Browsing: Featured

Just outside the serene town of Flora, Mississippi, lies one of the state’s most captivating natural wonders—the Mississippi Petrified Forest. This rare geological site, nestled among the undulating hills of Madison County, is more than just an unusual roadside attraction. It’s a living museum, a tangible link to Earth’s deep past, and a striking testament to the fact that Mississippi’s narrative began long before humans ever set foot on its soil.

Wren Moore, now six years old, first visited Mississippi’s Art Museum and fell in love with drawing when she was only three years old. Now, Moore is using her love of art to create art galleries of her work at home, helping others.

But for those who have not found time or opportunity to fish with the children they love, the Mississippi Department of wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) offers an entire slate of youth fishing rodeos for the kids in our state.

Mississippi is no stranger to delicious food. The Magnolia State is known for its impeccable cuisine, and no matter how much of it you try, there are always more wonderful options available. Just when you think you’ve seen (or eaten) it all, you’ll stumble into a town you’ve never heard of and eat the best catfish or peach cobbler of your life. In Mississippi, food isn’t just food. It’s a story, a legacy, and a tight warm hug plated to perfection. 

It’s funny how life sometimes gives us precisely what we didn’t know we needed. For Kelsey Keel, PhD, MPH, that gift came during the stillness of the 2020 pandemic. With her professional world on pause and her personal life centered around two young children, something unexpected happened—she slowed down, looked around, and truly saw her neighborhood.

When we talk about the founding of Mississippi, the conversation often drifts to riverboats, cotton empires, or Andrew Jackson’s infamous duels. But tucked quietly into the folds of early American history is a name that deserves far more recognition: David Holmes—a statesman, a gentleman, and the man often called “The Father of Mississippi.”

I love learning something new about our state, be it historical facts, economic stats, or even interesting particulars about Mississippians. I just love learning all things Mississippi. So, it is no wonder that Satartia, Mississippi, grabbed my attention today, as I learned quite a few interesting specifics about this little town.

Without going into her inappropriate discourse on dog pounds and beauty pageants, I do believe that Suzanne Sugarbaker had one thing totally correct: “You will never see a homely Miss Mississippi.”

Tucked into the gentle hills of north Mississippi, just a stone’s throw south of Oxford, you’ll find a place that doesn’t try to be flashy—it simply is what it is: charming, creative, and rich in heart. Welcome to Water Valley.

Fairs are not only fun. They evoke feelings of nostalgia. For many of us, some of our favorite memories are from the fair. Thankfully, fairs are not a thing of the old times. They are still alive and well— thriving and flourishing, even. The Neshoba County Fair is one of Mississippi’s most anticipated fairs. 

Southern Magnolias help define the deep south landscape. Their large, prominent white flowers are hard to miss and are a favorite subject for artists and photographers. Southern Magnolia is the state tree and flower for Mississippi, the Magnolia State, and the state flower of Louisiana. And although the flowers are the main attraction, the plant offers other equally prominent features.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) revealed some exciting news recently, especially for resident artists: To help launch the 2026 Mississippi Spring Turkey Season, the MDWFP is creating the first-ever Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp. 

Hattiesburg is known for its dedication to amplifying the arts and putting on an unforgettable show. Every year, Festival South makes its grand return to the Hub City. As you may know, Festival South is a one-of-a-kind festival where visitors are encouraged to engulf their entire being in the celebration of the arts. 

A recent collaboration between the Lighthouse Academy for Dyslexia, the Resurrection Catholic School Choir, and Sean Gasaway of the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance, has resulted in an inspirational song called “His Story.”

It has been said, and wisely so, that everyone needs a farmer every day, at least three times a day. To take that wisdom a step further, go ahead, and thank a farmer if you ate today.

Chef Jon “JD” Davis of City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi, claimed the title of 2025 King of Mississippi Seafood.  

Each year, states across the nation host their seafood cook-offs, and the winners from each state travel to New Orleans in August for The Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Mississippi Seafood hosts its statewide contest each year in Gulfport, Mississippi.