Why I Love Mississippi

If I had to name my favorite state beyond the places I’ve lived, the answer might surprise you. It’s a state often overlooked by travelers. Often overlooked by politicians looking for votes. Often thought of with assumptions of backwardness, the same ones lumped onto Georgia. It’s still considered to be one of the poorest parts of the United States. But Mississippi is somewhere close to my heart.

It’s made up of cities and country, of coastline and skylines. The wide, muddy banks of the namesake river wind in cirlicue patterns down the length of the state. The planted fields and the dusty and potholed roads. So why do I love Mississippi so much?

Underrated Food

The neighboring state of Louisiana is often acclaimed for its culinary scene, from the Cajun meats to the French-influenced dishes. But Mississippi has taken dishes from around the world, including Mexico, Italy, and Africa, and made them their own.

Perhaps the best example is the Delta tamale, a food item that came from migrant workers from Latin America. The slug burger is another staple found only in the state, made with beef and fortified with flour from times of economic depression.

Mississippi’s seafood industry is also among the nation’s largest, especially impressive considering how small the coastline is. The coast has been devastated by hurricanes (including Katrina) and oil spills, but bounces back each and every time. Oysters and shrimp in particular are found at most restaurants on the coast, all freshly caught. Catfish has also been farmed here for generations and is as common as chicken on any menu.

I love a good hole-in-the-wall, a term I kindly apply. Some of my favorites are the fried catfish at Taylors Grocery in Oxford, the tamales at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, and the daily specials at Bully’s Soul Food in Jackson, which has been honored by the James Beard Foundation. Chefs Vishwesh Bhatt and John Currence have also been awarded.

History and Culture

There’s a reason that the oldest Native American cultures were called “Mississippian.” They settled around the river, so this part of the world is the richest in history from the early days of human settlement in modern North America. The trading route that people traversed by foot is now known as the Natchez Trace Parkway, which connects to Nashville to the north. The city of Natchez alone is over 300 years old.

It’s impossible to talk about the state without discussing slavery and the Civil War. At the International Museum of Muslim Culture in Jackson, I learned that a large majority of the people taken from Africa were actually Muslims, which later influenced the spiritual songs.

Historic homes and plantations where these people were forced to work and live are still standing and open for tours. Places like Vicksburg also pay tribute to the soldiers from both sides lost during the Civil War.

Mississippi was also at the center of many aspects of the Civil Rights Movement, honored at the Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. Visitors can tour the home of Medgar Evers and see where Emmett Till was last seen before being brutally murdered.

That doesn’t even include the notable names to leave their mark on the Magnolia State in the fields of literature, media, music, and everything in between. Yes, Oprah hails from Mississippi! Visit the homes of William Faulkner and Eudora Welty.

Birthplace of American Music

Name a type of American music and it likely has a connection to the Mississippi, especially the Delta. Country, rock, and R&B have all been influenced. Called the “crossroads,” countless artists have left their mark on this place. Names like BB King, Elvis Presley, and Robert Johnson gained international acclaim for their skills on the guitar.

You can still see all sorts of live music. While the original juke joints are now few and far between after the closing of Po’ Monkey’s, there are countless places to catch an act all over the state.

Small Towns to Make You Stay

I’ve never been someone who wanted to live in a small town, but Mississippi has so many that I could see myself in. Like Tupelo, the place where Elvis Presley grew up and later bought his first guitar at the local hardware store. Or Natchez, a gorgeous town that is one of the oldest settlements on the river. Ocean Springs has the best shops and arts community. And, of course, Oxford, the quintessential college town that is home to “Ole Miss.”

There are downsides to many places that I’ve loved. No place is entirely without fault. But the next time you hear something about the state of Mississippi, think about what else is there. I know I’ll be back as soon as I can.

This post is not really sponsored, but sums up my feelings from the half dozen press trips I’ve made through the state over the last five years.