Small towns in Mississippi offer some of the most intriguing features from history to shopping and delicious dining. Fans of classic TV will surely remember Andy Griffith and the charming community of Mayberry. And while it may be a fictitious town that exists only in our TV sets, there are plenty of charming towns like Mayberry all over Mississippi. Here are 11 prime examples.

1. Cleveland

Small only in terms of population, Cleveland is responsible for some of the world’s best music, which explains why it’s home to the country’s second GRAMMY Museum. (The other is in California.) The "hip little town in the Mississippi Delta" also includes a lively downtown that’s known for great shopping and festivals.

2. Natchez

A charming city on the Mississippi River, Natchez was established in the early 1700s. Because of its location, it attracted a great deal of wealthy farmers during the 19th century and, in turn, resulted in a ton of mansions being constructed. Named one of the nation’s "Friendliest Cities" and home to more than 1,000 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Natchez is a great place to live and visit.

3. Carrollton

Only about 430 people are lucky enough to call one of the best Mississippi small towns home. And lucky may be an understatement. Carrollton is filled with beautiful, historic homes, storefronts, churches, and government buildings, many of which can be toured during the city’s annual pilgrimage.

4. Ocean Springs

Dubbed the "gem of the Gulf Coast," Ocean Springs is the epitome of picture-perfect. Between a historic district that’s filled with quaint shops and great restaurants to thriving art and music scenes, this seaside town has won over the hearts of both locals and tourists.

5. Flora

Head to this small tight-knit community and you’ll find about 1,600 residents, the only Petrified Forest in the eastern United States, and a train depot that's been turned into a museum.

6. Mendenhall

Even though Mendenhall is located just 25 miles from Jackson, you’d never know it. The town, which is home to approximately 2,100 residents, has retained its small-town vibe, boasting friendly citizens, a low crime rate, affordable housing, and tons of recreational opportunities.

7. Crystal Springs

In terms of small towns, it doesn’t get much better than Crystal Springs. Once nicknamed the "Tomatopolis of the World," one of the most charming towns in Mississippi hosts an annual Tomato Festival, which attracts visitors from near and far. When not getting ready for the annual event, residents of the small town can celebrate the state’s musical heritage at the Robert Johnson Blues Museum or visit Chautauqua Park’s treetop trail for an unforgettable hike. Check out the details on this incredible monument at Crystal Springs Cemetery.

8. Water Valley

A place where everybody knows everybody, Water Valley seems like a quintessential small town. And while it is as charming as they come, it’s far from your typical rural community. Dubbed a "cultural melting pot," Water Valley is home to a lively Main Street, a variety of restaurants, historic homes, and an art scene that’s comparable to that of a larger city.

9. Holly Springs

Often referred to as "Mississippi’s best kept secret," Holly Springs is loaded with history and tradition, such as this photo of the 1860 mansion Walter Place. And when it comes to outdoor fun, the town is definitely not lacking, as it’s home to the Holly Springs National Forest, Chewalla Lake Recreation Area, and the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center.

10. Raymond

Home to just under 2,000 people, Raymond is a small town that’s big on history, which lives on through the historic square, the Hinds County Courthouse, numerous preserved buildings, a Confederate cemetery, and Raymond Military Park.

11. Port Gibson

Located between Vicksburg and Natchez, Port Gibson is the state’s third-oldest city. As legend has it, Port Gibson’s beauty is what led to General Grant sparing the town during the Civil War, claiming it was "too beautiful to burn." Even though the town is most known for being home to the Windsor Ruins, it has much more to offer, including gorgeous architecture of yesteryear, old-fashioned storefronts, battlefields, and Civil War sites.

Have you been to any of these charming towns? What other places would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section!

Take a day trip and consult our handy Road Trip Snacks List for some ideas. If you're interested in tours around Mississippi, check out the Viator website. And if you want another small town to visit, check out Pass Christian.

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