A Weekend Guide to Mississippi’s Hidden Gems: Ridgeland, Oxford & Tupelo

Mississippi is often overlooked when it comes to travel, but these three cultural towns — Ridgeland, Oxford, and Tupelo -– offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary experiences. Whether you’re looking for a charming tea room, a literary-inspired escape, or a musical pilgrimage, this guide covers the must-visit spots in each city.

Ridgeland

The only city in Mississippi to boast the title of Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community, Ridgeland provides opportunities to eat, drink and then exercise the calories off. A suburb of the state’s capital city, a flight into the Jackson International Airport lands you just minutes away from this growing and delightful town. It is known as the “Steak Capital of Mississippi” and is the perfect spot to start your Mississippi getaway.

Tucked away in Ridgeland, CW Organics Apothecary & Tea Room is a wellness haven. Owner Caroline Warner’s passion for natural remedies shines through in her handmade teas, essential oils, and holistic products. Step inside, and you’ll find blends designed for everything from sinus relief to improved focus. In the adjoining tea room (open for just a few months but already a local favorite), guests sip on aromatic teas while indulging in the famous “Tea for Two” platter, which features a delightful assortment of finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Reservations are needed for groups of six or more, but otherwise, just show up and enjoy.

A Ridgeland staple since 2008, Ely’s Restaurant & Bar is a family-owned steakhouse that blends Southern flavors with Lebanese influences (named after the owner’s grandfather, of Lebanese descent). From tender New York strips to fresh tabbouleh, Ely’s menu is full of hearty, flavorful options. Open for dinner six days a week (closed Sundays), it’s the perfect spot for a special night out, enjoying a glass of wine with someone you enjoy.

Biking in Ridgeland

For those who love the outdoors, Ridgeland boasts an extensive network of scenic bike trails. Even better, the city offers a free bike rental system, making it easy to explore the area on two wheels. Whether you’re cruising along the Natchez Trace Parkway or weaving through local parks, it’s a great way to experience Ridgeland’s natural beauty.

Find more to discover in Ridgeland at Explore Ridgeland. 

Oxford

Known as “the velvet ditch” by locals, but widely known around the country for its vast literary scene, Oxford is the home to Ole Miss and is a hub for creatives to draw inspiration from its vibrant history, welcoming small-town charm, and thriving artistic community. Guest books all over town will reflect the draw of this town for people all over the world with names of visitors from most of the American states, Europe, South America and even East Asia.

For a trendy stay, The Graduate Hotel offers stylish accommodations, just blocks from the Square, complete with Cabin 82 lobby café (hearty choices such as a breakfast burrito or avocado toast), Coop rooftop bar (enjoy a craft beer or glass of Jordan wine overlooking the bustling town), and a cozy book-filled lobby with a signature pale pink floor.

Oxford’s literary legacy runs deep, thanks to greats such as Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner. His former home, called Rowan Oak, is set on 33 picturesque acres, where visitors can explore the grounds and see where the illustrious author penned some of his most famous works.

Oxford’s town square is the heart of the city. Pop into Square Books, one of the South’s most iconic independent bookstores, or browse the historic Nielsen’s Department Store, which has been serving the community since 1839. 

Walk up the outside stairs to End of all Music, an independent record store offering both new and used vinyl, the Bar Muse, and as many boutiques featuring young Southern fashion as you can handle.

Visit the Ole Miss campus for an SEC sporting event and to walk around the University Museum, the Civil Rights monument and the Living Blues Magazine Mississippi Blues Trail Marker.  

Oxford’s Food & Drink Scene

Good Day Café has quickly become a go-to lunch spot. The current location opened in April 2024 by two Ole Miss grads. This full-service café, located in a renovated filling station, serves up its signature “Good Burger,” a smash burger (owner Ross says the beef from Como, Mississippi, is the secret ingredient) with fried shallots, house pickles, and garlic mustard aioli. Other favorites include the “Good Day-o-Fish”, a Mississippi catfish sandwich, and the jalapeño-infused “Good Salad.” Pair your meal with a craft beer (such as a Wiseacre Tiny Bomb) or one of their creative cocktails (Ghost of Amelia is a fave) for the full experience.

When hunger strikes, grab a table at City Grocery. The well-known restaurant was once a favorite haunt of acclaimed writers and still is a local fave today. With features such as Southern shrimp and grits and appetizers that could make an entire meal, such as the sausage balls served with smoked cheddar fondue, you will know you are in the deep south.  Order a bottle of red and enjoy dining in the dimly lit restaurant full of charm.

