If you spun the globe with a finger landing on Mississippi, chances are you wouldn’t think of this surprisingly diverse state as the South’s trendiest destination.
Our team of travel experts at Travel Off Path wouldn’t have either…until we did some digging, ultimately realizing how awesome the white-sand shores, charming small towns, and historical attractions speckled around “The Magnolia State” truly are.
In fact, Mississippi is stealing tons of tourists from Florida to escape the crowds, but it’s not just the gleaming coastlines drawing a crowd — it’s the world-famous Mississippi River too.
Last spring, we revealed that one such delightful hideaway was drawing in millions of visitors, and it’s likely a place you’ve never heard of before.
Showcasing even more magic and beauty during fall, skip the coast and venture inland to Mississippi’s most underrated getaway, sure to leave a lasting impression with cozy inns, riverside casinos, lush nature, and of course, sensational comfort eats you’d expect in the South.
Welcome To Vicksburg: Celebrating 200 Years Of Charm & History
With our last report detailing 2 million visitors flocking here, according to the latest data, people must somehow get here.
The easiest way to arrive would be by flying into Jackson (JAN) in a Johnny Cash-style manner, or crossing state lines from Monroe, Louisiana.
Vicksburg is a scenic border town on the Mississippi-Louisiana state line, separated at the crux of the Mississippi River and Yazoo River, which is ironically what you’ll be yelling when you win big at the casinos (“yazoo!”).
Vicksburg is celebrating its 200th birthday, holding fun-filled events throughout the entire year, and some still remain on the docket, such as:
- Vicksburg Hipstoric Art Festival (September 26 – 28)
- Fall Family Fair (October 4)
- Voices From The Hills (October 16 – 18)
- Porchfest (November 8)
- New Year’s Eve/Closing Celebration (December 31)
Porchfest, in particular, seems to garner the most hype for both locals and tourists alike. This popular music festival features pop-up front-porch performances, set to liven the town even more so than the impending fall blooms.
Discover Vicksburg’s Riverside Delights
The Mississippi River may not exude pristine, crystal-clear waters like some of America’s most popular lake towns and beach locales, but Vicksburg’s selection of boat tours and river cruises receives rave reviews.
There are numerous Mississippi River Cruises offered by American Cruise Lines and Viking River Cruises for longer trips across the South, or you can opt for a quicker excursion on one of Vicksburg’s river tours.
But, if you’re the type to get seasick, wandering the beautiful Vicksburg Riverfront is just as enjoyable.
One of the prominent landmarks for the best photos is the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals located on Levee Street, and walkable to the Vicksburg Civil War Museum, holding a near-perfect Google rating and ready to welcome you for a deep-dive into insightful history.
If you desire waterfront views with South-in-your-mouth flavors, look no further than The Biscuit.
Recent patrons rave about the sunset views over the tranquil river — plus, it’s open ’til 2am on weekends!
Vicksburg’s Top Stays & Must-Visit Casinos
Don’t expect the same flashiness of Biloxi here in Vicksburg, even for casinos. Expect less pizzazz and more down-home comforts with a localized flair.
Riverwalk Casino Hotel is Vicksburg’s top-rated casino. Though Bally’s is the only name to hold household recognition, and was recently voted ‘Best Sportsbook & Comps’ in the Gulf.
If location is high on the priority list, Ameristar is likely best as it hugs the river with ample parking.
That being said, you don’t have to bet it all on black to have a nice weekend. There are plenty of cozy inns to hunker down for a relaxing trip, such as the renowned Duff Green Mansion formerly a Civil War hospital, now transformed into a cozy stay timestamped from a bygone era, or Anchuca, an 1830s mansion serving as one of Vicksburg’s best places to eat and stay.
Enjoy Vicksburg’s Fall Splendor & Hidden Gems
Colorful foliage lines the river throughout town and spices up already charming streets during downtime as well.
Chances are if you’re visiting Vicksburg (since there’s no immediate airport), you likely rented a car.
Make use of it even more by visiting the vibrant Natchez Trace Parkway about 25 miles away, a locals’ secret destination that unfurls through Mississippi’s woodlands, showcasing peak fall hues.
Another highly under-hyped spot is Port Gibson, located about 35 minutes south of Vicksburg. This town is equally charming, yet it exudes more European flair with captivating ruins that are even more enticing to visit when surrounded by autumn foliage.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
Subscribe To Our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor