Mississippi’s Best Kept Secret: Discover Timeless Charm In This Unknown City

A ‘metropolis on the transfer’? That is what one unsuspecting metropolis nestled in inland Mississippi claims.

The coast has been nothing in need of surging in current months as we at Journey Off Path have lined nearly each Mississippi seashore city in a single type or one other, particularly with the extremely anticipated launch of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras route.

However the neon lights of Biloxi, the storied streets of Jackson, and the riverside thrills of Vicksburg aren’t the one locations to get pleasure from a fall getaway within the “Magnolia State”.

Situated close to the Alabama border lies Mississippi’s eighth most populous metropolis, boasting a timeless downtown district, a thriving arts scene, and tranquil nature on the outskirts of city, able to showcase its radiant autumn glow, wrapping lakes and sprawling parks.

Uncover Timeless Allure In This Hush-Hush Hideaway

Meridian, Mississippi, is not on many vacationers’ radars, however that is to not say this lesser-known hideaway is a snoozefest — there’s a lot to do and see in as little as a weekend getaway or a weeklong keep.

Steeped in nation and blues music courting again many years, very like the extra well-liked Jackson, you possibly can stroll down downtown’s quaint but thumping streets for stay music any weekend — and you’ll rejoice each at Soule Live Steam Festival & Railfest going down October 1 – November 1.

This former bustling railroad hub was a grassroots launchpad for blues, gospel, and jazz, and nonetheless resonates to at the present time with some surprisingly massive names rolling by means of city once in a while.

These days, there is a devoted Blues Trail and Country Trail to hint this metropolis’s musical roots.

Plus, the city is dwelling to Paramore’s Hayley Williams and American Idol’s Jamal Roberts. But it surely’s not simply music exuding sounds of the previous — it is historic structure, arts, and tradition unfold throughout downtown Meridian in quite a lot of methods.

A few must-visit websites are the Temple Theater and MSU Riley Middle, each restored but nonetheless exemplifying their heritage.

The comfy mattress and breakfast Century House ought to prime your checklist for a visit again in time throughout your keep, and Meridian’s very personal Weidmann’s Restaurant is the state’s oldest restaurant, standing the take a look at of time since 1870 and nonetheless a neighborhood favourite.

Immerse In Fall Splendor: Go to Meridian’s Lakes & Waterfall

You will discover vibrant bushes lining downtown as you peruse native outlets and savor mother ‘n pop eats, however the very best place to actually immerse in Meridian’s autumn glory is Bonita Lakes, dwelling to three separate tranquil lakes.

Seeing fewer guests within the crisp air than the South’s infamous sun-drenched summers, you possibly can get pleasure from miles of scenic climbing trails, a mixture of rustic and glowing tree strains all through the three,330-acre park.

Higher but, your entire park is dog-friendly (leash required) and there are devoted equestrian trails for horseback driving.

One other good spot for good fall photo-ops is Dunn’s Falls, a staggering 65-foot man-made waterfall flowing down a gristmill that is open for excursions (solely $3.25 admission).

Although you can also make your base right here too, with choices for tenting at simply $15 per evening, or hire a non-public cabin for $90 with a 2-night minimal.

Whereas Meridian’s underrated pure magnificence (and man-made waterfalls) are the final word outside ambiance to get pleasure from autumnal splendor, you can too try seasonal occasions, resembling:

• Spooky Ale Path
• Metropolis of Meridian Sweet Crawl
• Boo!seum
• Bailey Haunted Firehouse

How To Get To Meridian

Do you know rail journey is making an epic comeback in America? The most recent reviews say so.

Given the recognition of Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras route already, why not give the Crescent line an opportunity?

Meridian is dwelling to an Amtrak station, operating between New Orleans and New York Metropolis.

Whereas the identical cannot be stated for bus routes, Greyhound and Flixbus are price range choices that get right here as effectively.

Maybe most stunning for a metropolis of roughly 34,000 residents, Meridian does have an airport, although flights are restricted to only one flight.

United presents nonstop flights from Houston (IAH).

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.