When it comes to charming small towns, the Magnolia State’s got plenty of them. They’re truly the heart and soul of Mississippi. Each has something to offer, of course, but if you’re seeking the best downtown areas, you’ll have to head to the following small towns in Mississippi.
- Laurel
City of Laurel – Government/Facebook A small town that’s made a big comeback, Laurel has been completely revitalized in recent years. Its comeback is, in part, due to HGTV’s hit show Home Town, which is filmed in Laurel. A huge part of Laurel’s appeal is its charming downtown, which is filled with restaurants and shops. Learn more about “Mississippi’s Hometown” here. Laurel, MS, USA
- Natchez
Visit Natchez/Facebook Charmingly old-fashioned, the historic downtown area of Natchez is brimming with antebellum and Victorian-era homes. There are also lots of stores and eateries. One of the best things about Natchez’s downtown, though, is that it’s very pedestrian friendly with sidewalks on both sides of each street. For more info on Natchez, click here. Natchez, MS 39120, USA
- Bay St. Louis
Old Town Bay St. Louis/Facebook Waterfront views, old-fashioned southern charm, and artsy vibes await in downtown Bay St. Louis. Quirky storefronts, boutiques, and award-winning restaurants, like Trapani’s Eatery, only add to the area’s appeal. Learn more about Bay St. Louis here. Bay St. Louis, Bay St Louis, MS, USA
- Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau/Facebook Ocean Springs is another small coastal community with a lively downtown. The area’s really come to life post-Hurricane Katrina. Today, it boasts oak-lined streets, art galleries, boutiques, and some spectacular seafood restaurants. Great festivals, which take place throughout the year, are another hallmark of downtown Ocean Springs. For more info on Ocean Springs, click here. Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
- Cleveland
Visit Cleveland Mississippi/Facebook Touted as a “hip little town in the Mississippi Delta,” Cleveland has a lot to offer, including a picture-perfect downtown. With lots of stores, landscaped walkways, brick-paved sidewalks, and Victorian lighting, any visit to Cleveland’s downtown is sure to be a delightful one. Learn more about downtown Cleveland here. Cleveland, MS 38732, USA
- New Albany
I Love NA/Facebook Named “America’s Best Small Southern Town” by USA Today, New Albany is known for its friendly residents, small town charm, and vibrant downtown, which is brimming with historic buildings, antique stores, specialty shops, and restaurants. It’s also where you’ll find the trailhead for the Tanglefoot Trail, Mississippi’s longest rails-to-trails conversion. Learn more about New Albany here. New Albany, MS 38652, USA
- Holly Springs
JR P/Flickr Definitely worthy of a spot on your bucket list, Holly Springs is billed “Mississippi’s Best Kept Secret.” In addition to antebellum architecture and a rich history, visitors to Holly Springs can enjoy a bustling downtown with superior shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plan your visit to Holly Springs here. Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
So, do you agree? Are these the best downtowns in small town Mississippi? Did we miss a downtown that you think is one of the state’s best? Tell us!
City of Laurel – Government/Facebook
A small town that’s made a big comeback, Laurel has been completely revitalized in recent years. Its comeback is, in part, due to HGTV’s hit show Home Town, which is filmed in Laurel. A huge part of Laurel’s appeal is its charming downtown, which is filled with restaurants and shops. Learn more about “Mississippi’s Hometown” here.
Laurel, MS, USA
Visit Natchez/Facebook
Charmingly old-fashioned, the historic downtown area of Natchez is brimming with antebellum and Victorian-era homes. There are also lots of stores and eateries. One of the best things about Natchez’s downtown, though, is that it’s very pedestrian friendly with sidewalks on both sides of each street. For more info on Natchez, click here.
Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Old Town Bay St. Louis/Facebook
Waterfront views, old-fashioned southern charm, and artsy vibes await in downtown Bay St. Louis. Quirky storefronts, boutiques, and award-winning restaurants, like Trapani’s Eatery, only add to the area’s appeal. Learn more about Bay St. Louis here.
Bay St. Louis, Bay St Louis, MS, USA
Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau/Facebook
Ocean Springs is another small coastal community with a lively downtown. The area’s really come to life post-Hurricane Katrina. Today, it boasts oak-lined streets, art galleries, boutiques, and some spectacular seafood restaurants. Great festivals, which take place throughout the year, are another hallmark of downtown Ocean Springs. For more info on Ocean Springs, click here.
Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
Visit Cleveland Mississippi/Facebook
Touted as a “hip little town in the Mississippi Delta,” Cleveland has a lot to offer, including a picture-perfect downtown. With lots of stores, landscaped walkways, brick-paved sidewalks, and Victorian lighting, any visit to Cleveland’s downtown is sure to be a delightful one. Learn more about downtown Cleveland here.
Cleveland, MS 38732, USA
I Love NA/Facebook
Named “America’s Best Small Southern Town” by USA Today, New Albany is known for its friendly residents, small town charm, and vibrant downtown, which is brimming with historic buildings, antique stores, specialty shops, and restaurants. It’s also where you’ll find the trailhead for the Tanglefoot Trail, Mississippi’s longest rails-to-trails conversion. Learn more about New Albany here.
New Albany, MS 38652, USA
JR P/Flickr
Definitely worthy of a spot on your bucket list, Holly Springs is billed “Mississippi’s Best Kept Secret.” In addition to antebellum architecture and a rich history, visitors to Holly Springs can enjoy a bustling downtown with superior shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plan your visit to Holly Springs here.
Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
These aren’t the only small town spots worth a visit. Click here for a route that leads to the best hidden gems in small town Mississippi.
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