Browsing: Living

Local shops, good food, and a relaxed way to tackle your gift list.

Downtown Summit has become an unexpectedly great spot for holiday shopping. The stretch along Robb Street mixes vintage finds, local art, cozy cafés, and independent shops in a way that makes wandering from place to place actually enjoyable. If you want to keep your shopping local — or just avoid the chaos of bigger towns — Summit is an easy win.

If you’ve ever walked into Sugaree’s Bakery in New Albany, then you already know this truth: some places don’t just smell good — they feel good. And Sugaree’s is one of those places where the air is thick with butter, sugar, and just enough nostalgia to stop you in your tracks before you make it all the way to the counter. It hits you right in the childhood.

Mississippi has one of the lowest rates of homelessness in the United States. However, our state isn’t without its challenges, like increased homelessness in Jackson and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with both areas reporting rising numbers. There are many reasons why someone may find themselves without housing, and finding a solution can often feel overwhelming. But helping people experiencing homelessness doesn’t have to be hopeless, especially during the winter months.

MOSS POINT—Mississippi will join other states across the country on December 13 to as part of Wreaths Across America to honor veterans who are interned in cemeteries across the state.

Throughout our nation’s history, countless Mississippians have served in the military, both at home and abroad. Even before attaining official statehood in 1817, many Mississippians joined the militia during the War of 1812

MOSS POINT—Regardless of where you call home, Burnham’s in Moss Point is opening its doors for its 35th annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, November 16, from noon until 4 p.m.

MOSS POINT—The sounds of roaring engines will fill the downtown area in Moss Point November 15 and 16 for the annual Roar on the River drag boat races.

OCEAN SPRINGS—It’s here—The 47th Annual Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival where guests from all across the region gather in Ocean Springs to find those one-of-a-kind treasures for themselves or to fulfill gift checklists. Others enjoy the atmosphere, the food and the music.  No matter the reason, there is always something for everyone at the festival.

When I was a kid growing up in Pascagoula, adventure started in my backyard. My best friend and I would lug an old aluminum boat down to the water, haul out a car battery to hook up the trolling motor, and pack snacks, Cokes, and whatever else we could scrounge out of the cabinets into a bag. The plan—at least at first—was always to make it all the way to Round Island, that mysterious speck on the horizon that seemed impossibly far away to two kids in a twelve-foot boat

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST—It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas along the 44-mile stretch of the Mississippi Gulf Coast with festivals and parades from state line to state line.

On Monday, November 17, 2025, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) invites Mississippians of all ages to celebrate the natural beauty of our state by participating in National Take a Hike Day on November 17, 2025. It’s the perfect opportunity for everyone to visit one of Mississippi’s State Parks and hike some of the most scenic trails in the southeastern portion of the United States. In fact, all across our state, MDWFP has the perfect spot for families and friends to come and celebrate this yearly national event that focuses on healthy exercise and the great outdoors.

Here’s a list of North Mississippi Christmas parades happening this year — mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate!

MOSS POINT—Moss Point’s riverfront and harbor will once again be a shining spot where boaters and guests from across the coast gather to kick off the Christmas season. 

November is considered the “National Gratitude Month” as it includes Thanksgiving which is a holiday that celebrates the harvest and…

When my boys were growing up, there was nothing quite as fun for them as their school’s annual fall festival. It was the perfect time of year for our family and the entire community to come together in celebration of the beautiful autumn weather. They looked forward to playing games of all sorts and winning little prizes. The food and fellowship made each year’s festival even better — especially for me, because I got to see how their classmates grew and changed from year to year. 

Vardaman, Mississippi, will always be home to me. 

Granted, my family only moved there when I was 11 years old, but for me, it is the place where I first learned the meaning of community, and the first place where I felt like a member of a community. My lifelong friendships were forged there during the last, sweet days of my childhood. I also learned the importance of having and being an integral part of a church family back there in Vardaman. And that childhood church home was where I married my husband over 46 years ago.