Mississippi Vacation PackageKathryn Hoyt2023-06-19T11:00:48-05:00
Mississippi State Capital: Jackson
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GARDENS
Mississippi Gardens
Mississippi Gardens: Mississippi is a southern U.S. state bordered with the Mississippi River, Alabama, and the Gulf of Mexico. Its Mississippi Delta region is considered the birthplace of blues music, honored at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. Also in the region is the Vicksburg National Military Park, preserving the site of a critical Civil War battle.
The Crosby Arboretum: This Arboretum is affiliated with Mississippi State University. It contains 64 acres in its interpretive center, plus over 700 acres in seven additional natural areas, sheltering over 300 species of indigenous trees and shrubs boasting a sprawling native plant area plus savanna, woodland, and aquatic exhibits. There is about 3 miles of beautiful scenery. Some things are being worked on but we would highly recommend a visiting. The Arboretum is the premier native plant conservatory in the Southeast and was established as a living memorial to L.O. Crosby, Jr. (1907-1978) and has expanded to become a resource for education in the region as well as the world. Today, it provides for the protection of the region’s biological diversity as well as a place for the public’s enjoyment of plant species native to the Pearl River Drainage Basin of south-central Mississippi and Louisiana. It allows us to study and learn about plants and plant products so that we may use them to their best advantage and ensure their continuous propagation in the future. You will find this Arboretum in Picayune.
Simmons Arboretum: This Arboretum was created from land donated to the city by Dr. and Mrs. Walter Simmons, and has evolved from unimproved land to a nature walk. Nearly a mile of walking trails now exists, and plants have been identified and cataloged. Ongoing plans include further design, planting, and labeling of the species. It has been designated a Blue Star Memorial, a tribute to the Armed Forces of America, by Northbay-Madison Garden Club, a National Garden Clubs, Inc. member. This truly feels like an arboretum. It’s a wonderful place to take a walk in nature that feels authentic while still suitable for children. This growing botanical garden in found in Madison.
The Art Garden: The Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art is a 1.2-acre park that is adjacent to and inspired by the ever-popular Walker Garden, an extraordinary gift from Mrs. Gloria Walker to honor the memory of her late husband. Surrounded by the city’s foremost cultural organizations, all of which contribute invaluably to its development, The Art Garden is designed to engage visitors not only with visual art, but with all the arts. This versatile, open, outdoor space features a welcoming lawn, seasonal foliage, native garden beds, permanent art installations, and water features. The Museum also hosts exhibitions, festivals, outdoor films, musical performances, and other cultural events in The Art Garden. You will find this wonderful garden in the heart of downtown Jackson.
Mynelle Gardens Arboretum & Botanical Center: This is a beautiful, peaceful place with lots of beauty to discover around every bend in the paths. You will especially enjoy some flowers you don’t normally see in your area. This botanical garden has lush landscaping, shaded walking paths and several sitting areas. From a simple garden started over a half-century ago, Mynelle Gardens stands as a botanical wonderland, wildlife sanctuary and haven for songbirds. It is well worth the $5 admittance fee. You will find this beautiful botanical center in Jackson.
Mississippi is beckoning you and your family to come and see what it has to offer. Give TravelKatz a call and we will put a special vacation together especially for you. Call 352-277-7300 or chat online at travelkatz.com.
STATE PARKS
Mississippi State Parks:
Mississippi State Parks – Mississippi is a southern state bordering the Mississippi River to its west with the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Its Mississippi Delta region is considered the birthplace of blues music. The state has 22 state parks, 2 State Wildlife Areas, and 8 State Wildlife Management Areas.
Tishomingo State Park: Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park is steeped in history and scenic beauty. Archaeological excavations confirm the presence of Paleo Indians in the area now encompassed by the park as early as 7000 B. C. Today’s visitors discover the same timeless natural beauty that enchanted the Indians centuries ago. Tishomingo offers a unique landscape of massive rock formations and fern-filled crevices found nowhere else in Mississippi. Massive boulders blanketed in moss dot the hillsides, and colorful wildflowers border trails once walked by Native Americans. This is a beautiful and peaceful park great for short or long hiking. The trails could be marked better, so we suggest you take a map, otherwise you will have no clue where the trails lead. If you are into camping and fishing this a great park. You will find this beautiful park in Tishomingo County, some 45 miles northeast of Tupelo.
Paul B Johnson State Park: Located in the heart of Mississippi’s pine belt region, this park is the gateway to a natural wonderland marked by majestic long-leaf and loblolly pines, delicate dogwoods and ancient oaks. The deep forests surrounding the park provide a picturesque setting for a variety of outdoor activities. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is just a 20-minute drive to the north, making Paul B. Johnson State Park the perfect place to spend a football weekend. The Park offers over 800 acres for camping, swimming, boating, and fishing. The camp sites have lakefront views, full hookups, large wide asphalt pads, easily accommodating trucks and 5th wheels. TV reception is decent too for those interested. Two Thumbs up! Travel about 10 miles south of Hattiesburg to arrive at this beautiful lakefront park.
Wall Doxey State Park: This lush park features a 60-acre spring-fed lake, cabins and an amphitheater plus boating, camping and hiking. It is well kept and maintained with a large area of picnic tables. The developed sites are good for both campers and tent camping. There are multiple play sets for kids and all are in good condition. There is a gazebo about half mile from the end of the walking trail if you start on the side by the cabins and boat launch. This Park is found about seven miles south of Holly Springs.
Golden Memorial State Park: This special park memorializes a post-civil War area and has a one-room school once located on the site. Picnic tables, grills, and 2 picnic pavilions give visitors the opportunity to fully enjoy the park. Several nature trails and a 15-acre spring-fed lake stocked with bass and bream are also onsite. Found in Walnut Grove.
Clarkco State Park: Located near the Mississippi-Alabama state line, Clarkco State Park has been a favorite Mississippi recreation spot since 1938. Situated on 815 acres of gently rolling woodlands, this Park offers camping, cabin rentals, and water sports in a convenient yet unspoiled location, providing the perfect retreat for an afternoon or weekend getaway. This Park is located near Meridian.
TravelKatz is ready to help you and your family have a great vacation exploring the Mississippi State Parks. Just give us a call at 352-277-7300 or go to www.vacationnationradio,com so we can answer your question.
MUSEUMS
Mississippi Museums:
Mississippi Museums – This is a southern U.S. state, with the Mississippi River to its west, Alabama to its east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Its Mississippi Delta region is considered the birthplace of blues music. Be prepared to enjoy several Museum stops when visiting Mississippi,
Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum: This is the birthplace of Elvis, the church of his first public singing, and a small museum. The person in the house is full of anecdotes. The church has an audio-visual component that is very well done. The self-guided tour includes entering the original house where Elvis was born. There is even a porch swing. The front room is the bedroom. The tour guide will explain life at the time when Elvis was growing up providing excellent information and is friendly. The back room had the kitchen area. The authentic living conditions have been maintained. Walk around outside to see a statue of Elvis when a youth, as well as other areas to tour. There is a nice gift shop and the restaurant of the grounds allows for a nice walk. This museum is well worth a stop when visiting Tupelo.
B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center: This is not just a great museum about B.B. King’s life and work; it is a great museum, period. The exhibits are very well done, with a great mix of text, audio, video, and interactive elements. There are plenty of cool artifacts, and the whole experience is very immersive. They also do an excellent job of relating King’s story to the larger cultural and historical context. There is a nice gift shop and a performance venue, which is the actual cotton gin building where King worked in his youth. Outside is King’s gravesite–it is a bit unadorned, but worth visiting while in the town of Indianola.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum: The museum staff members are professional, cordial, and so friendly and helpful. The exhibits are artistically presented with sound and other effects. You will really feel a real sense of actually living the historical moments that are visited. This is by-far, one of the best civil rights museums you will ever visit. Great job City of Jackson and the state of Mississippi! Brilliantly conceived and created to give visitors an experience that they will never forget. Allow a few hours+ to experience all that there is. Do not rush through! Be sure and spend some time in the center of the museum. There you will find a beautiful space full of sound and lights and art and photographs and quotes where you will be able to process and think through all you have seen and felt. visit this museum in Jackson.
Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum and Interpretive Center: This museum is informative and educational while remaining remarkably interesting. There is a virtual video trip down the river and back. A very insightful tour experience for those who are uninitiated into river travel and commerce and also with enough detail for those who may know the river well. You will also enjoy the mechanical details of the tug and getting to see how it functions. The staff is friendly and informative, the exhibits are also informative, but the ship is amazing. You will visit this museum in Vicksburg.
The Delta Blues Museum: The Museum founder purchased the Illinois Central Railroad passenger depot via a federal grant to save it from demolition and restored it. It is located in the center of town in the historical district within easy walking distance to several points of interest. It is a small museum that provides insight to the lives of many Blues performers. The displays of instruments and period clothing worn by famous musicians are great. The museum does a good job of demonstrating how the blues influenced some of the greatest rock and roll performers. They also have a good gift shop. Admission is free to this museum in Clarksdale.
TravelKatz will be happy to help you and your family and friends enjoy a great vacation in Mississippi. Give us a call at 352-277-7300 or go to vacationnationradio.com to chat with us about Mississippi or any other vacation idea you might have.
FESTIVALS
Festivals:
Mississippi Festivals are here to be enjoyed by everyone traveling in the south. And don’t forget that this is the Watermelon Capital of the World and the Seafood Capital of the World! So expect to find festivals that will tantalize your tastebuds where ever you go!
Mississippi Watermelon Festival: Join the fun and celebrate the Watermelon! Entertainment – including national acts, food, arts and crafts. There are a variety of events to bring patrons into the park and town. All booths and the stage lie within the city park. Lots of games for the children, a 5k run/walk, carnival, and fireworks to end the activities. July 19 – 20, Mize City Park.
Mississippi Book Festival: This Book Festival brings together hundreds of contemporary authors; national, regional and local, who connect directly with fans and new readers. As invited guests all will explore in-depth themes, or walk along Authors Alley; it’s the festival hub for self-published authors and much more. Visit on Sat, Aug 17 in Jackson.
Annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Blues & Heritage Festival: Enjoy one of the top blues festivals on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Visitors will have an excellent opportunity to hear their favorite songs, eat delicious food and other refreshments, see culture exhibits and share in this fun outing with the entire family. O.B Bucana, Pokey Bear, Ra’Shad – The Blues Kid, Ronnie Bell, Blues Lady Adrena, and Aaron Cook – “Mr. Stroke It”. Enjoy the fun on Sat, Sep 7, at Jackson County Fairgrounds, in Pascagoula.
Annual Biloxi Seafood Festival: This is a celebration of seafood heritage in the City of Biloxi. Attendees will enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts, activities for the children and the best seafood on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! On Sunday the main feature is the Sun Herald Gumbo Championship, where for a separate fee attendees can taste professional and amateur gumbo from teams competing for the Peoples’ Choice and Best of Show Awards. Join in the fun on Sat & Sun, Sep 14 – 15. Biloxi Town Green.
40th Annual Okeelala Festival: This festival hosts something for everyone, from a classic car show with 32 classes of vehicles to Mississippi made arts and craft vendors. Great southern food, music and a parade of beauties, a pet show and a Youth Talent show. Sat, Oct 5 in Baldwyn
Cruisin’ the Coast: Welcome to America’s Largest Block Party! Cruisin’ The Coast® began in 1996 as a festival to celebrate antique, classic and hot rod vehicles, nostalgic music and related events. Car enthusiasts from 40 states plus Canada, Germany, and Puerto Rico arrive on the Mississippi Gulf Coast once a year to showcase their rides and to cruise the beautiful 30-mile stretch of beach-side highway with designated stops in towns such as: Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula. Each venue is set up as a mini festival with a stage for live bands, reserved parking for registered cruisers where you can take a look at these restored and antique vehicles, and the vendors offering food and event merchandise. Join in the fun from Oct 6-13; festivities close at 6 PM in Centennial Plaza in Gulfport.
