Mississippi
From Wikitravel
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Mississippi [1] is a state in the South of the United States of America. Most of its western border (with Arkansas and Louisiana) is the mighty Mississippi River. Tennessee lies to the north and Alabama to the east, and it has a small coastline on the Gulf of Mexico to the south.
[edit] Regions
| Mississippi Capital-River |
| Mississippi Delta |
| Mississippi Pines |
| Gulf Coast |
| Mississippi Hills |
[edit] Cities
- Jackson - the state capital
[edit] Other destinations
[edit] Understand
Mississipi is often overlooked by travelers, yet those who seek out the many things the state has to offer will not regret it. Mississippi is the home to the blues, an unrivaled literary tradition, and incredible food. Visit Mississippi to experience rich history and warm hospitality.
Much of the state was affected to some extent by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, particularly the Gulf Coast. While most areas have returned to normal or near-normal tourism, there are still parts of the coast where tourism is still limited.
[edit] Get in
[edit] By car
Interstate 20 (east-west route along the lower middle half of the state), I-10 (again, an east-west route along the Gulf Coast), I-55 (north-south route passing through the middle of the state), and I-59 (southeastern corner of the state).
[edit] By plane
Jackson has the largest airport in the state, Jackson-Evers International Airport (JAN). The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is also of adequate size. Smaller airports are found in Columbus (Golden Triangle Regional Airport), Greenville, and Tupelo.
[edit] By train
See Amtrak for the most current and active routes (several routes have permanently closed due to either the after-effects of Hurricane Katrina, or waning customer interest).
[edit] Get around
The easiest method of getting around Mississippi is by automobile (and in most cases, it’s the only method of getting around the state). You can travel around Mississippi by using the Greyhound Bus lines [2], but it is a very inconvenient method of traveling around the state (be prepared for long waits, uncomfortable rides to remote locations (typically the bus stops are at a gas station on the outskirts of the city), and unannounced bus route cancellations). The hassle of visiting the state by bus isn't worth the you money may save when compared to renting a car; sometimes, there isn't much of a difference in cost. Visitors to Mississippi should seriously consider renting a car (usually, most auto rental locations are at airports - just be sure to make reservations far in advance), as there is not a well established public transportation system in this state. Otherwise, ask a friend for transportation assistance, if you do not have a valid driver's license or a major credit card such as Visa or MasterCard (the lack of such items will prevent you from renting a car).
[edit] By car
Mississippi has four major interstate highways. I-55 runs North-South from New Orleans to Memphis and runs through the state capitol of Jackson. I-20 runs East-West from Vicksburg to Meridian and crosses I-55 in Jackson. I-59 cuts across the southeast corner of the state connecting New Orleans to I-20 just west of Meridian. I-59 and I-20 merge into one interstate at that point and head east until they split in Birmingham, AL. I-10 runs the length of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. There are several interstate spurs and loops in Mississippi, the two of note are I-220 connecting I-20 to I-55 around the northwest perimeter of Jackson and I-110 connecting I-10 to US-90 (aka Beach Blvd) in Biloxi.
Interstate speed limits are mostly 70 miles per hour in rural areas, and 60 mph in urban areas. State highways with 4 or more lanes are usually 65 miles per hour and slow down by 10 mph increments when they enter developed areas (usually no lower than 45 mph). Typically, two-lane highways have a speed limit of 55 mph in rural areas.
Beware of red light running cameras. Several cities in Mississippi are either thinking about or already have these cameras in place.
Like any other state, Mississippi has a mixture of four-lane divided highways and two-lane rural highways and state routes. However, Mississippi does provide a respectable number of multi-lane highways. Highway 49 is a 4-lane highway that connects the Gulf Coast to Jackson and crosses the Mississippi Rever at Helena. Highway 98 connects I-55 and I-59 across the lower half of the state. Highway 25 (state route) connects Jackson to Starkville (Mississippi State University). Highway 82 runs east-west in the upper half of the state. Pay attention to your maps and ask the workers on duty at the state welcome centers for help. You might find a shorter route than if you stay on the interstates. Most online mapping services assume the worst about state highways when compared to interstates.
Get of the road and enjoy slower pace. Highway 51 runs parallel to I-55 through the state. Except in urban areas, US 51 is a fairly scenic route. The Natchez Trace Parkway is also a scenic option and is operated by the National Park Service. (just obey the speed limits... you've been warned!) US 80 parallels I-20 across the state, but makes for a more interesting drive by taking you through towns that were bypassed. US 90, also known as Beach Blvd, is about as far south you can get in MS. US 90 along the coast line between St Louis Bay and the Back Bay of Biloxi.
[edit] By train
You can travel by Amtrak on along the following routes: the western half, southeastern corner of the state, and along the Gulf Coast. The main disadvantages of rail travel in Mississippi are that there are only a few stations that are still in use, it’s not reasonably priced, and the routes are limited so you cannot explore the state very well (furthermore, the effects of Katrina have seriously disrupted service along the Gulf coast).
[edit][add listing] See
The casinos of Biloxi, Gulfport, Vicksburg, Tunica, Philadelphia (Choctaw Indian Reservation] are fun to visit. Although most of the Casino's along the Gulf Coast were destroyed, most have re-opened.
The Civil War Park in Vicksburg is interesting to visit, and the entire park can easily be visited in an afternoon using a car or by bicycle. More information about the park is found at the Vicksburg National Military Park's webpage[3].
Mississippi is the home of the blues, and the Blues Museum in Clarksdale is interesting for the blues music enthusiast. In addition, live blues is still fairly easy to find in the Delta and in Jackson (where the former Subway Lounge blues bands play on Saturday nights at Schimmel's Restaurant).
B.B. King's home town is Indianola, which the town usually have a Blues Party for him on his birthday.
Be sure to visit the antebellum houses in city of Natchez. The tours offered during the pilgrimages are a good way to see a wide selection of the houses and buildings. Tours are arranged at the Natchez Visitors Center, 640 S Canal St[4]. You can contact them by dialing toll-free (in the USA) 1-800-647-6742.
For those who enjoy nature, a journey along the Natchez Trace Parkway (which starts in Natchez, MS, and ends in Nashville, TN) [5] is a good bet. Be aware that the speed limit is strictly enforced (by US Park Police) 50 mph (80 km/h), and that wild animals such as deer and turkeys often run across the road. Also keep in mind that you will have to share the road with bicyclist and those camping along the Natchez Trace.
The International Ballet Competition [6] takes place once every four years in Jackson (no, this is not a joke). The competitions takes place at Thalia Mara Hall in downtown Jackson on Pearl Street, and some of the best ballet dancers from around the world come to Jackson to compete (601-355-9853 - 157 E Pearl St).
[edit][add listing] Do
Outdoor activities are a favorite of Mississippians, given the state's low population density and natural resources. Hunting, fishing, water sports, camping, and hiking all have their devotees.
[edit][add listing] Buy
The larger cities and towns in Mississippi provide your typical big box and retail stores. Some major malls in Mississippi include Barnes Crossing Mall in Tupelo, Northpark Mall in Ridgeland (Jackson Metro area), Dogwood Festival Market in Flowood (Jackson Metro area), Turtle Creek Mall in Hattiesburg, and Edgewater Mall in Biloxi.
Most smaller towns still offer your typical nationwide and regional stores, but local antique and furniture stores abound. If you go looking for antiques, you will likely find one near the old town centers. Canton, located north of Jackson on I-55, is known for it's annual Flea Market and antique stores surounding its historic town square. Canton is also the county seat of Madison County.
