Visiting Northern Mississippi

Dominated by the cities of Horn Lake, Tunica Resorts and Olive Branch, northwest Mississippi is where Mississippi's Delta region begins. Hop aboard the Tunica Queen Paddle Wheeler for an up-close look at life on the mighty Mississippi River. Experience pure southern hospitality in DeSoto County, Mississippi where Elvis Presley and his new bride Priscilla spent their honeymoon. The community of Horn Lake calls itself the Doorway to Mississippi, sitting just across the state line south of Southaven. Take a step back in time in Old Towne Olive Branch, with modern shops and restaurants filling the historic buildings and sidewalks. You’ve just begin your Northern Mississippi adventure.

The Mid-South Fair pulls together the communities of Northwest Mississippi for good old fashioned fun. Hosted at Southaven’s Desoto County Civic Center, the Mid-South Fair draws visitors from Tennessee and Arkansas for fun in Mississippi. The 2011 fair runs from September 23rd through October 2nd. Load up family and friends to enjoy the Swampmaster’s Gator Show, Welde’s Big Bear Show and Cowtown – be sure the kids learn to milk a cow! With all the tradition of a great fair, enjoy the thrills of the midway, exhibits and top entertainment this fall at Mississippi’s Mid-South Fair.

Northeastern Mississippi is home to Tupelo, a popular Mississippi tourist destination. Known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, visitors flock to Tupelo to see the modest two bedroom cottage where the King of Rock and Roll was born. Enjoy some warm southern hospitality with the Tupelo community downtown at events like the 2011 Chili Festival, October 13th – choose your lunch or dinner from the competitors creations and vote for the best chili in Tupelo; fall 2011 brings the inaugural Shakerag Half-Marathon – runners join the Tupelo Running Club for the race in downtown Tupelo’s Fairpark District; Halloween fans, especially with kids, join the festivities in historic downtown Tupelo – shops host trick or treat fun October 27th and the Halloween Carnival is October 29th at the Farmers Market on South Spring Street.

Trace Mississippi history in Tupelo with a visit to the Tupelo National Battlefield, or a road trip down the Natchez Trace Parkway. The headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway makes its home in Tupelo, near milepost 266 about mid-point along the parkway. A trip down the Natchez Trace puts travelers on the historic path of the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Natchez along with historic figures like Meriwether Lewis and Andrew Jackson.

Columbus, south of Tupelo near the Alabama state line, is the birthplace of Tennessee Williams. A classic Southern town, Columbus boasts a rich heritage filled with graceful southern architecture and delicious southern delicacies like fried catfish and authentic barbeque. Visitors are greeted with charming southern hospitality unique to small towns like Columbus. Located on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, outdoor fun and water recreation abound. The Columbus Riverwalk offers an active pathway for relaxing, bird watching or a nice walk – enjoy the pure south in Columbus, Mississippi.

Northern Mississippi Hotel Map