Mississippi travelers choose from 28 Best Western hotels.

Natchez Trace Parkway
Northern Mississippi

The spring and summer months are premier times to visit northern Mississippi. Cities like Ripley, and Columbus are sterling examples of charming cities, built around southern hospitality. Tupelo is famous for being the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and is rich in history – visit the Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site, an American Civil War landmark. Columbus is great for scenery and racing fans – explore some of the many Mississippi race tracks – May 5 is the beginning of the Columbus Speedway Weekly Racing Series. There’s much to see and do in northern Mississippi – explore as much as you can.

Horn Lake is a pleasant and charming city in northern Mississippi. Set west of Olive Branch, and nearly at the Tennessee border, Horn Lake is home to Boosters Club Park. Enjoy the fine spring and summer weather in Horn Lake with a visit to Horn Lake Community Park – plan for a picnic and let the kids enjoy the playground area.

Olive Branch is a sizeable city in northern Mississippi, set just a half hour east of Horn Lake. Easily accessed from I-22, Olive Branch is home to the Olive Branch Country Club, and Maywood Lake. Guests of the Best Western hotel in Olive Branch are in for spring and summertime excitement. Golfers are in prime location for excellent spring and summertime golf – head to the Cherokee Valley Golf Club, or experience Wedgewood Golf Course. Enjoy springtime fishing along Coldwater River, which runs through the heart of Olive Branch. On May 12, keep an eye open for the Mayfest Arts & Crafts Festival in Old Towne Olive Branch.

Southeast of Olive Branch is Tupelo, home of the Tupelo National Battlefield. A fine city, Tupelo is easily accessed by I-22, and is a wonderful spring and summer travel destination. Open to the public through March 30, plan for an afternoon at the Kate Freeman Clark Exhibition – set at the GumTree Museum of Art. On March 3, enjoy some live music at the Blue Canoe, where the Jerekus Singleton Band will be performing.

Experience a classically Mississippian event at the Tupelo Flea Mark & Crafts, Gun & Knife show, set for March 9-11 at the Tupelo Furniture Market Building.

Set near the Alabama border, Columbus is an exciting city where racing fans will have a blast. Guests staying at the Best Western hotel in Columbus make plans to visit the Magnolia Motor Speedway, host to the May 27 Coca Cola Governors Cup Southern All Stars race. While in Columbus, be sure to tour the Tennessee Williams Home.

Gulfport, MS

Southern Mississippi ushers in the rejuvenation of spring, and prepares for a wealth of summer visitors. Cities like Biloxi, McComb and Moss Point are all wonderful destinations for travelers making their way through southern Mississippi this spring and into summer. Gulf cities like Gulfport, and Gautier are especially primed for visitors, due to an ease of access from I-10, and the close proximity to the Mississippi Sound. If the weather’s warm enough, cool off with the family at Flint Creek Water Park, in Wiggins – set very near the De Soto National Forest. In Laurel, enjoy a fine southern Mississippi evening out at the Northside Twin Drive-In.

Biloxi, a fun, seaside city in southern Mississippi, is home to the famous Biloxi Lighthouse – the only lighthouse in the world set in the middle of a four-lane highway. Experience the high intensity action of the Southern Professional Hockey League, and watch as the Mississippi Surge battle the Columbus Cottonmouths on March 16, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Indulge in the culture and flair of southern Mississippi at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art.

Feel the raw power of the Smokin’ the Sound Biloxi Offshore Kickoff event, April 26-29. An officially sponsored American Power Boat Association Offshore Super Series event, Smokin’ the Sound is an exciting way to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Gulfport is another of southern Mississippi’s ocean side cities – perfect for a warm spring day spent exploring the Windance Country Club, or the beaches surrounding Harbor Square Park. Expand your mind at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, then try your hand at some games of chance at the Island View Casino, where every Thursday through May 10 is the Island View Casino Crawfish Boil on the Deck. For some laughs, head to the Island Strikz Bowling Center every Friday through June 29 during the Comedy Quest Fridays event.

Moss Point, a fine little city set to the east of Biloxi and Gulfport, is all set to entertain you this spring – head to the Pascagoula Audubon Center April 14-21 for the 10th Annual Pascagoula River Nature Festival.

Although Wiggins is not one of the many ocean side cities in southern Mississippi, it’s still in prime position for spring and summertime adventures. It’s a great time to get out and explore some of the natural beauty of southern Mississippi – head to Fairley Bridge Landing for a scenic hike, or a relaxing dip in the lake. Summer visitors looking to celebrate the Fourth of July head to Flint Creek Water Park for their annual fire works display – make a day of it in the Magnolia State.

Mississippi State Capital
Jackson, MS

The chill of winter is gone, and central Mississippi welcomes in spring and summer. From the capital city of Jackson, to the charming city of Clinton – central Mississippi has a wide array of interesting and fun attractions, perfect for the spring and summer traveler. Clinton, a fine city, is home to Mississippi College, and the Clinton Community Nature Center. While in Collins, summer travelers make plans for the 23rd Annual Okatoma Festival – complete with rides, arts and crafts, an antique car show, a canoe race, and a performance by the Cowboy Blues Band. Experience central Mississippi this spring.

Canton, just north of Jackson, is home to the Sister Thea Bowman House, and is set along the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir, making it an ideal spring and summer travel destination. In March, keep an eye open for the Magnolia Wool Dust Society, and on April 15 and 16, participate in the Arts on the Square event. Looking for a bit of local flavor? Beginning May 12, explore the Canton Flea Market Art & Crafts Show. The Canton Multicultural Center and Museum is a must-see, and check out some local lore at the historic Madison County Courthouse. Take full advantage of the spring and summer weather while playing 18 holes at the Deerfield Golf Course.

West of Canton, easily accessed from I-20, is Vicksburg. A fine border city, Vicksburg is situated along the Mississippi River, and is home to the Jacqueline House African American Museum. Guests of the Best Western hotel in Vicksburg are in prime location to explore and experience a central Mississippi spring and summer. Head to the Vicksburg Battlefield Museum for historical perspectives on the American Civil War, or make use of the mighty Mississippi river at the annual Vicksburg Riverfest event.

Known as the “Red Carpet City of the South,” Vicksburg is an eclectic city, with a wide array of sights and attractions. Enjoy a carriage-drawn tour of historic downtown Vicksburg, or if you’re feeling lucky, head over to the Ameristar Casino.

South of Vicksburg, and also set along the Mississippi River is the charming city of Natchez. Explore the history of central Mississippi with a visit to the House on Ellicott’s Hill, and during July, enjoy a fine taste of central Mississippi food and beverage at the annual Natchez Food & Wine Festival – three days of local cuisine and wine.

Indianola, north of Yazoo City, is set along the Mississippi Blues Trail, and is home to the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center.