Jefferson Place
Tupelo

Self-described as "your all time, good time, good food and drink place," the crew at Jefferson Place serve "great southern cuisine" in a "local watering hole" atmosphere. Natives are hard-pressed to pinpoint their favorite dish, but you can’t go wrong with the fried shrimp, chicken tenders, or rib-eye. The sides are always a crowd-pleaser, especially if you like hush puppies, fried okra, and black-eyed peas. This restaurant/bar is located in an old house with big windows and features dark-wood paneling--exuding a welcoming "traditional bar ambience." Live bands set the mood every Thursday night, with "musical selections ranging from blues to rock-and-roll." Read more.

Azaleas Spa and Salon
Gulfport

Most people head to Gulfport to tee off on one of several championship golf courses or to test their luck in the casino. With 26 miles of coastline, this area is also an up-and-coming resort area, offering swimming and jet-skiing opportunities. If you’re seeking a "different environment," outside of water sports, golf, and casinos, then Azaleas Spa and Salon should be your pick. It’s a full-service salon "run by people who really care about your relaxation, image, and health." Treat yourself to a mani-pedi, splurge for a facial, melt away any residual stress with a full-body massage, or change your look with a new hair style.

Kids’ Town Playground
Clinton

Even though Clinton is Mississippi’s tenth largest town, it is home to the state’s largest wooden playground--the Kid’s Town Playground. This is "a unique park built by the citizens of Clinton where children can play, learn, and enjoy nature." Your little ones will be entertained for hours in this park that’s the size of a square city block. Jungle gyms, swings, slides, and a flexible bridge are a few notable features. There’s also a covered pavilion with picnic tables and grills, making it a great spot for groups and birthday parties.

Walkers Drive In
Jackson

Don’t be fooled by the name or its drive-in appeal, Walkers isn’t a drive-in anymore. Like stepping back in time to the ’40s, there’s a lunch counter, diner-style booths, and a chalkboard listing the daily specials. Lightly breaded oysters with brie on top, softshell crabs (in season), and fried portabella mushrooms showcase the kitchen’s "creativity." Other standouts include the Cajun fried chicken salad, cornbread salad, and the cheddar bacon hash. Get a doggie bag if you have to, but don’t miss out of the "fabulous crème Brule," with its freshly caramelized sugar-coated top. For a small, fine-dining experience in the Fondren area of Jackson, Walkers exudes just the right amount of "charm and character."

Beagle Bagel Bakeries
Ridgeland

Going out for bagels might not be your first food choice when you’re in Mississippi, but Beagle Bagel Bakeries will have you coming back for more. Each day they bake up the usual suspects, like plain, sesame, and poppy bagels along with the more exotic blueberry blitz, mozzarella focaccia, and chocolate chip--"almost too many varieties to choose from." For breakfast, the cranberry muffins come highly recommended. Late morning is when the sun starts to shine over the covered outdoor seating area, making it the prime time to devour stuffed bagel sandwiches (hot or cold), chicken noodle soup, or a fresh-baked cookie that’s "large and very special!" Read more.