October 15, 2025

Mississippi Towns Shine in Southern Recognition

Mississippi, October 15, 2025

News Summary

Several towns in Mississippi have gained recognition for their charm and character in 2025. Starkville was named the ‘Best Small Town of the South,’ showcasing its vibrant spirit and academic energy. Natchez, Vicksburg, Holly Springs, and more have their unique features and attractions, from antebellum homes to vibrant cultural scenes. Each town offers something special, making Mississippi a must-visit destination for those seeking history, culture, and hospitality.

Starkville: A Southern Gem

Welcome to Starkville, a town that has just been crowned the “Best Small Town of the South” in 2025! Thanks to its vibrant spirit and a mix of history, culture, and a dash of Southern hospitality, Starkville is making quite the name for itself. The town is nestled right next to Mississippi State University, where students and academics fill the streets with energy and charm.

Among the must-see attractions in Starkville is the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, where history buffs can dive deep into the past and discover fascinating stories about the nation’s 18th president. Then there’s the Davis Wade Stadium, which comes alive during SEC football weekends—a true feast for sports fans! But don’t forget to explore the Cotton District, known for its lively architecture, eclectic dining options, and an energetic nightlife scene.

The community really knows how to celebrate, too! Events like the King Cotton Crawfish Boil and those jubilant SEC football weekends are prime examples of what makes Starkville a bustling hub attracting visitors from all over.

Natchez: A Step Back in Time

Natchez is another star shining bright in Mississippi, having snagged a spot on Southern Living’s “South’s Best Small Towns” list. With over 600 antebellum homes, including notable ones like Stanton Hall and Dunleith, the town is a beautiful showcase of rich architectural history.

Visitors can wander through the Under-the-Hill District, where historic buildings have been lovingly transformed into restaurants, shops, and live music venues, perfect for an enjoyable day out. Don’t miss the Natchez Balloon Festival each fall, where colorful hot air balloons brighten the sky above the serene Mississippi River.

Vicksburg: A Look into History

Vicksburg is a heavy hitter. This lovely town was named one of Smithsonian Magazine’s “15 Best Small Towns to Visit” in 2025. The Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of a critical Civil War siege and is packed with monuments, earthworks, and trails for those who love to explore history.

Don’t overlook the stunning Riverview murals, which turn downtown Vicksburg’s floodwalls into a canvas of public art showcasing local culture. And if you’re a soda enthusiast, the Bierderharn Coca-Cola Museum serves up a fizzy history lesson on the beloved beverage!

Charming Holly Springs

Holly Springs greets visitors with its charming 19th-century storefronts and a friendly community vibe centered around the Marshall County Courthouse Square. The Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery is a must-visit, displaying an impressive collection of over 1,000 paintings donated by a local artist. Nature lovers can head to the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, a natural preserve perfect for birdwatchers.

The Revival in Laurel

Laurel, a town that is experiencing an incredible revival! Thanks to the buzz generated by HGTV’s Home Town, places like Laurel Mercantile Co. are drawing in visitors eager to explore new finds. Don’t miss the beautiful Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi’s first art museum, featuring a diverse range of artworks. For a little outdoor fun, head to Mason Park for a family picnic!

Ocean Springs: Coastal Vibes

Ocean Springs is gaining recognition for its vibrant cultural scene. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art is dedicated to the works of local coastal painter Walter Anderson, showcasing the beauty of Southern artistry. And for those who love adventure, Davis Bayou within the Gulf Islands National Seashore offers perfect opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing.

Small yet Mighty: Canton and More

Canton ranks 66th on the list of best small towns in America! The historic Canton Square Historic District is full of charm with its cute shops and cafes. Don’t forget to visit the Canton Multicultural Center and Museum, which offers insights into the area’s rich civil rights history.

With its historical significance, Corinth attracts attention through the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center and the Crossroads Museum. Meanwhile, Oxford has been acknowledged as one of the Top 25 Best College Towns in the U.S., boasting a delightful Downtown Square filled with unique shops, cafés, and the famous Square Books.

Last but not least, Hattiesburg has been spotted as one of the “South’s Best Cities on the Rise”. With fun attractions like the The Lucky Rabbit vintage store, the Hattiesburg Zoo, and the African American Military History Museum, there’s something for everyone!

With history, culture, fantastic festivals, and welcoming communities, Mississippi towns are bursting with character and charm in 2025.

FAQ

What town was recognized as the Best Small Town of the South in 2025?: Starkville has been recognized as the “Best Small Town of the South” by USA Today in 2025.
What attractions can you find in Starkville?: Notable attractions include the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and Davis Wade Stadium.
Which festival in Natchez features colorful hot air balloons?: The Natchez Balloon Festival, held each fall, features colorful hot air balloons over the Mississippi River.
What significant historical site is located in Vicksburg?: The Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of a significant Civil War siege and includes monuments, earthworks, and trails.
What unique features does Holly Springs offer?: Holly Springs is known for its 19th-century storefronts and community vibe centered around Marshall County Courthouse Square.
What popular destination is located along the Gulf Coast?: Ocean Springs was recognized by USA Today in 2025 for its vibrant cultural scene along the Gulf Coast.
What notable market does Canton host?: The Canton Flea Market.
Which town is known for its unique downtown square?: Oxford earned accolades as one of the Top 25 Best College Towns in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2025.
What attractions can you find in Hattiesburg?: Attractions in Hattiesburg include The Lucky Rabbit vintage store, the Hattiesburg Zoo, and the African American Military History Museum.

Key Features of Mississippi Towns in 2025

Town	Recognition	Unique Features	Key Attractions
Starkville	Best Small Town of the South	Academic energy and Southern hospitality	Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, Davis Wade Stadium
Natchez	South’s Best Small Towns	Over 600 antebellum homes	Natchez Balloon Festival
Vicksburg	15 Best Small Towns to Visit	Historical significance	Vicksburg National Military Park
Holly Springs		19th-century storefronts	Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery
Laurel		Revival of historic downtown	Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Ocean Springs		Vibrant cultural scene	Walter Anderson Museum of Art
Canton	66th best small town	Historical charm	Canton Flea Market
Oxford	Top 25 Best College Towns	Unique downtown square	Square Books
Hattiesburg	Best Cities on the Rise	Fun attractions	The Lucky Rabbit, Hattiesburg Zoo

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Starkville Crowned Best Small Town in the South
Starkville Prepares for a College Football Clash
Oxford Recognized as a Top College Town in the U.S.
Exploring Top Girlfriends’ Getaway Destinations in Mississippi
Columbus Honors Main Street Revitalization Achievements
Starkville Joins the Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests
Starkville Named Best Small Town in the South Again
Starkville, Mississippi Named Best Small Town in the South for 2025
Starkville Competes for Best Small Town in the South
Starkville Leads in Best Small Town Contest

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER

The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER

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