It’s almost fall, y’all! And between the cooler temperatures and seasonal activities, there's so much fun to be had in the upcoming months. From a fall foliage-inspired road trip to charming small town festivals, here are 11 of our favorite fall day trips to take in Mississippi.
1. Search for hidden treasures at one of the best flea markets in the South.
Take advantage of the cooler weather and one of the best sales in Mississippi with a visit to the Canton Flea Market. Held only for one day twice a year (May and October), the much-anticipated sale attracts more than 1,000 vendors from across the nation. The epic sale, which has been going on since the 1960s, has even been named one of the "top 20 events in the Southeast." Click here for more information.
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2. Take a dreamy fall foliage road trip through Mississippi.
Mississippi is beautiful year-round, but there’s no denying the vibrant colors of fall make it even better. As the leaves begin to change this year, which is usually in late October – early November, be sure to fit in this road trip. Though it’d take longer than one day to complete the 811-mile journey, you can easily shorten the route to suit your needs. Click
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3. Take a scenic drive along the famous Natchez Trace Parkway.
A combination of natural beauty and history, visiting this 444-mile Parkway is an experience like no other, especially when it’s lined with the beautiful colors of fall. Spanning three states, there is no shortage of interesting sites. The Mississippi portion alone is filled with everything from a ghost town to the famous Windsor Ruins. And since the Parkway stretches practically from one end of the state to the other, accessing it should be pretty easy, regardless of where you’re traveling from. Click
"target="_blank">here for more information on some of the most popular stops along the parkway.
Every fall, Lazy U Farm comes to life with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and corn maze perfect for people of all ages. Visit Lazy U Farm at 5572 Elon Road in Macon.
5. Check out a town that’s at its peak in the fall.
A city already known for its charm, Oxford gets even better in the fall. According to Travel and Leisure, it’s one of "America’s best towns for fall colors," making it the perfect place for an autumn day trip. The leaves begin to turn rather late in the season in Oxford, usually around the end of October, so there’s plenty of time to plan the perfect itinerary. Click here for some ideas on how to spend your time in Oxford.
6. Explore one of the best state parks in Mississippi.
Named Mississippi’s "ultimate outdoor attraction," Tishomingo State Park is the perfect destination for a day trip. The park encompasses hundreds of acres and offers all sorts of outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, fishing, and rock climbing. Extend you day of fun into an overnight adventure by booking a stay at the park’s cabins, which have been named some of the most unique in the country.
Head to Seward Farms in Lucedale, and you’ll have the chance to navigate your way through the twists and turns that make up an 8-acre corn maze. If you’re looking for a real scare, check out the farm’s Field of Fright. With spooky surprises waiting at every corner, the maze is not for the faint of heart. Visit Seward Farms at 10836 Tanner Williams Road in Lucedale.
With no admission fee, Country Pumpkins is the perfect place for some affordable family fun. After choosing from the extensive selection of pumpkins and gourds, you can visit the corn maze, take a hay ride around the farm, grab a bite from the concession stand, or simply take in the gorgeous rural surroundings. Visit Country Pumpkins at 860 Spruill Road in Caledonia.
9. Spend the day at a charming small town festival.
Held at Fulmer’s Farmstead in Richton at the end of every September, the annual Pecan Festival is as charming as they come. The 3-day long affair features more than 250 craft vendors and a variety of family events, including demonstrations, the mule pull, fiddling contest, "purtiest" rooster contest, live music, and the "South’s finest foods." Visit Fulmer’s at 510 Wingate Road in Richton.
Click here for additional fall festivals held throughout Mississippi.
Officially kick off the season with Cleveland’s Octoberfest. Always held the 2nd weekend of October, this popular fall festival attracts over 15,000 attendees and features hundreds of vendors, two music stages, a children’s area, plenty of food, and a BBQ contest.
11. Take a one-of-a-kind peek into the past in Natchez.
Held twice a year (in the spring and fall), the Natchez Pilgrimage is your chance to step inside some of the city’s most impressive antebellum homes, many of which aren’t open to the public any other time of the year. Tours are given by costumed guides, who are either family friends or descendants of the original owners, and the homes are filled with furnishings from yesteryear, making for an unforgettable experience. Aside from touring homes, you’ll also find musical entertainment, dancing, the Historic Natchez Pageant, and more.
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So, what are your favorite fall activities in Mississippi? Tell us in the comments section!
It's incredibly tough to cram all the best things to do in Oxford, Mississippi, into a one-day itinerary, and yet that's exactly what I had to do the first time I visited several years ago. Thankfully, I had the help of a longtime resident and friend, who assembled an incredible half-day itinerary that left me regretting that I didn't have more time.
