Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit the Southern State of Mississippi. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Mississippi, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Mississippi.
Don’t Miss The Trails
Mississippi is rich in history, and there are a ton of trails to explore. Of course, there are hiking trails, but I’m talking about historic trails you can drive along. If you are driving through, this is where you’ll find the best things to see in Mississippi.
- The Natchez Trail totals over 400 miles across Tennessee and Mississippi and is lined with historic homes.
- The Mississippi Blues Trail traces the history of the blues with stops at several museums and historic homes of famous musicians.
- On the Mississippi Freedom Trail, you can see some of the historic sites of the Freedom Movement in the state, including places like the Civil Rights Museum in Jackson.
- For natural beauty, follow the Great River Road along the Mississippi River.
Don’t Skip the Small Towns
The small towns are what really make up Mississippi. They have a lot of pride in their communities, and it shows! Many historic homes and buildings have been beautifully restored. You really need to get off the main Interstate and explore some of the back roads. That’s when it really gets interesting.
Don’t Assume There’s No Culture in Mississippi
People make a lot of incorrect assumptions about the South, and this is one of them. There are actually many great cultural attractions in Mississippi. A few of the best cultural stops for your Mississippi trips include:
- The Civil Rights Museum
- The Mississippi Museum of Art
- Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
- Vicksburg National Military Park
There’s a lot you can learn in Mississippi!
Don’t Mess With the Wildlife
There are lots of critters in Mississippi, many of them with scales and you don’t want to mess with those. Especially if you are in the swampy parts of the state. There are poisonous snakes to look out for, as well as alligators. Be extra careful when you are around water, and don’t let your kids get too close to the water. You just don’t know what’s lurking around.
Don’t Be on a Diet
One of the best things to do in Mississippi is trying out the local cuisine. It’s good! Mississippi has fantastic Southern cuisine, as well as fresh seafood along the Gulf. The shrimp and grits are amazing, as well as the oysters. Be prepared to eat well and often! Of course, crawfish is a must in Mississippi. And it’s not cray-fish, it’s craw-fish. Make sure you don’t mispronounce it!
Simply Jocelyn Shares What to Eat in Mississippi
Don’t Be Confused by “Coke”
In many parts of Mississippi, Coke just means soda, not necessarily Coca-Cola. So a server may ask what kind of “coke” do you want? They might not even have Coke products. It’s just used as a synonym for pop. You might also see some people drinking actual Coke…with peanuts in it. That’s definitely a southern tradition.
Don’t Forget Your Manners
Part of Southern hospitality and culture is in the manners. If you want to blend in with the locals, it’s important to always remember your manners. You also may need some extra patience, thanks to the slow pace of everything. No matter how slow the service is, don’t forget your “please” and “thank yous.”
Don’t Be Afraid of the Locals
Along with that Southern hospitality comes Southern friendliness. The locals here are super friendly and typically more than willing to give you advice on things to do, and most especially, where to eat. And don’t worry about the accent; you’ll get used to it!
Best & Worst of Visiting the South
Don’t Think Mississippi is All The Same
Mississippi is surprisingly diverse. There are rolling hills with trees and woods, and then there are palm trees and beaches. Don’t forget the swamps! In order to really see Mississippi, you need to get out and explore all of the areas, not just the popular Mississippi vacation spots.
Don’t Forget to Bring Extra Cash
Some of the best food is found in the smaller mom-and-pop places and food trucks. We found that a lot of them still preferred cash over credit and debit cards. So, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case. I also noticed that American Express and Discover Card were not as widely accepted as MasterCard and Visa.
Don’t Be Shocked by Confederate Memorabilia
You’re in the south after all. You’re going to see some Confederate flags, statues, and memorabilia that aren’t necessarily PC in the rest of the country. This seems to be slowly changing, and every time I come back, I see less and less. But it’s definitely something you’ll likely see, which can be a shock the first time.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Mississippi. It is surprisingly diverse in terms of landscape and natural beauty, not to mention packed with historic sites. Want more tips for traveling through the Southern US? Check out some of our other blog posts: