7 Secluded Towns in Mississippi
Mississippi is a historic Southern United States state bordering the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River is a major US waterway and the longest river. It rises in Lake Itasca in Minnesota and drains into the Gulf of Mexico. Cultural history includes the Delta region, where Blues music is said to have originated.
The Magnolia State has many small and historically significant towns that are fun to explore. Historic areas are designated by signs like the Mississippi Blues Trail. The landscape includes natural beauty, cultural points of interest, charming downtowns, and local landmarks. Here are seven secluded towns in Mississippi.
Port Gibson
Port Gibson was first inhabited by French settlers in 1729 and played a significant role during the Civil War. Most historic buildings have been preserved because General Ulysses Grant famously said the town was "too beautiful to burn." The downtown area has many Antebellum structures and historic churches on the National Registry of Historic Places. The town honors its history with the annual Port Gibson Main Street Heritage Festival.
The historic churches include the fantastic First Presbyterian Church, ca. 1859. The top of the steeple is adorned with a gilded hand pointing toward heaven. St. Joseph Catholic Church, ca. 1849, is the oldest surviving church in the town and is decorated with altar paintings and hand-carved railings. The amount of 19th century in this small and secluded town is stunning, and walking tours are available to learn the history.
Holly Springs
The quaint town of Holly Springs is famous for its Southern charm, Civil War history, and engaging attractions. Some of the annual events are the Audobon Hummingbird Migration Celebration, Christmas home tours, and the Kudzu festival. Over 175 historic homes are located here, notably Grey Gables, Dunvegan, and Walter Place. Downtown has mainly brick storefronts and landmark structures, too.
Downtown Holly Springs hosts several events, such as the International Food Festival. A short distance away from the shops and restaurants is Mims Park. The 17-acre park offers natural springs, a shaded lot, and the gravesite of the town's founder, G.B. Alford. No visit is complete without a layover at Phillips Grocery. Initially a saloon, the grocer sells delicious burgers and patty melts in a classic diner setting.
Moss Point
Moss Point is the only town on the Gulf Coast with a river view and is famous for the Spanish moss hanging from ancient oaks. The Pascagoula River Audobon Center aims to educate the public about local bayous and natural habitats. It offers a historic trolley tour, kayak rentals, and trails. Another nature center is the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. There is also a fun and nostalgic downtown area to discover.
The Downtown River District is a Main Street community noted for its classic structures and many events, such as the food truck event on the first Friday of the month and the Main Street Market. Sunset strolls around the boardwalk are commonplace and a great way to meet the friendly community.
Crystal Springs
The small town of Crystal Springs has a museum dedicated to the biggest name in blues, Robert Johnson. The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation and Museum honors whom many consider the Father of the Delta Blues. The town also has a wide array of architecture, historic homes, and a classic southern downtown.
Notable downtown structures include the Warehouse, built in 1915 and open to events, and the J. T. Biggs, Jr. Memorial Library on Jackson Street. Annual events include the Tomato and the Taste of the Blues festivals. Crystal Springs is a pleasant town that is fun to explore, especially for Blues fans.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a historic town with significant architectural styles, historic homes, and many interesting sites. The architectural styles cover almost all modern periods, like the Antebellum and Victorian, and public signs invite visitors to take a driving tour of the homes. A notable landmark is the Magnolias. The 1850 Antebellum home is one of the finest examples in Mississippi. The Black History Tail is another self-guided tour that traces the roots of notable African Americans from the area.
The small town offers many cultural events to match its architectural flair. The Elkin Center, built in 1937 in the Art Nouveau style, is the hallmark of downtown. The town has many historical markers, including one dedicated to three legendary bluesmen: Booker White, Howlin' Wolf, and Albert King.
Bay Springs
Bay Springs is located in the foothills of Jasper County and is known for its floral displays. The residents maintain the beautiful landscape and gardens throughout town, and the displays change seasonally. The community comes together every summer for Bayfest, an annual festival that brings food vendors and live music. It has a cozy downtown area with classic storefronts, restaurants, and a nearby lake.
The downtown restaurants range from barbeque at Up In Smoke to Mia's Dacquari's and Wings, and there are also coffee shops. The town is part of the Main Street Association, which helps preserve the older buildings and aesthetics. The 6,700-acre lake is a notable fishing epicenter for bass, crappie, and other freshwater species. This charming town has a fantastic landscape reminiscent of a different era.
Rolling Fork
Rolling Fork is notable as the childhood home of Blues legend Muddy Waters and for its deep agricultural history. The Visitor Center and Museum have information about the town's history and where the local historic sites are. The Mississippi Blues Trail runs through Rolling Fork, and there is a heritage sign describing the musical significance of this Delta town. There are other notable attractions throughout the town.
Mont Helena is a landmark home built in 1896. It is available for guided tours, and a live drama tells the love story of the original owner every spring. Chuck's Dairy Bar downtown has been open for over 50 years and serves classic American burgers and fries. It is a great way to end the day and "fill up" before hitting the road.
Historic Mississippi has many secluded towns that offer exciting things to do and see. Many of the towns are in the Delta, like Rolling Rock and Crystal Springs, so Blues heritage is prevalent. Towns like Aberdeen have a fantastic collection of architecture, and guests are invited to take a self-guided auto tour through the vintage neighborhoods. These towns have friendly and nostalgic downtown areas, too.
Most of the downtown areas are part of Main Street. Moss Point and Holly Springs have notable downtowns with fun events, good food, and a community atmosphere that makes one feel at home. Whether it is an outdoor adventure in Bay Springs or historic downtowns like Port Gibson, these towns have much to offer.
