Named for the fourth-longest river globally, Mississippi is a southern state that’s home to three million people. It’s known as the birthplace of blues and was where Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Jimmy Buffett were born.
In addition to its musical legacy, Mississippi is known for the catfish, walleye, and bluegill fish in the Mississippi River. The state also boasts stunning Gulf Coast beaches and is known for its thriving nightlife. With some strategic planning, Mississippi can be an ideal vacation destination.
Pack for the Weather
Since Mississippi is a southern coastal state, the weather is mild throughout the year. It is essential to consider where you’re going within the state to ensure you have suitable clothing, however. Inland the average temperature dips to 48°F in January, and rain is expected during the winter months.
Before you leave home, look for some tunics for sale to ensure you’ll be comfortable. Tunics can be paired with light jackets and comfortable pants, jeggings, and jeans. Make sure you shop for a variety of clothing suitable for indoor and outdoor activities to ensure you have everything you need during your trip.
Vehicle Maintenance
Make sure to have your vehicle inspected before you leave and attend to its mechanical needs. Get the oil changed and top it off with windshield wiper fluid and brake fluid. You may also want to have your tires replaced or rotated.
Invest in an extended warranty for your recreational vehicle (RV) before you leave home. Good Sam Extended RV Warranty Reviews outline the benefits of extended warranty plans. You will be able to set out on your vacation with the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing unexpected repair costs won’t ruin your vacation if you do happen to have mechanical issues while you’re away. Although you will still be responsible for deductible costs, extended warranty plans can save you thousands in repair costs.
Read About the Cities
Vicksburg is known as the key to the south. The city received the nickname from Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War because of a critical battle fought in Vicksburg. Vicksburg attracts historians and people interested in the Civil War who want to tour the battlefields. It’s also home to several museums, including the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum and the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum. Whether you’re interested in taking a riverboat cruise or visiting a casino, Vicksburg has plenty of entertainment options to keep you busy.
Mississippi’s capital city, Jackson, also boasts several attractions. You can visit the Museum of Art, the Smith Robertson Museum, or the Museum of Natural Science. If you have children, you may want to include a trip to the Jackson Zoological Park, home to over 250 animals.
Gulfport, Columbus, and Natchez are popular coastal towns you may be interested in visiting. If you’re interested in heading to a river town, consider Port Gibson, Rosedale, and Greenwood.
Review Annual Events
Mississippi is home to several annual events you may want to attend. Tallahatchie Riverfest is held in September and features arts, crafts, antiques, and more. The Bluff Creek Festival is also held in September. Located in Vancleave, the Bluff Creek Festival features a rodeo and country music festival. If you’re more interested in blues music, you may want to plan a trip during the Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival or attend Deep Blues Fest. Whatever your interests, Mississippi has dozens of festivals each year that focus on everything from pecans to wildlife to cotton gin.
Research Popular Activities
There are over two dozen state parks in Mississippi where you can camp, fish, and hike. There are also several popular drives throughout the state that celebrate its features and history. The Mississippi Blues Trail guides you through the blues’ history while taking you to significant sites in the state. If you’re interested in civil rights, you may want to follow the Mississippi Freedom Trail. The Southern Literary Trail will take you to the childhood town of Tennessee Williams and the church his family attended, as well as sites related to Mississippi’s other notable literary figures.