Visiting Central Mississippi

Central Mississippi is home to Jackson, the state capital, as well as the commercial, cultural and urban center for the region. Jackson hosts the Mississippi State Fair for 12 days in October,  one of the oldest and largest state fairs in the US. The Mississippi State Fairground's feature a midway that is one-mile long and filled with fun attractions. Recognizing its role in the civil rights movement, Jackson named its airport Jackson - Evers International Airport to honor slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers. Jackson is called the City with Soul with a rich history of Gospel, Blues and R&B music. Musicians Cassandra Wilson, noted jazz singer, and Otis Spann, outstanding blues pianist, are from Jackson.

Natchez, a historic delta town, hosts the 2010 Fall Pilgrimage October 1st through the 15th. A wonderful opportunity to visit and tour 23 antebellum mansions, the Fall Pilgrimage gives visitors an intimate look at the historic homes of the area. Big River, the Musical, based on Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, will be on stage as well as Amos Polk's Voices of Hope Spiritual Singers at the Carriage House Restaurant. This is a wonderful event for history and architecture enthusiasts. The Best Western River Inn in Natchez is located on the Mississippi River and perfect for accommodations in the area.

OUToberfest 2010 is Jackson's and the state of Mississippi's celebration of their Gay and Lesbian communities and allies. The Festival, held October 5th through the 10, aligns with National Coming Out Day. OUToberfest features a week of entertainment, workshops and events in support of the Mississippi LGBTQ community. The Best Western Executive Inn in Jackson is located in the heart of the city, convenient to festival events and activities. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at affordable prices in downtown Jackson.

Vicksburg, west of Jackson, on the Louisiana state line hosts the 22nd Annual Over the River Run. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation sponsors the event at the Old Mississippi River Bridge on October 9th, 2010. Located at Washington Street and Interstate 20, runners and walkers with make a five mile course over the bridge to Louisiana and back. There is also a one-mile kids fun run, and the after-race festivities top off the day. Bring the family and join friends for a day of exercise, live entertainment and fun. The Best Western Vicksburg is an ideal location for visitors coming for the run. Located just minutes from the mighty Mississippi, the hotel serves a complimentary hot breakfast to get you fueled for the day.

Yazoo County offers residents and visitors activities and events throughout the year. Fall brings two of the most popular events, The Yazoo County Fair and the Yazoo County Holiday Parade. The 2010 Yazoo County Fair will be October 15th through the 23rd. Recognized as the second oldest fair in Mississippi, come enjoy the traditional livestock and agricultural exhibits along with the great midway games and fun. A great family event, there will be a talent stage, amusement rides and a lot more to see and do.

The 2010 Yazoo County Holiday Parade in Yazoo City will be December 7th. A wonderful way to kick-off the holiday season, bring the kids to see the floats and bands liven up downtown and  main street. The Best Western Gateway Inn of Yazoo City has clean and comfortable accommodations for visitors. Enjoy the festivities downtown, visit the Casey Jones Museum and come back and relax for the night at the Best Western Gateway Inn.

The 30th Anniversary of Jackson's Mistletoe Marketplace is November 2010. Get ready to kick-off the holiday season with three days of shopping at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson. The halls will be filled with over 160 merchants and vendors with an amazing selection of gifts for the holidays. Organized by the Junior League of Jackson, special events include the Polar Express Pajama Party, Mistletoe Preview Gala and Peace, and Love and Cupcakes - a special event for tweens and teens.