only thing it’s known for. According to several reports, the bridge is believed to be extremely haunted. Throughout the years, witnesses and paranormal investigators have claimed to see a yellow-green bubbling substance in the water below the bridge, which is often accompanied by phantom moans, believed to belong to Indians that once inhabited the area. Learn more about the haunted bridge
here .
Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge spans 40,000 acres, making it one of the largest in the state. Aside from exploring hardwood forests, cypress-tupelo sloughs, and bayous, visitors to the refuge can take part in bird watching, nature viewing, fishing, hunting, and kayaking. Travelling with little ones? Be sure to stop in the visitor’s lobby, where you’ll find lots of displays and interactive exhibits, which include petting an alligator and touching the fur of a bear. For more information on the refuge, click
here .
Wolf Lake
Often referred to as the "Delta’s best kept secret," Wolf Lake is located just northwest of Yazoo City. The pristine 18,000-acre lake is 15 miles long and known for its "glass-like conditions," which are perfect for water-skiing and wakeboarding. Even better, there’s a public boat launch and bait shop nearby, making it simple to take advantage of the lake’s excellent fishing conditions. Turn your day trip to the lake into an overnight adventure by booking a cabin right on the water. For more information, click
here .
Ubon’s Barbecue
Home to dozens of locally-owned eateries, visitors to Yazoo will have no problem finding something that suits their taste buds. One of the most popular restaurants in the region is Ubon’s Barbecue. The family-owned restaurant is a Yazoo City staple, known for its award-winning barbecue and lines of barbecue sauce and Bloody Mary mix, which are available for purchase in grocery stores across the country. Visit Ubon’s at 801 Jerry Clower Blvd. N. in Yazoo City.
For more information, click
here .
Ready to plan your trip to Yazoo County?
Click
here for the
Visit Yazoo Facebook page, where you’ll find information on upcoming events, must-see sites, and more.
Looking for another great place to visit in the state? Check out “This Small Mississippi Town Will Capture Your Heart. “
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