This spring, Mississippi invites families to embark on an exciting and educational journey through the “Birthplace of America’s Music.”
With road trips ranking among the top vacation choices in AAA’s latest travel survey, travelers looking to hit the open road can immerse themselves in Mississippi’s rich musical heritage with kid-friendly experiences, engaging exhibits, and plenty of outdoor fun and adventure along the way.
Stop 1 – Tupelo, MS:
- Elvis’ Tupelo Self-Guided Bicycle Tour takes visitors to 14 spots, including the Elvis Presley Birthplace, that were significant to Elvis’ formative years in Tupelo, MS. Stops include the Lee County Courthouse; Lee County Library (go inside and see Elvis’ first library card); Lyric Theatre; Tupelo Hardware Company where he purchased his first guitar and more.
- Explore the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Areas in Tishomingo County, the gateway into Mississippi. Located in the extreme northeast corner of the state, it’s a great destination for outdoor adventure, featuring the Natchez Trace Parkway, Tishomingo State Park, Pickwick Lake and more.
- Johnnie’s Drive-In is best known for its connection to Elvis Presley, who dined there in his youth. Since 1945, the All-American diner has been serving delicious comfort food while showcasing photos and memorabilia from Elvis’ visits, making it a must-visit destination for music fans.
Stop 2: Cleveland, MS:
- Explore GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi, where the state’s profound influence on the global music scene is preserved and celebrated with innovative programming and interactive exhibits. Kids can produce and mix their own music tracks, learn new moves at the History of Dance exhibit, and check out the museum’s Taylor Swift: Through the Era’s exhibit.
- Paddle Along the Scenic Mississippi River: Hop in a canoe and paddle your way through the watered wilderness of the Mighty Mississippi on a single or multi-day excursion with Quapaw Canoe Company. Based in Clarksdale, Quapaw offers customized Mississippi River excursions led by expert guides, where visitors can experience an archipelago of Mississippi’s River Islands and diverse wildlife.
- Dine at Hey Joe’s, Cleveland’s go-to spot for quality food, craft beers and live music.
Stop 3: Meridian/Columbus, MS:
- Visit The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX) in Meridian, where immersive exhibits take visitors behind the scenes at the birthplace of the stars. This region is also home to several markers on the Mississippi Country Music Trail. Meridian is a hot spot for country music history, and where the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers, was born and raised.
- Lake Lowndes State Park in Columbus offers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation including fishing, camping, picnic areas, tennis courts, and trails.
- Dine at Mississippi’s oldest restaurant, Weidmann’s. Established in 1870, Weidmann’s Restaurant is famous for serving high-quality, affordable Southern fare in a historic setting. Don’t forget to try a piece of the famous black bottom pie!
Stop 4: Jackson, MS:
- Hal & Mal’s, Jackson’s most iconic music venue and restaurant, is a must-visit community gathering place that blends a lively bar atmosphere with family-friendly dining. For nearly four decades, this Jackson institution has welcomed some of Mississippi’s most legendary musicians, including icons like Willie Dixon, B.B. King, Ike Turner, and Albert King—along with many modern-era greats.
- Hike the trails at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, a beautiful urban park located on 305 acres of woodlands home to nature trails, a public nine-hole golf course and driving range, picnic areas, playgrounds, and Mayes Lake for fishing.
- The Iron Horse Grill is a former 1906 smokehouse turned hub for Mississippi dining, culture, and music history. Enjoy live music performances ranging from rock & roll to blues and funk, and a Tex-Mex-inspired menu by renowned Chef Pierre Pryer.