Find Your True South in Mississippi
No other place embodies the heart and soul of the true South: through rich experience and diverse expression, unparalleled culture and unmatchable cuisine, exhilarating games of chance and sports of skill, crossroads of history and landscapes of opportunity.
Mississippi -
A musical incantation that inspires bright faces of wonder, mouthwatering grins of anticipation, and understanding nods of reverence.
Mississippi.
Find Your True South.
The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, right in the heart of the Delta, is a fitting tribute to one of the world's most loved blues musician and to his artform, which was born in the Mississippi Delta. This state-of-the-at center celebrates America's music heritage and the local culture, inspires young artists and musicians and enhances the experience of every visitor.
On the flip side, in Downtown Greenwood, visitors can take part in a world-class culinary adventure at the Viking Cooking School, where some of America's top chefs teach classes to groups who want to get a real taste of Mississippi. The Viking Cooking School is part of a larger complex which includes the chic Alluvian Hotel and Spa and Giardina's, one of the state's finest restaurants.
Mississippi is also the birthplace of rock and roll and home to the king, Elvis Presley. Fans from around the world now have a new reason to come to Tupelo for the first time or to return to Elvis's childhood home place. The site also features a museum and chapel, along with a new addition, the actual Assembly of God Church building where Elvis first performed Gospel music.
A visit to Jackson, Mississippi's capital city, is also a must-have on every itinerary. New attractions include the complete restoration of Mississippi's Old Capitol Museum. This National Historic Landmark was forced to close after receiving extensive damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The fantastic 14.2 million-dollar restoration is now complete, and visitors can enjoy spectacular exhibits that tell the story of the building's history as the seat of government from 1839 until 1903, explore other aspects of the state's history and learn about the importance of historic preservation.
On to Hattiesburg, midway between the capital city and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This busy town in the Piney Woods is home to the beautiful campus of the University of Southern Mississippi and many sites worthy of a visit. In addition, it is home to Camp Shelby and the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum. The 22,000 square-ft. museum features significant historical exhibits related to the contributions of Mississippians toward the defense of the United States from 1798 to the present. Mississippi's Gulf Coast offers 26 miles of white beaches, world-class golf courses, casino gaming, sport fishing and a nature lover's paradise, the Pascagoula River. The newest addition to our Gulf Coast is the INFINITY Science and Education Center, located just outside NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi. INFINITY at NASA Stennis Space Center is a 42 million-dollar, state-of-the-art science and education center that, when open in Fall 2010, will provide not only a major tourist attraction, but will also be the region's first interactive science center. It will house more than 10 million dollars in exhibits, interactive galleries, theatres, a gift shop and cafeteria.
Also along the coastline, in addition to around the state, dozens of glittering casinos light up the night, including Vicksburg where the new Riverwalk Casino opened recently, and Natchez, at the Grand Soleil.