LAUREL — Editor’s Note — Part of our weekly series, “Four Days ‘Til Friday,” highlighting some of the best events, fun things to do, new restaurants and interesting places to visit within driving distance for a fun-filled weekend.
Making a “bucket list,” or compiling a sheet filled with thrilling activities to experience and places to visit before you “kick the bucket” is regularly discussed by everyone from celebrities to everyday Americans. Jumping out of airplanes, swimming with dolphins and viewing the world’s greatest natural wonders are three of the most commonly-mentioned items on bucket lists.
Before traveling out of state to complete your bucket list, take the time to view ten attractions officials with the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division rank as “must see” places all Mississippians should visit.
Ranging from museums chronicling the lives of some of our most renowned musicians to a military park occupying a prominent place in history books to the site of a gruesome murder, the state is filled with sites that draw millions of tourists from around the world. Sadly, many Mississippians never take the time to visit these and other historic places located throughout the state.
This summer would be a great time to check off at least a few of the items on your “Mississippi Attractions to See Before I Kick the Bucket” list.
BB King Museum
The life of B.B. King provides the backdrop for the Museum to share the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta. Through an authentic presentation of music, art, artifacts and video, along with our educational programming, the Museum honors its namesake as an internationally renowned and influential musician celebrates Delta blues music heritage and the local culture, encourages and inspires young artists and musicians, and enriches the lives of Delta youth and all who visit the museum campus.
To learn more about this unique museum, visit the website: www.bbkingmuseum.org
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive through exceptional scenery and 10,000 years of North American history. Used by American Indians, “Kaintucks”, settlers, and future presidents, the Old Trace played an important role in American history. Today, visitors can enjoy not only a scenic drive but also hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping.
To view even more of the Trace’s wonders, go to: www.nps.gov/natr.
Vicksburg National Military Park
The park commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg. The city’s surrender on July 4, 1863, along with the capture of Port Hudson, LA, on July 8, split the South, giving control of the Mississippi River to the Union. Over 1,340 monuments, a restored Union gunboat, and National Cemetery mark the 16-mile tour road.
A wonderful website showcasing the Park’s main areas, complete with photos and descriptions, can be found at: www.nps.gov/vick.
Ohr-O’Keefe Museum
Celebrating the independent, innovative and creative spirit of Mississippi master potter George Ohr, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of art opened to the public in 1994 to promote and preserve Ohr’s unique legacy and the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The new campus consists of five new structures designed by Frank Gehry, one of the 21st century’s most innovative and admired architects.
Even more treasures can be viewed on the museum’s website at: www.georgeohr.org.
Natchez Pilgrimage
Many of Natchez’s most beautiful and historic homes are open to the public for tours for both Spring and Fall Pilgrimages, where guests are welcomed by hosts and hostesses in period costumes who recount the history of each home’s occupants and historic furnishings. Brilliant musical productions, theater, Gospel music, and historic presentations take the stage each evening, giving visitors a true Old South experience.
To learn about the upcoming Fall Pilgrimage, go to: www.natchezpilgrimage.com
Elvis Presley Birthplace
The Birthplace of Elvis Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi is the only location in the world where you can see, feel and touch where the King of Rock & Roll began his musical journey. Only in Tupelo can you walk into the room where he breathed his first breath, take a stroll to his favorite location as a boy to relax looking over Tupelo, and see first hand how it all shaped this young boy from Mississippi into the international rock & roll music legend he is today.
The next best thing to being at Elvis’ first home is perusing the website, which contains information about the star, photos and hours of operation: www.elvispresleybirthplace.com.
MSU Riley Center
The Mississippi State University Riley Center located in downtown Meridian brings to life a fully-restored 1889 grand opera house that has become a hub of performing arts in the state. The Riley Center’s stage season is a lesson in Mississippi music itself, with authentic sounds ranging from gospel, blues, jazz, country and folk while incorporating theater, comedy, family, and world cultural shows.
To learn more about the magnificent structure, go to: www.msurileycenter.com.
Tunica River Park
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Mississippi River at one of Rand McNally’s 2011 Best of the Road winners in Tunica, Mississippi, just a few miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. Learn about the great river through the authentic artifacts and exhibits in the Mississippi River Museum and cruise the luxurious Tunica Queen to take you back to a time when the river was America’s highway.
Before you go, check out their website for more information at: www.tunicariverpark.com.
Medgar Evers Home
The only home on Margaret Walker Alexander Drive without a front door was once the home to Medgar Evers, the NAACP’s first full-time state field secretary, and where he was assassinated in June of 1963. The house and museum is now dedicated to Evers, his life, legacy and his fight for Civil Rights in Mississippi and beyond.
To learn more about the life and home of one of the state’s most notable civil rights pioneers, visit the website at: www.everstribute.org.
Double Decker Arts Festival
The charming town of Oxford is the perfect backdrop for an annual event that celebrates Southern culture. Taking its name from the town’s authentic double decker bus imported from England in 1994, the festival brings together visitors and residents alike for a day-long celebration of music, food, and the arts held on the picturesque Courthouse Square.
To learn about the dates and events scheduled for the 2012 edition of the festival, visit: www.doubledeckerfestival.com.