Browsing: Featured

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. 

When people think of Mississippi, they often envision magnolia trees, blues music, catfish dinners, and the slow, storied flow of the Mississippi River. But venture deep into the dense pine forests and murky swamps of the state’s less-tamed regions, and you might hear whispers of something far more mysterious: Bigfoot.

In April 1866, around a year after the Civil War had concluded, a group of Columbus women gathered in Friendship Cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers who had fallen at Shiloh. As they completed their task, they recognized graves of Union soldiers nearby that were bare and hadn’t received visitors. So they chose to lay a few stems for those men, too. The groundbreaking act of unity, recognized not as a fallen Confederate or a fallen Union soldier, but as a fallen American, offered healing after the Civil War that inspired the creation of Memorial Day as a national observance. 

When Morgan Freeman’s deep, commanding voice graces a film, audiences across the world pause to listen. Yet beyond his unmistakable tone and iconic screen presence lies a deep-rooted connection to a place as soulful and resilient as the actor himself: Mississippi.

In this artsy coastal town, the familiar rumble of trains will soon carry a new significance. 

Trains that once transported cargo will begin carrying passengers again — something residents and local businesses hope will bring new life to the downtown economy. 

Mississippi is often recognized for its rich musical legacy, Southern hospitality, and deep historical roots. Yet, it is also home to a legacy of innovations and inventions that many may not associate with the Magnolia State. From medical firsts to everyday household staples, Mississippi has quietly helped shape modern life in remarkable ways. Below are six inventions and breakthroughs that were either developed in Mississippi or by Mississippi natives— each leaving a lasting impact on the world.

May is Older Americans Month. It’s an annual observance led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to acknowledge the contributions of older Americans, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults. The 2025 theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” focuses on transforming perceptions and approaches to aging.