5 towns to wander in Mississippi

Blues, Southern hospitality, and community charm: if that is the lifeblood that runs through the veins of Mississippi, its small towns are surely the heartbeat. With their historic homes, wild bayous and Civil War and civil rights histories, each one is different to the last, offering a glimpse of the real Magnolia State.

1. Cleveland

Cleveland’s character is diverse and compelling in equal measure. There’s good reason that Southern Living magazine named it one of the ‘Best Small Towns in the South’, and its laid-back, unassuming vibe belies just how historically significant it is: as the birthplace of the blues.
A key crossroads within the Mississippi Delta, Cleveland lies at the epicentre of some 50 Mississippi Blues Trail markers and historical sites, all within a 45-minute drive. Begin at Dockery Farms, where one of the first bluesmen, Charley Patton, perfected his art, playing in juke joints across the area and going on to influence such early blues greats as Robert Johnson and Howlin’ Wolf, who both hailed from Mississippi.
Next, head south to Indianola, where you can pay homage to the iconic BB King and his legacy, then drop in on Cleveland’s interactive GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. Here you can learn about the progression of the blues in the States and the role it played in society at the time.

2. Vicksburg

History runs deep through Vicksburg’s veins. It’s here that the most notable American Civil War Battle of Vicksburg took place, which ended with the 47-day Siege. So it stands to reason that no visit is complete without a tour of Vicksburg National Military Park, which is packed with wartime artefacts, including the USS Cairo gunboat, a Union-built ironclad that was sunk by a mine in 1862.
Riverfront murals pock the floodwall at Levee Street, showcasing the town’s compelling stories, while historic homes offer a glimpse of Southern culture. Visit the McRaven Tour Home, one of many historical properties open to the public, which was built in 1797 and has been named the state’s most haunted house.
If you prefer outdoors to indoors, there are plenty of lakes and forests surrounding the town. Boating and wildlife spotting are the order of the day here, while the more adventurous can rent canoes.

3. Natchez

Gangly oak limbs, draped in Spanish moss, frame the driveways of the colonnaded historic homes of Natchez. This is one of the oldest continuous settlements on the Mississippi River, and having been spared the destruction other cities incurred during the Civil War, it remains a remarkable time capsule.
Take in the town’s historic architecture on tours of its homes, churches and heritage sites – all of which betray a mix of French, English and Spanish influences. Sites such as Longwood, the largest octagonal home in the US with its six storeys from base to dome, and the Rosalie Mansion, still with most of its original fixtures and fittings, are must-sees.
Finish in the city’s revitalised Downtown and breathe in the coffee and chocolate aromas that hang in the air. Or, if you’re feeling curious, try driving or cycling parts of the Old Natchez Trace, a historic 710km-long forest trail that runs from Natchez to Nashville.

4. Oxford

Oxford captures the hearts of writers, artists and musicians alike, firing creativity in spades. Often dubbed the ‘Cultural Mecca of the South’, it was once home to the Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, whose historic home, Rowan Oak, is open to the public.
At the other end of the literary spectrum, bestselling thriller novelist John Grisham attended Ole Miss, the University of Mississippi. Who knows how many of his books were first conceived in Oxford itself.
The city’s cuisine is no less moreish than its literature and it’s best sampled in the restaurants flanking the town square, with their mix of Southern cooking and elegant haute dishes. The square is Oxford’s quaint hub, so take the time to peruse its independent bookshops, boutique shops and art gallery showcasing talented local work. Make sure to pop into Neilson’s, the oldest department store in the South.

5. Clarksdale

Perhaps soul singer Sam Cooke was talking about his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi, when he wrote ‘Wonderful World’ in 1959. However, it is blues heritage that rules here. This is, after all, where John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters first found their voice, and where Robert Johnson was said to have sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his legendary guitar skills. Uncover the town’s rhythmic roots at the Delta Blues Museum, or listen to live blues music 365 days a year.
Music is such a driving force that it has even bled into Clarksdale’s restaurant scene. Combine live music and good, local food at Hopson Commissary, Bluesberry Café, Levon’s Bar & Grill and the iconic Ground Zero Blues Club – co-owned by the actor Morgan Freeman. Or why not see for yourself why Clarksdale’s landscapes are so inspirational and take a canoe with Quapaw canoe company for a paddle on the Mississippi?

Make it happen

With decades of knowledge, the experts at America As You Like It (020 8742 8299) will ensure you see the Mississippi beyond its iconic river and craft your small-town adventure.

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For even more inspiration, head to the official Visit Mississippi website.

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