Browsing: Living

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. 

MOSS POINT—A sea of pink crossed the Escatawpa River October 25 in a show of solidarity supporting breast cancer research for the annual Bras Across the River that always rounds out Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

PASCAGOULA—In 2012, Little Big Town brought popularity to a barge-type vessel that provides fun on the water for a crowd, and its popularity continues creating real-time waterway melodies.

PASCAGOULA—A strong north head wind made the 11.5 miles south on the Pascagoula River a tough paddle this past weekend for the annual Paddle Battle which made finishing and times even more impressive.

PASCAGOULA—Whether you are into the thrill rides, deciding on the best gumbo from food booths or checking out the livestock in the county barn, the annual Jackson County Blue Ribbon Fair has a little something for everyone.

Summer is over – or at least I think it is. One can never be too sure here in Mississippi, when it comes to the changing of the seasons. But It definitely feels as if Autumn is here to stay, at least until Mr. Winter comes roaring in with his usual bouts of icy disdain.

Tucked just south of Newton, Mississippi, along Highway 15, sits one of the state’s most remarkable treasures—Hidden Springs Arabian Horse Farm. At first glance, it looks like an unassuming piece of countryside, but within its 100 acres, visitors find themselves immersed in a world that blends Mississippi tradition with international acclaim.

There’s something special about fall in Mississippi. The air feels just a little lighter, pumpkins start appearing on porches, and families search for ways to celebrate the season together. In Hattiesburg, one of those traditions is Zoo Boo at the Hattiesburg Zoo. This year, the celebration is getting a magical new twist: Where the Wild Things Glow!

It’s officially been over a month since my departure from Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Boston, Massachusetts. I’d be lying if I said the unfamiliar hasn’t been quite daunting at times. Tall buildings. Different cuisine. Walking— lots and lots of walking. 

Mississippi State University invites Bulldogs, guests and other visitors to celebrate homecoming weekend with the reopening of the MAFES Sales Store following its renovation.

As traditional agriculture faces labor shortages, aging farmers and economic pressure, a growing number of Mississippi farms are turning to agritourism to stay afloat. By welcoming visitors for hayrides, corn mazes and school field trips, farms like Seward Farms in Lucedale are creating jobs, educating the next generation and boosting local economies. 

Throughout the state, the teachers of Mississippi work tirelessly to not only teach our children, but to make that learning fun. Just browse any school’s social media page or ask local kids or parents, and you will find out that our students are engaged, encouraged, and motivated to learn – and have fun while they’re doing it.

GAUTIER—Coastal Mississippi offers a wide variety of experiences on many different stages, but only Eco-Tours of South Mississippi can offer an up close and personal tour of the beauty and serenity of the wild and undeveloped waterways of Jackson County.

I moved from Mississippi to Massachusetts on September 7, 2025. Eager to finally embark on a new journey, I did not know how much of a cultural shock I would experience. Below are three of the first differences I have noticed within nearly a month of arriving. 

PASCAGOULA—Whether you are a competitive kayaker or a leisurely kayaker enjoying scenery, the Pascagoula River Paddle Battle has something for everyone on its 11.5-mile course.