It’s known as the Birthplace of America’s Music – and it’s also home to delicious seafood, serene and scenic outdoor adventures and a thriving arts and culture scene.

No wonder Mississippi is the perfect destination for nourishing one’s soul and body, now more than ever.

With the mighty Mississippi River forming the state’s western boundary, opportunities abound for relaxation on the water, from leisurely ‘Blueway’ paddling to adventurous canoe trips.

And visitors are as apt to find freshly caught shrimp on a menu as they are barbecued ribs and fried catfish.

Up for a drive? The Mississippi Blues Trail, and the Mississippi Country Music Trail, both beckon.

Check out these highlights and more in The Magnolia State, one of the best-loved destinations in the Southern U.S. …

REDISCOVER THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The rivers and streams in Mississippi offer some of the most serene and scenic adventures travellers can experience off the grid.

The Mississippi Delta region runs from Vicksburg north through Clarksdale and offers a treasure trove of outdoor assets in the run-offs from the Mississippi River that include scenic swamps, cypress brakes and abundant wildlife. Favourite paddle spots for kayakers include: Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge south of Greenwood, Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area outside of Belzoni, Lee Tartt Nature Preserve on the edge of downtown Grenada, and Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge between Greenwood and Grenada.

Further South, the Gulf Coast region offers multiple opportunities for waterway adventures. There are currently seven Blueways, or water trails, that have been mapped out for recreational canoers and kayakers including the Pascagoula River Blueway, the largest free flowing waterway in the lower 48 states. It’s called the ‘Singing River’ and promises glimpses of abundant wildlife, including over 22 threatened and endangered species in addition to over 300 plant species.

MISSISSIPPI MUSIC

Deeply intertwined in the fabric of Mississippi’s past are the legends of the blues and country music that defined the genres forever.

From B.B. King to Charley Pride, the Mississippi Blues Trail and Mississippi Country Music Trail plot courses for music lovers that span the state and decades throughout history.

Mississippi Blues Trail

Known as the Birthplace of the Blues, Mississippi is where Sunnyland Slim, B.B. King, and other blues music trailblazers called home. Each mile marker and museum along the trail share an important piece of blues history, while seasonal festivals and special events enhance the journey along the way.

Mississippi Country Music Trail

Visitors taking in the Mississippi Country Music Trail can watch country music history unfold before their eyes. Organized by region, the Mississippi Country Music Trail showcases the roots of country music and the influences that have contributed to the sounds of country music.

TAKE THE TAMALE TOUR

Mississippi is home to world-renowned chefs and restaurants, iconic recipes, and craft breweries and distilleries that delight locals and tourists.

Whatever clients are craving, Mississippi will satisfy as they make their way across the Hospitality State.

In the Mississippi Delta, visitors can enjoy more than just the history of the blues. With more than two dozen stops, the Tamale Trail takes visitors on a culinary journey to the street carts and restaurants that serve up some of the best tamales in the country.

And there’s no better place to enjoy a crawfish boil or fresh Gulf Coast shrimp, oysters, and crab than the South. For a trip in the spring and early summer, Mississippi mudbugs are always on the menu.

Mississippi is also famous for its signature recipes. A variety of dishes that grace tables throughout the U.S. were born here, from the po’boy, to fried dill pickles with a side of comeback sauce, to Mississippi mud pie. The state is rich with a wide range of signature meals and iconic desserts that are must-haves for any stay.

THE CULTURE SCENE

Mississippi has a depth of cultural richness that few regions can rival. Throughout the year, there are festivals celebrating the state’s rich cultural offerings, from film to fine art to crafts and more. World-class museums are dedicated to the state’s most famous artists, while today’s talent frequent theatres, exhibits and art shows all across Mississippi.

The state has always been known for its arts scene and culture, but the literary contributions of its many homegrown writers and authors shine the spotlight on its creative culture.

That’s why the Mississippi Arts Commission introduced the Mississippi Writers Trail, as the organization’s mission and vision are “to be a catalyst for the arts and creativity in Mississippi” and “to support and celebrate Mississippi’s creative spirit,” respectively. Through the Mississippi Writers Trail, locals and tourists  have opportunities to:

• Learn about Mississippi’s famous writers and their works
• Visit unique locations that were special to the writer being honoured during their lifetime
• Understand how these writers’ literary, cultural, historical, and social contributions helped shape Mississippi’s heritage
• Celebrate the art of writing and support the fields of literature

For all the latest destination details about Mississippi see https://travelsouth.visittheusa.com/state/mississippi.