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I've since been back and consulted my first trusted guide, and then I have done again to ensure these recommendations are fresh. While it has a population of fewer than 30,000 people, Oxford is one of the fastest-growing college towns in the country, and there's always something new to experience.
So here's a top-level travel toolkit of Oxford tips. Consider it a starter pack!
Start your day at the University of Mississippi, a.k.a. Ole Miss. Wander beneath ancient oak trees at the Grove, a 10-acre green space that's incredibly serene between classes and yet equally as lively during a football tailgate.
Next, visit The Circle at the center of campus to see some of the most significant school buildings—most notably the oldest, the Lyceum, built in 1848. Architecturally beautiful and historically significant, this district was at the center of the civil rights movement in 1962, with riots following the court-ordered desegregation of the university. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2008.
2. Bottletree Bakery
Swing by Bottletree Bakery for a sweet treat to go on your way to your next stop, which we'll get to in just a moment. When I visited, I grabbed a couple of snacks for the road, including a classic fruit tart and a decadent brownie. We've also highlighted the bakery's Strawberry Humble Pie as a top 10 don't-miss dessert in Mississippi. I've not heard anyone say a bad thing about anything they've had there! Take your pick.
While I may have just given you a reason to think your next stop is a haul, it's only one mile. Look, this is an adventure, and you do not want hunger to get in your way—especially not at Rowan Oak, the beautiful home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. This remains one of my favorite experiences in all of my travels, admitting my bias because of my love of literature.
Adding to that impression was the time of day I visited, arriving just as it opened at 10 a.m. The mid-morning light broke through the trees lining the front walk so cheerfully, and almost no one else was around. It felt peaceful and comforting, helping me instantly understand why Faulkner chose to live there for over 30 years until his passing in 1962.
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Important notes: Rowan Oak opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, at 1 p.m. Sunday, and closes at 4 p.m. all of those days. It's closed on Monday. If you're age 12 or older and not an Ole Miss student, faculty, or staff member, have $5 cash on hand if you want to explore indoors.
4. Handy Andy Grocery
After exploring campus, treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Handy Andy Grocery. This local favorite has been around since the 1970s and offers mouth-watering barbecue, burgers, and fries in a casual, no-frills atmosphere. It'll have you feeling friendly to chat with locals and experience Oxford's laid-back vibe.
5. Funkys
Funkys pizza and daiquiri bar is another solid choice if you're age 21 or older and you're opting for a later lunch ... or just want a refreshing daiquiri. This spot is located just off the Square and brings NOLA-style eclectic art, fun-filled vibes, and frosty, frozen bevs to downtown Oxford. It opens at 2 p.m. during the week and at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday—perfect timing for watching games on its many screens or sharing toasts over brunch.
6. Square Books
Plan time before or after lunch to wander around Square Books for a while. This independent bookstore has been a long-loved favorite since it opened in 1979 and now expands throughout four buildings downtown.
Check the calendar ahead of time to catch one of its many (150+) author events throughout the year. Beyond the books, the store is full of unique gifts and local items you won't be able to resist, even if you're not a big literature nut (in which case, it may change your mind).
7. SoLa
For dinner, consider one of Oxford's newer dining options at SoLa, which promises "twisted cuisine and lifted spirits" from Chef Erika Lipe and team. We are told this is a must-do, especially if you happen to be visiting on a Wednesday for spaghetti or a Thursday for ramen.
SoLa, which stands for South Lamar Blvd, where it's located, opens for dinner only at 5 p.m. except on Sunday, when it hosts guests for brunch.
8. Snackbar
We had to offer a longtime favorite dinner option here, too! Especially considering you can't really talk about food in Oxford without James Beard Award-winning Chef John Currence and his City Restaurant Group—City Restaurant est. 1992; Bouré est. 2002; Big Bad Breakfast est. 2008; and Snackbar est. 2009.
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For the Southern brasserie Snackbar, Currence joined forces with fellow Beard-winner Vishwesh Bhatt, and they have warmed bellies and hearts with seasonal menus full of dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients. Local tips: Expect a swanky lodge-style dining experience, delicious oysters, and elevated cocktails.
I am aware this list is quite food-focused, and yet I have zero qualms about that! Oxford's food scene is a big part of the overall experience, and I barely scratched the surface.
Anyway, once you go, you will want to stay for more than just a day. If you can make the time for that, consider booking a spot just "three doors down" from Faulkner's old place at this guest-favorite cabin near Rowan Oak available for reservations through Airbnb.
If you've had the joy of spending time in this quintessential Southern college town, we'd love to hear your picks for things to do in Oxford, Mississippi.
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...