9th Annual Gateway to the Delta Festival: Planned is a full scale festival complete with art and craft vendors from across the Southeast and a music line-up for the enjoyment of all. In addition, there are BBQ contests, children’s activities, a photography contest, and car show. All this happens on Sat, Oct 12, in Charleston.
TravelKatz will be happy to help you make a special vacation for you and your family to enjoy any of these Mississippi Festivals. Just give us a call at 352-277-7300.
PLACE OF INTEREST
Vicksburg
Sitting high atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers, the city of Vicksburg was the setting of a bloody 47-day siege during the Civil War. The site of this epic battle is now Vicksburg National Military Park, preserving original fortifications and the U.S.S. Cairo, an ironclad gunboat that once prowled the waters of the Mississippi River. Vicksburg is also the place where Coca-Cola was first bottled, a fact that is happily immortalized at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum.
Vicksburg National Military Park: The road that winds through the site of the siege and battle of Vicksburg is dotted with monuments celebrating the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought here. Historic markers tell the story of the battle and the terrain still shows signs of how hard-fought battle was. The visitor’s center has information and a map of the park which will help with your tour. Save a couple of hours at least to drive slowly through this park, viewing the remnants of trenches dug by the Union soldiers as they battled the Confederate troops. Attractive flora and fauna belie the carnage and awful conflict that occurred in 1863 at this site. You can arrange to have a guide join you in your vehicle or purchase a CD at the visitor center that allows you to conduct your own tour.
U.S.S. Cairo Museum: This Civil War ironclad ship is huge and amazingly intact. The ship is displayed outside under a canopy, with a walkway onto one of its decks. Inside the nearby building, the museum displays amazing artifacts found in the ship which illustrate how the crew lived and operated. The ship hit a mine in 1862 and sank in 12 minutes, but the crew were all rescued. This is a one-of-a-kind experience for any history buff or any boater. The museum is a part of the military battlefield park and no separate admission is charged. When you look at this ship and realize that it took a ton of coal an hour to keep the steam up, it is incredible it could float. It must have been horrible for the men who had to work on the ship, the conditions must have been deplorable. It just goes to show the dedication of the people who came to our country for a better life and of the men that fought for our freedom then and now. It is amazing that so many artifacts from the ship survived.
Old Courthouse: This courthouse was a landmark spot for Jefferson Davis, a place in which filed a lawsuit to recover property lost in the war. This was the Warren County Courthouse, and now it’s a museum with about a five-dollar entry fee. It’s impossible not to notice this place. The courtroom upstairs is impressive and there are loads of artefacts and photos to make this visit very interesting indeed. Also has a very good gift shop which is not overly priced. The displays appear to celebrate the ‘Confederate Heritage’ and ‘The flag that did not surrender’ and ‘Blacks who wore gray’ that shows an interesting twist on the Civil War. The collection of Confederate flags, weapons, and other gear was fascinating and rare. Real Civil war bullets are for sale here. The admission is $5, and the volunteer emphasized that the museum gets no government moneys. This is s must stop for any history buff.
Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum and Interpretive Center: This free museum told us all about the Mississippi river with many interesting and interactive displays, its ecology and wildlife, the history of the peoples who have traveled it, the history of its floods and the engineering that is now put in place to prevent the worst flood damage. You also get to go on board a riverboat and explore it. There’s so much to see–their sleeping quarters, the kitchen, the bowels of the boat, and the pilot house. Really good for older children too.
Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum: If you are a Coke fan you might enjoy see this small museum where Coke was first bottle in 1894, complete with a soda fountain and memorabilia. This is before the museum was established in Atlanta, GA.
Travelkatz recommends flighing into Jackson International Airport and drive to Vicksburg. Just give us a call at 352-277-7300 and we will make this a fun and educational trip for you and your family.
Mississippi State Capital: Jackson
Jackson was named for Andrew Jackson in 1821. At the time, Andrew Jackson was a celebrated major general in the U.S. Army; just seven short years later, he’d be elected president.
State Capitol: When you visit the capitol building you are in for a pleasant surprise! Entering on the basement level, there are sheets for self-guided walking. Each of the four floors have interesting features and activities. Built in the beaux artes style, the interior is beautiful, especially in the chambers. There is also a display explaining how the three domes were constructed. In addition to the structural artwork, you are greeted by so many friendly people. If The legislature is in session you might meet a representative lunching in the chamber. This an outstanding capitol building. Amazing architecture and the way they use natural lighting is a highlight. Make sure you try to go on the tour with a guide, learn so much more that way and even get to go places that aren’t always accessible to individuals.
Eudora Welty House: (Pictured) She was a well-known author who lived in this home most of her adult life. The home is lovingly restored in the condition she would have had it. Fun to see here collection and lifestyle back in the 60’s. The gardens are small but have many of the plants from when she and her mother were living here. Ms. Welty’s books, including her 1973 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Optimist’s Daughter” is displayed along with her other works, the guides are very helpful and give you a real understanding of her life and times. Eudora Welty’s home for nearly 80 years was built by her parents in 1925. In it, Ms. Welty did all her writing in an upstairs bedroom where her typewriter still is on display. In raising awareness of the significance of authors and literary life in the United States, the house was first declared a Mississippi Landmark in 2001, then added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2004.
Mississippi Children’s Museum: Upon entering the Facility; you are greeted with staff that are friendly and care that you have a wonderful experience. Children have the run of the place; when they need help, staff are there to help; the interactive displays are all learning displays. I especially liked the displays showing gears at work. Children are free to interact with one another and enjoy the interactive exhibits together and sometimes in competition with one another.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science: We suggest that you arrive just as the museum is opening and enjoyed walking through the exhibits without a crowd. There are several guides to around to show you through and explain the mission of the museum and its history. The large aquariums have a variety of fish, turtles, alligators, etc. A favorite display was probably the gators. Something for all ages. Great interactive exhibits. A must see for anyone but especially anyone with kids because they have special kids exhibits.
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame: Most can’t say enough great things about the MS Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. The facility is fun and exciting for all ages! There is so much history to explore…many of which most would have never known without visiting it. Of all the interactive activities they offer, pretending to be a sports announcer is a great favorite! The staff and volunteers are so helpful and friendly! This is not only interesting place to learn about the athletes from Mississippi, but a place you can try your hand at batting like the pros, or golfing or tennis. Great for adults and children.
Mississippi Governor’s Mansion: Only a few tours are offered each day and the only way to visit this building is to be on one of them. The guide was very knowledgeable and provided a lot of information on the history of the mansion as well as about some of the governors that lived in it. It is very interesting to hear how the building was remodeled and what discoveries have been made in the process. This is definitely a mansion worthy of a governor. The house and grounds are gorgeous, and the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. You are guided thru the Mansion so you learn the history of all the furnishings and workmanship. It is worth the time to do this.
Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum: The train exhibits they’ve added through the years are great. This is a gem. A hidden treasure. Make a point of going because you won’t be disappointed. If you plan it right, there are festivals/events at certain times of the year. The displays are the actual items, not reproductions. Tells the history of the commerce in the state through farming and the lumber business. The doctor’s office was interesting, a real salute to how far the medical community has come.
Getting to Jackson is easy with a direct flight from Tampa. Just call TravelKatz at 352-277-7300 and we will make this vacation a memorable one for you.
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