Mississippi is the birthplace of blues
Mississippi has some serious musical pedigree. Other than the one and only Elvis Presley, there's an endless list of notable musicians that have come out of this southern state. Without its musical heritage, we would have never heard the sounds of B.B. King or Howlin Wolf. Fast-forward to today and Mississippi isn't just known for its music, or its iconic river. Travelers come to stay in Mississippi vacation rentals to gorge on southern cuisine, walk in the national parks, or kick back on the sunny beaches that flank the Gulf of Mexico.
Legends of Mississippi
If you're a fan of the King, then be sure to do the pilgrimage to the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum. It was 1935 when the little wooden house in Tupelo saw the birth of one of history's most iconic singers. Continue down your musical road with a visit to the B.B. King Museum, a place dedicated to the greatest blues musician the world ever knew. If you stay in a Mississippi vacation rental near Leland with kids, you're not going to want to miss the Jim Henson Exhibition, a museum which celebrates the life of the man who brought you the Muppets.
The Magnolia State of Mississippi awaits
The Magnolia State teems with outdoor space, whether it's mixed pine hardwood forests or the flat waterways of the delta. Other than winter sports, there are few outdoor activities that can't be done in the state. When you stay at a Mississippi vacation rental, you can glide down the waterways on kayaks, hike along the forested trails in the national parks, or set sail and spend a sunny afternoon on the Gulf of Mexico. If you're an angler, you've got plenty of peaceful banks to position yourself on, whether it's to cast into the sea or the mighty Mississippi River.
Skip the crowds in Mississippi
Apart from hurricane season, between September and October, there's no right or wrong time to book a Mississippi vacation rental. Summer sees the biggest influx of travelers, particularly along the coastal beaches. It's the hottest and most humid time to visit, but a cool breeze off the Gulf of Mexico keeps the climate feeling comfortable. If you'd prefer to skip the crowds and don't mind the drop in temperature, try the winter and spring, between November and April, when the vacation rental prices take a nosedive and the beaches and national parks are almost empty.
Sea cows and black bears in Mississippi
The hills and valleys, deltas and pine woodland all make the perfect habitat for a range of wild creatures. If spotting wildlife is important, try to book a Mississippi vacation rental during late spring and summer, when the critters are out in force. Manatees, often called sea cows, are more associated with Florida. Throughout the summer, these gentle beasts work their way up the deltas and waterways of Mississippi. Further inland you might catch a glimpse of 1 of the 2 species of bear and keep your eyes peeled for gators that lurk around in the rivers.
How to get to and around Mississippi
Fly into Evers Intl. Airport (JAN), the closest airport, located 39.6 mi (63.8 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Meridian, MS (MEI-Meridian Regional), which is 38.2 mi (61.5 km) away.
If you're traveling by train, Meridian Union Station, Jackson Station and Laurel Station are the main stations that serve the city.