Jackson, Mississippi, is the Magnolia State’s capital with an important legacy in the Civil Rights Movement. But it’s also a good base to explore other parts of the state, especially if you’re traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway.
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It’s easy to pick up your rental car in the city or at the airport and return to your hotel in the evening for these day trips from the city.
Vicksburg
Distance from Jackson: 45 minutes
In less than an hour’s drive from Jackson, travelers are transported to the southernmost point of the Mississippi Delta. Vicksburg sits on the namesake river and has a long legacy in American history. It started as a French settlement in the 1700s before becoming the site of a Civil War battle.
The best place to learn about the fallen soldiers from the conflict is at the Vicksburg National Military Park, a massive space encompassing both the memorials and an ironside gunboat. Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for these soldiers.
The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum is where Coca-Cola was first bottled outside of its home state. The Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum tells of the river’s impact on the area. The Old Courthouse Museum has artifacts from the Civil War. Try your luck at the casinos or day trip to the ruins in Port Gibson or the ghost town of Rodney.
Dine out in downtown Vicksburg, including the rooftop eatery 10 South or their sister restaurant ROCA Restaurant & Bar. The Breakfast Club of Vicksburg is a go-to for breakfast and brunch, while Goldie’s Trail Bar-B-Que has pit-style pork featured in countless publications.
Meridian
Distance from Jackson: 1 hour 20 minutes
Meridian is often overlooked by travelers and was established in 1860 as a railroad hub. Much of the city was rebuilt after General Sherman burned it to the ground. It’s home to several museums, including the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, which honors the “father of country music.”
The Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum focuses on the state’s role in the Industrial Revolution. The Mississippi Children’s Museum has an outpost in Meridian, with interactive and educational exhibits. Set in a former Carnegie Library, the Meridian Museum of Art features the work of artists from Mississippi and the South.
Chow down at one of Meridian’s restaurants. Weidmann’s Restaurant dates back to 1870, when a Swiss immigrant, and serves favorites like fried green tomatoes, gumbo, and redfish atop hoppin’ John. Jean’s is another local staple, with fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.
Greenwood
Distance from Jackson: 1 hour 40 minutes
One of the best spots to stay for exploring the sites of the Mississippi Blues Trail, Greenwood has a charming downtown that was featured in The Help. Viking Cooking School is one of the top things to do in the town where the stovetop company is based. The classes book up weeks in advance. The Museum of the Mississippi Delta provides information on the region’s ecosystem and history.
Detour to the north to the town of Money, see the historic marker at Bryant’s Grocery, where Emmett Till was accused of whistling at a white woman. It’s just one stop along the memorial trail. Just down the street is blues legend Robert Johnson’s grave.
Lusco’s is an old-school Italian eatery featuring private curtained booths that once housed a speakeasy. Giardina’s Restaurant at The Alluvian has also been open since the 1930s and has steaks and pasta
Crystal Grill is another classic for its heaping steaks and sides. Named after the chef’s grandparents, Fan and Johnny’s crafts regional favorites like fried catfish and duck ravioli.
Hattiesburg
Distance from Jackson: 1 hour 40 minutes
Named for the city founder’s wife, Hattiesburg was originally inhabited by the Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes before the Trail of Tears. Today, it is home to the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. It has an artsy atmosphere with murals and funky shops.
USM has its own art museum, which has works by students as well as local and national artists. The African American Military History Museum pays tribute to the contributions of Black Americans in the military. The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum is one of the quirky spots in town.
The Hattiesburg Zoo is popular with families, along with the Longleaf Trace Trail rails to trail path. Southern Prohibition Brewery is one of Mississippi’s craft breweries. The Lucky Rabbit is a quirky shop often used on the show Home Town.
Hattiesburg is home to Fika Swedish Cafe, inspired by Scandinavian dishes like toast, sandwiches, and Swedish meatballs. SouthBound Bagel & Coffee Shop showcases New York-style bagels in sandwiches or with cream cheese, along with breakfast dishes.
The Midtowner is a classic diner open for breakfast and lunch with blue plate specials. Another longtime spot is Ed’s Burger Joint, offering burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.
Laurel
Distance from Jackson: 1 hour 40 minutes
Laurel has shot to fame thanks to the highly successful HGTV series Home Town. Hosts Ben and Erin Napier have transformed their community, opening shops and supporting restaurants. Fans can visit Laurel Mercantile and Scotsman General Store & Woodshop, which are owned by the couple.
But before its popularity, it was a stop along the Amtrak Crescent Line, established in 1882. The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is a must-see, located in a historic home. It was established in the 1920s, and the collection includes rare Audubon prints, Japanese block prints, and paintings by the Hudson River School.
For its small size, there are some great restaurants in Laurel. Pearl’s Diner has been featured on the show for its Southern favorites like meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Enjoy the Latin flavors at Geckos’ Fresh Eats like the tacos, bowls, and wraps. The Loft offers steak, seafood, and pasta.
Natchez
Distance from Jackson: 1 hour 50 minutes
At over 300 years old, the riverfront settlement of Natchez is another place to get lost in history. It has Native American, African, French, Spanish, and British influences. Visitors flock to the city every year to tour the historic homes dating back to before the Civil War.
Start your journey at the Grand Village of the Natchez, which focuses on the burial mounds and artifacts of the Native American tribes from the area. Forks of the Road Historical Site is an important monument that was once the area’s largest slave market.
Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture details the importance of African Americans in local and state history. Take the Hands on Biscuit Class in Natchez, where a local chef teaches you to make Southern-style biscuits, or sip on a pint at Natchez Brewing Company.
Enjoy Mississippi-style tamales at The Donut Shop, a roadside counter, and Fat Mama’s Tamales, also known for their “knock you naked” margaritas. The Camp Restaurant has regional brews and elevated pub fare like their burgers, sliders, and sandwiches.
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