Mississippi holidays - Bluesy, outgoing and flavourful

Famous for its blues music, historic attractions and southern hospitality

You can’t mention Mississippi without reference to music, and especially to its legendary blues heritage. More famous blues musicians have emerged from this area than all the American states combined, whilst the heady sounds of rock, country, jazz and soul add to the eclectic mix. Embracing the music of the Mississippi isn’t just about plugging into your stereo - it’s the fastest way to understanding the people, culture and history of this multifaceted region.

Mississippi is steeped in the past and you’ll find numerous landmarks, state-of-the-art museums and architectural sights paying homage to the state’s still raw history. Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway for a whirlwind tour of some of the most prominent attractions. Tour palatial antebellum homes and immerse yourself in the quaint streets and squares of the region’s engaging historic towns.

The mouth-watering cuisine is another firm highlight of any trip through the region. Savour the incredible flavours of Southern-style food at every turn, whether in top city restaurants, small town eateries or old-time roadside BBQ shacks. Beyond the urban attractions, Mississippi boasts its fair share of spectacular landscapes, from lush hill country and eerie cotton flats, to bucolic farmland and sandy coastline.

How best to explore it all? Self-drive tours are an ideal way to soak in the state’s serene southern charms. Embark on a thrilling road trip along classic highways or follow hidden backroads past sleepy delta settlements. Alternatively, take a charming river boat cruise along the mighty Mississippi itself, stopping at major urban hubs and quaint history-filled towns.

Reasons to visit Mississippi

• Mississippi exudes music from every street corner. From the smallest original blues clubs to the grandest stages, you won’t stop those toes tapping.
• History enthusiasts will found plenty of interest, from the fascinating civil war history of Vicksburg with it numerous landmarks, museums and battle sites, to the alluring river town of Natchez – the oldest city on the Mississippi, brimming with elegant architecture and warm hospitality. Or simply spend time soaking up living history as your cruise along the backroads and tributaries of the atmospheric delta region
• The American south is renowned for its tantalising cuisine, and Mississippi is no exception – feast on pulled pork sandwiches, freshly caught Gulf seafood, hot tamales and giant sweet cinnamon rolls
• Get out into nature in the state’s vast and diverse parks, forests and waterways. Gulf Islands National Seashore and Tishomingo State Park, among others, offer plenty of chance to camp, canoe, hike or fish to your heart’s content