Food lovers should make a stop at Saint Leo, a chic Italian eatery known for its woodfired pizzas and handmade pasta.  A 2017 James Beard Foundation “Best New Restaurant” semifinalist, Saint Leo brings a perfect blend of big-city sophistication and small-town warmth.  Inspired by owner Emily Blount’s passion for hospitality, the restaurant prioritizes sustainability, seasonal ingredients, and local purveyors to create dishes that are both fresh and flavorful.

Just down the street, The Sipp offers a lively atmosphere with expertly crafted cocktails and standout small plates — don’t skip the Brussels sprouts.

SoLa, short for South Lamar (the street that it is on), is known for their weekly ramen creations. Diners can also find influences of the Gulf Coast region, the South Pacific and Mediterranean here. The locals also know the spot for its oysters. We enjoyed grilled oysters, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Italian Crunch Salad, Braised Short Ribs served with Guinness brown gravy, and a bottle of wine whose proceeds go to a charitable organization.

Bottletree Bakery is just off the Square, and celebrating 30 years of feeding Oxford with cozy carbs, Bottletree Bakery is busy and buzzy. You’ll find everything from sweet pastries to specialty coffees and breakfast sandwiches at this simple bakery filled with unsimple art.

Find more to discover in Oxford at Visit Oxford. 

Tupelo

While not as well known as Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, Tupelo is the birthplace of the King of Rock, Elvis Presley. Many people are hooked by Elvis history as a reason to visit, but are then amazed by the culinary trail in town. Tupelo boasts 200 restaurants and is along the 444 mile National Parkway, the Natchez Trace. The city has recently announced the availability of direct flights from Dallas to this north Mississippi gem. Visiting Tupelo will leave you understanding what Van Morrison meant as he sang about “Tupelo Honey”.

Located in the heart of Tupelo, Hotel Tupelo offers modern accommodations with a boutique feel. One of the best perks? Free bicycles for guests, making it easy to explore downtown. 

No trip to Tupelo is complete without a visit to the birthplace of the King of Rock & Roll. The Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum complex includes Elvis’ childhood home, the chapel where he first sang gospel music, and a collection of exhibits dedicated to his early years. Fans can even take a stroll along the Elvis Guitar Trail, a fun way to explore the town’s deep musical roots. Look out for some big celebrations this year, honoring Elvis’ 90th birthday!

Mississippi’s first and only meadery, Queen’s Reward Meadery, is a hidden gem for craft beverage lovers. Offering 12 varieties of mead (a honey-based alcoholic drink), this spot is a must-visit for a tasting session. The “Meade Me in Mississippi” and “Delta Dry” are among the most popular options, and visitors can take home a souvenir glass with their tasting. The beverage is most like wine and can be enjoyed alone or mixed with other spirits for a delicious cocktail. Open Thursday through Saturday, it’s the perfect stop for a sweet sip.

Vintage lovers will enjoy browsing the 2-story Relic Antique Market, a treasure trove of vinyl records, retro kitchenware, and other nostalgic finds.

Local Tupelo Eats

For a taste of classic Tupelo, Johnnie’s Drive-In is an 80-year old no-frills, cash-only joint that’s been serving up Southern comfort food for decades. A favorite among locals (and a spot Elvis himself visited), it’s the place to go for a classic diner experience. Whether you’re in the mood for their famous Dough Burger, a fried chicken salad, or even a simple hot dog, you can slide into Elvis’ favorite booth for some noshing. 

For a more upscale meal, Woody’s Steakhouse offers a more refined dining experience. While the steaks are the star of the show, don’t miss their quirky dessert option — Snickers Ravioli, a deep-fried, chocolatey treat.

For breakfast, head to Connie’s Fried Chicken, a fast-food choice known for its Southern biscuits (topped with eggs, sausage, and gravy, of course), and legendary blueberry donuts — keeps locals and visitors coming back to this discrete eatery.

Find more to discover in Tupelo at Visit Tupelo. 

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Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as KVUE, Daytime (FOX), San Antonio Living, Good Morning Texas, and KXAN!  Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s “Texas Standard”. You can find her on Instagram.

Selena Swartzfager is a travel writer, nonprofit president, an amateur photographer, lover of adventures and life. Her favorite type of travel allows her to learn about history while enjoying things for the first time.  Follow her on Instagram.