Top Things to do in Mississippi
What to do and see in Mississippi, United States: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops
From 24-hour casinos, upscale shopping and luxurious spas in Tunica to the Civil War sites in Vicksburg to the lush golf courses, beaches and upscale casinos in Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi offers visitors a wide range of vacation experiences. Vacationers to Mississippi can choose from a diverse group of destinations and activities. On the Gulf Coast in Biloxi and Gulfport, casino gaming, big name entertainment shows, deep-sea fishing and golf, are popular pastimes. In Vicksburg, the Vicksburg National Cemetery and Civil War sites draw many visitors. In historic Natchez, you can take a scenic drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway or visit Frogmore Plantation, one of eight plantations originally owned by a wealthy Natchez planter. For an urban experience, Jackson, dubbed the “City with Soul” has over 50 nightclubs featuring Soul, Jazz, Blues, Rock and other musical genres. Tunica offers great casinos, golf and big name entertainers such as Bonnie Rait, Smokey Robinson and George Jones. Golfers, rejoice! Mississippi has more than 150 golf courses. Among the high-profile courses on everybody’s must play list are The Links at Cottonwoods and Tunica National Golf Tennis Club in Tunica and Grand Bear Golf Club in Saucier and The Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood Casino. Families visiting Mississippi fall in love with the heaping portions of Southern hospitality. Family-oriented activities are plentiful in Mississippi whether it’s enjoying the beaches on the Gulf Coast, visiting the home of Elvis Presley in Tupelo or riding a huge paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River.
Restaurants in Mississippi
1. Pass Christian Olive Oils and Vinegars
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
2. Realizations - The Walter Anderson Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
3. Square Books
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 157 reviews
Square Books is a general independent bookstore in three separate buildings (about 100 feet apart) on the historic town square of Oxford, Mississippi, home of the University of Mississippi and many great writers, including William Faulkner, Barry Hannah, Larry Brown, and, for a time, both Willie Morris and John Grisham. The main store, Square Books, is in a two-story building with a cafe and balcony on the second floor; Off Square Books is a few doors down from the main store and has lifestyle sections such as gardening and cookbooks; and Square Books Jr, the children's bookstore, is in a building on the east side of the square. Our newest store, Rare Square Books, sells rare and collectible books and is above Square Books, Jr. Square Books is known for its strong selection of literary fiction, books on the American South and by Southern writers, a large inventory of reduced-price remainders, and its emphasis on books for children.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
My wife and I love to visit bookstores. Over the years, we have established some favorites, including any Barnes & Noble, Nelson's in Lexington, Virginia, Main Street Rare Books & Manuscripts in Galena, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln Bookstore in Chicago, Haslam's in St. Petersburg, Florida and Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi. Square Books is one of a kind. It gets bigger every time we visit. Today, it covers four stores on five floors in three buildings 100 feet apart on the historic Courthouse Square. Founded in 1979 in an upstairs location, it now encompasses 10,000 square feet, hosts 150 author events per year and features extensive literary fiction, southern fiction and history sections, a coffee bar, a children's section, books on travel, cooking, gardening, art, photography, fashion, games, etiquette, hobbies and collecting, also magazines, gifts, a section of bargain and used books and, last but certainly not least, a rare books inventory featuring collectible, vintage and first edition books that was introduced in 2019, on the 40th anniversary of the business. Square Books Jr. offers books for parents, babies and kids through the teen years, along with educational toys, puzzles and games. Square Books was named "Bookstore of the Year" in 2013 by Publishers Weekly. Perhaps the store's biggest distinction is derived from the many outstanding writers who have lived in Oxford, taught at the nearby University of Mississippi or visited the store over the years, including Barry Hannah, Larry Brown, Willie Morris and John Grisham. All of Oxford native and Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner's books still in print are sold at the store.Open 9 to 8 Monday through Saturday and 9 to 5 on Sunday, Square Books has four addresses--160, 129, 111 and 115 Courthouse Square. If you can't find what you are looking for at Square Books, it either is out of print or never was printed in the first place.
4. Deak's Mississippi Saxophones & Blues Emporium
5. Square Books, Jr.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By jrsmith8
This is one of my favorite shops in Oxford. There are books for children everywhere and clever gifts and odds n' ends for kids around every turn. My wife and I walked around the store twice, and even though we did not have a child with us, the kid inside of us had a wonderful and memorable time. This store is highly recommended for everyone, whether child or adult or somewhere in between.
6. Hops and Growlers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By rickkeck999 - Overland Park, United States
Brewmaster owner is a wealth of knowledge for home brewers. There are about 20 beers on tap, all made onsite. Current favorites are 2021 Haze IPA and Cam's Jam sour. Knowledge learned every visit.
7. Hillyer House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Hillyer House is a nationally recognized award-winning gallery featured in Southern Living and Southern Breeze magazines. Established in 1970 by the Hillyer-Reed family, Paige Riley collects brilliant works of art from over 300 local and national artists.
Reviewed By BiKat
This is a great store. Artists display their work from all over US. I visit each time I vacation in the area. Love seeing all the different handmade items. From dishes, serving pieces, jewelry, gift items, and food items, etc. Ladies are always friendly and helpful.
8. Tupelo Hardware Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
A full-service, Ace-affiliated hardware store and small engine parts retailer. We stock items that can't be found in other hardware stores with an emphasis on supplying as man American-made items as possible. We are also proud of our historical contribution to Rock'n'Roll as the store "where Gladys bought her son his first guitar."
Reviewed By Britswifey
Just walking through the doors and seeing all of the old wood and glass counters was incredible! The spot marked on the floor that young Elvis stood as his mother purchased the guitar that started it all was humbling. You feel rather transported even among all of the modern gadgets and items for sale. The Gentlemen working the counter were sweet and personable and helped us find the murals we were looking for as well. The downtown area is very quaint and charming.
9. Mississippi Crafts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Built in 2007, the Mississippi Craft Center in Ridgeland (just north of Jackson)is the home to the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi.It is situated between the Reservoir and the Natchez Trace.The Center is open 9-5 daily, closed only on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.The Center includes a permanent collection of craft works, the George Berry Gallery with rotating exhibits and a large retail gallery featuring the the work of many of the Guild's 400 members. The Center also offers craft classes, camp, exhibitions, demonstrations and acts as a welcome center for visitors to the area. There is no admission fee.
Reviewed By 359MaryJ - Rexford, United States
This is a wonderful venue for weddings and a great place to find an affordable and eclectic selection of art from around Mississippi.
10. Shearwater Pottery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Founded by Peter Anderson in 1928, this workshop features works by Anderson family members.
Reviewed By actball - Ecru, United States
So glad I was able to see this. It was started by Walter Anderson’s brother (Walter Anderson museum is a must see) absolutely love all the vivid and rich colors in the pottery and love that it is functional (bake and eat out of it) as well as beautiful.
