From unforgettable sites to famous restaurants, there’s so much to see and do in the Magnolia State that it’s nearly impossible to keep up with it all. And that’s where this list comes in. Just to make sure you don’t miss any of what the state has to offer, we put together this list of 14 epic things you never thought of doing in Mississippi, but should.
Much different than the topography found in most of Mississippi, Clark Creek Nature Area is filled with huge loess bluff hills, steep moss covered ravines, and more than 50 waterfalls. Even better, the 700-acre park has both primitive and improved trails that make it easy to explore one of the state’s "most beautiful outdoor treasures." For more information, click here.
Less than a mile off the state’s coastline, you’ll find a desolate island, known as Deer Island. The secluded spot features pristine water, unrivaled views, and up close encounters with wildlife. Even better, the secret paradise is easily accessible and just waiting to be explored. For more information, click here.
Located along a lonely stretch of highway near Foxworth, you’ll find one of Mississippi’s most impressive wonders – a massive canyon that seems to go on forever. Officially named Red Bluff, the unbelievable site is often referred to as Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon. Offering one-of-a-kind views and amazing hiking opportunities, this hidden gem is worth checking out. For more information, click here.
You probably wouldn’t expect "rock climbing" to be on a list of things to do in Mississippi, but there is one place in the state you can satisfy your desire for a thrilling climb. Located in the foothills of the Appalachians, Tishomingo State Park has rocky outcroppings and bluffs that you won’t find anywhere else in the state. Because of the unique terrain, it’s the perfect spot for a rock climbing adventure. For more information, click here.
Beautiful tree tunnels can be found all over the world. Some are renowned, attracting visitors from near and far, while others are more obscure. Here in Mississippi, there’s plenty of the latter. And after doing some digging around, we found one of the most magical tree tunnels in the state. Located on a country road, just off of Interstate 20 between Edwards and Bolton, the enchanting tunnel is the perfect destination for a relaxing drive. For more information, click here.
Located near Pickwick Lake, this abandoned chalk mine is about the size of a Wal-Mart and includes three long tunnels, which are connected by numerous passageways. Although the site is not attended, locals have hiked to the mine and explored its interior for years now. For more information, click here.
Hidden in the trees of the Homochitto National Forest, the Forest Retreat in Gloster is ideal for a secluded getaway. Guest cabins are located at the forest’s edge, surrounded by a mixture of hickory, oak, beech, magnolia and pine trees. The perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby forest includes bike trails, streams, hiking paths and gorgeous landscapes. For more information, click here.
8. Dine in one of the country’s most unique restaurants.
"Dining underneath the skirt of a nearly 30’ tall woman" may not be the first thing that comes to mind when putting together a bucket list, but if you live in Mississippi, it definitely should be. Over the years, the unique Natchez eatery, Mammy’s Cupboard, has become a must-visit for tourists and locals alike, known for its southern-style meals and decadent pies. For more information, click here.
Mississippi is no stranger to great parks. From state parks to playgrounds, the options are virtually endless in the Magnolia State. However, one of the most unique is definitely Old Mountain Outdoor Adventure Park in Winona. In addition to a variety of obstacle courses, hiking trails and other activities, the park includes an aerial net obstacle course, which is only the second of its kind in the U.S.! For more information, click here.
Think you have to travel out of state to watch a world class ballet? Think again! Each year the USA International Ballet Competition, which is one of the world’s most elite ballet competitions, is held in one of five cities around the world, and Jackson is actually one of the five cities. (A fact that’s even more impressive when you consider the other cities are Varna, New York, Helsinki, and Shanghai.) The much anticipated event will return to Jackson in June 2018. For more information, click here.
11. Check out the world’s largest small scale model.
There’s no shortage of interesting sites in the Magnolia State, and the Mississippi River Basin Model is definitely one of them. The model, which is located in Buddy Butts Park in Jackson, spans a whopping 200 acres, making it the largest small-scale model in the entire world. Strangely enough, after only six years in use, the enormous model was abandoned. For more information, click here.
