Top 10 things to do in Mississippi

Blues, soul and rock'n'roll were born and bred way down in Mississippi. You won't be able to keep still at Morgan Freeman's world-famous blues venue, Ground Zero in Clarksdale. And if you want to find out the stories behind the music, visit the B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola or the GRAMMY Museum in Cleveland - both featured on the Mississippi Blues Trail.

• The Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum - opened in celebration of the state’s bicentennial - are two interconnected museums where Mississippians tell their own stories of the state’s rich and complex history. They present the state as never before with eye-popping artifacts, photographs, videos and so many interactive exhibits.

• Did somebody say Elvis? Experience the first part of Elvis' incredible story at the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo. From the shotgun shack where he took his first breath to the church where he sang his first song and the hardware store where he strummed his first guitar.

• The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre features state-of-the-art films, interactive exhibits, artefacts and activities that tell of the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta and the life of bluesman B.B. King.

• The only one of its kind outside of Los Angeles, the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is dedicated to exploring the past, present and future of music, while casting a focussed spotlight on the deep musical roots of Mississippi.

• If you get to visit Natchez on a pretty day, then you will witness one of the most amazing sunsets as its perched on a natural bluff above the Mississippi River with 30 mile views of the river both north and south. In the 1850s Natchez had more millionaires per capita than anywhere in America and many of the historic antebellum homes and gardens are open daily for tours.

• During the American Civil War Vicksburg was the South's stronghold of control of the Mississippi River and the National Military Park stands in commemoration of the campaign for Vicksburg and to those who served as well as the thousands who lost their lives.

• You can talk about the blues all day long and famous blues artists like B.B. King, Son House, John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. But to really appreciate the Mississippi Delta blues music, you have to follow the Mississippi Blues Trail, a fascinating trip whether or not you are a blues fan.

• Cruisin' The Coast began in 1996 as a festival to celebrate antique, classic and hot rod vehicles and nostalgic music. Car enthusiasts drive to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in early October to showcase their rides and to cruise the beautiful 30-mile stretch of beachside highway.

• Oxford is the cultural mecca of the South and home of the University of Mississippi - renowned for its deep-rooted history, charm and culture.

• When it comes to arts and entertainment, Mississippi is a land of legends. The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience, opened Spring 2018, and showcases their global legacy.

Need some help planning your Mississippi holiday? Please do get in touch - our Mississippi State experts are always pleased to hear from you!