[edit][add listing] Eat
The state is largely rural. Outside of large towns and away from major interstates and state highways, dining options are fairly limited, but even the smallest of towns will have a local diner. However, if you enjoy country cooking, there is no shortage of good to excellent places to eat. Fried chicken, country-fried steak, fresh vegetables, and cornbread are favorites, although barbecue is also fairly widely available. Mississippi barbecue tends to pork ribs and pulled pork or chopped beef sandwiches with tomato-based sauces, usually slightly sweet. Of particular note is Leatha's [7], in Hattiesburg, which enjoys a tremendous (and well-deserved) reputation.
Fried catfish is one meal that Mississippians pride themselves on. If you want to visit the catfish festival [8] go to Belzoni (pronounced: bell-zone-uh). There's not much to see there, but it's interesting if you're in that area. One treat often served with catfish is fried dill pickles, a strange-sounding but delicious side dish.
Generally, one can't go wrong with Mississippi staples of biscuits, corn bread, fried chicken or steak, collards and other greens, and fresh vegetables.
In Indianola, you can visit the Indianola Pecan House [9] where you won't find a shortage of ways to consume pecans, which are found in abundance in the local area.
[edit][add listing] Drink
Laws regarding alcohol are a frequent source of confusion to outsiders. Mississippi continues to practice "local option" with regard to sale of alcohol. Under this system, local jurisdictions may choose whether or not to allow the sale or consumption of alcohol. Beer, where sold, may be purchased from convenience stores or supermarkets, while wine and spirits may only be purchased from licensed liquor stores. Alcohol-by-the-drink is yet another area of local option; some permit purchase of alcoholic beverages at restaurants but do not permit liquor stores. Where they are allowed, liquor stores are limited to the hours of 10am-10pm; hours during which beer sales are permitted are at the discretion of the county or municipality. The only reliable way to determine the regulations is to ask a local. Do note that there are still numerous counties where alcohol is forbidden; enforcement is typically lax regarding alcohol purchased elsewhere for personal consumption, but may not be if an officer of the law decides to make it an issue.
Try Lazy Magnolia beer, [10] brewed in Kiln, MS. Its most popular brew is Southern Pecan Ale. Lazy Magnlia beers can be found on tap in many bars and restaurants throughout the state.
[edit] Stay safe
Mississippi does have tornadoes in the early spring to summer months. You might want to check the Tornado safety page if you are visiting Mississippi.
With regards to personal crime and personal safety, one should use the same precautions that would be used in any large city when visiting the state (be aware of your surroundings - if you go looking for trouble, you're likely to find it). Use common sense with respect to your personal safety when visiting Mississippi. If you feel uncomfortable, the surroundings appear dilapidated, or encounter people of questionable intent, leave the situation or area immediately.
Be aware of the hunting seasons if you intent to trek in some of the wooded areas of the state. It's not unusual to learn of a hunting accident where a victim was accidentally shot by a hunter. If you do intent to trek the wooded areas during hunting season, use caution and always wear a bright "hunters" orange vest, so other hunters will not mistake you for wild game. Considering the risk of personal injury, it would be wise to avoid the wooded areas espcially during deer season if you do not know what land is authorized for hunting.
During the warmer months of the year, you should seriously consider using mosquito repellent with a high DEET concentration. This may help reduce the opportunity of becoming infected with the West Nile virus [11] that is transmitted by mosquitoes. In the Delta region, mosquitoes are awful during the summer months.
[edit] Contact
Cell phone coverage in Mississippi is generally better (especially on Sprint & T-Mobile) along the major Interstate routes, with AT&T wireless service providing the most area coverage in the state. Coverage in the southern Mississippi region is sometimes spotty (particularly west of Hattiesburg). 3G coverage is centrally located in the Jackson metropolitan area; however, outside of the Jackson area, EDGE service is typically available (except in the most remote areas of the state). Check with your cell phone provider for coverage maps. The regional cell phone provider Cellular South has a large network established throughout Mississippi, and you might be able to roam on their towers if you are not a customer.
[edit] Get out
The neighbouring Deep South states of Alabama and Louisiana are to the east and west respectively, both with equally great culture and beauty. To the north is Tennessee, and Arkansas to the northwest.
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