12. Book a stay at one of the coolest hotels in America.
Taking the Mississippi spot on Thrillist’s list of "The Coolest Hotels In Every State," the Shack Up Inn offers visitors the chance to stay on the Hopson Plantation, which has remained practically unchanged since its days as an actual plantation. A completely unique experience, guests stay in authentic sharecropper shacks and are able to tour the grounds, which include an original cotton gin, seed houses, and other outbuildings. For more information, click here.
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13. Fill up on some of the best steak in the nation.
Originally opened in 1941 as a honky tonk, Doe’s Eat Place eventually transformed into the full-time restaurant it is today. Aside from the hot tamales that made Doe’s famous, the menu also includes award-winning steaks, which were named "No. 1 of the 100 Best Things to Eat in America" by Men’s Journal. For more information, click
A true Delta experience, the Tallahatchie Flats consist of six perfectly preserved examples of the small rural homes that once filled the state. These types of homes are significant because they are exactly the kind in which a number of blues musicians resided and spent time cultivating their craft. Aside from the opportunity to stay in these historic "tenant houses," guests can truly immerse themselves in the region’s rich history via an interpretive tour of the property. For more information, click here.
Ever visited any of these places? Know of another site that you think should’ve been included? Tell us in the comments section!
I don’t know when it happens, but one day, you’ll wake up and become a birdwatcher. For me, it happened around 35. I’m not complaining, though; I truly enjoy the symphony of sounds that come from the songbirds I feed every day. Luckily, Mississippi has plenty of opportunities for birdwatching—including the Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Mississippi.
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The Pascagoula River is a gateway for nature lovers. Not only is it the largest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States, but its unique ecosystem enables thousands of species to thrive—including over 300 species of birds.
Aerial view of the Pascagoula River Delta in southeastern Mississippi.
Clocking in at over 80 miles long, the Pascagoula River is an important nesting ground for migratory birds. Depending on the time of year you visit, your adventure could be met with any number of the 300 species that call this area home during the year.
Hooded Warblers breed in mature deciduous forest with a dense understory of mountain laurel, rhododendron, viburnum, and spicebush up to 3,600 feet. They spend the winter in lowland tropical forest, scrub, and brushy fields.
Warblers are two of my favorite species, and they have some lovely melodic tunes for you. Pictured above is a hooded warbler, but they’re not the only warblers singing their sweet tunes here…
The magnolia warbler is a member of the wood warbler family Parulidae.
…this friendly fellow above is the magnolia warbler. Take a listen to how each warbler sounds. Do you think you could tell the difference if you were wandering through the Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Mississippi? It’s such a slight difference; I’m not sure I could identify them by just their sounds alone! Guess I have a new goal this year.
Swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus). In the summer months, kites gather by the hundreds to forage and roost before migrating to South America. They drink and wash in flight. Beak touching water. Photographed in south Florida, USA. (Photo by Carlos A Carreno/c3.photos via Getty Images)
Other notable birds that utilize the Mississippi Flyway are the Swallow-tailed Kite and the Bald Eagle. Watching a kite fly down into the water is some of the best television you could watch.
Perhaps my favorite bird found around the Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Mississippi is the Hooded Merganser. Look at this beautiful thing! Mergansers are the only ducks in the center that eat fish, and they’re also the most elusive. You can usually catch them in wooded ponds and swampy areas that tend to get overlooked. They’ve developed excellent underwater vision, which helps them swim down to catch tasty snacks like fish and crawfish.
Mergansers are migratory, but the southern variety tends to set up shop year-round in the Mississippi Delta area, so you’ve got a chance to see one all year long.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to birdwatching at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Mississippi. Herons and pelicans are also fairly common residents, though I know those don’t feel as special, considering you can see them as you’re driving on the interstate.
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If you’ve ever been to the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, share your experience with us! What’s your favorite bird that you’ve seen (or heard) here?
If you want to take your birdwatching to the next level, you might want to start looking into photography. Pair your camera body with a nice zoom lens, and with a little patience, you might end up with an award-winning photo!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
