A hidden gem that makes a perfect stop along your next road trip, Corinth, MS, offers some unexpected fun. Less than two hours from major cities like Tupelo, MS, and Memphis, TN, this charming town offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a history buff or culinary enthusiast, here are five reasons to add Corinth to your road trip bucket list!
A Rich Civil War History
The city of Corinth played a pivotal role in the Civil War, and now it houses a few museums that commemorate its place in history. To see and learn about that history in one place, carve out time to visit the Civil War Interpretive Center. The museum includes a variety of interactive exhibits that dive deep into the Battle of Shiloh, the Siege, and the Battle of Corinth.
The Civil War Interpretive Center perfectly sets the scene for the Corinth Contraband Camp, which is just a short drive from the museum. During the war, it housed nearly 6,000 newly freed slaves. Although the camp’s physical structures no longer stand, you can stroll through the grounds and see metal statues that serve as examples of people who likely resided there. The grounds were once home to multiple houses, a church, a school, and a hospital.
The Famous Slugburger
If you’ve never tried (or even heard of) a slugburger, Corinth is the perfect place to indulge in one — it’s where the burger reportedly originated. As the story goes, a man named John Weeks moved to Corinth during the Great Depression and used his knowledge of the beef industry to create a brand-new burger recipe.
John used ground pork, soy flour, and spices in his patties to save money for himself and restaurant-goers. The burger was then flattened, deep-fried, and topped with mustard, onions, and pickles. He charged a nickel (also known as a “slug”) for each burger. And so, the famous dish was born.
There are a few places around town to grab an authentic slug burger, but Borroum’s is a beloved institution among both locals and tourists. As Mississippi’s oldest operating drug store and soda fountain, the eatery has been a staple since 1865. Don’t forget to pair your burger with one of the restaurant’s legendary milkshakes!
The Corinth Coca-Cola Museum
As home to one of the few independently owned U.S. Coca-Cola bottlers, the Corinth Coca-Cola Museum is also a must. Located across the street from the Corinth Coca-Cola Headquarters, the museum features a collection of Coke memorabilia and old-fashioned drink machines.
SB Tip: The Coca-Cola Museum is sometimes closed on the weekends, so be sure to call before your visit to ensure they’re open.
Beautiful Historic Structures
As you stroll the sidewalks of Corinth, you’ll see countless beautiful historic homes and buildings — many of which can be found on the 60 Sights in 60 Minutes Historic Walking Tour.
While some of the structures are privately owned, a few are open to the general public. For example, Generals’ Quarters Inn is a boutique hotel in the historic Dilworth-Bynum Home, which was constructed in 1872. Meanwhile, the Verandah-Curlee House is now a popular museum you can tour.
Although you can’t go inside, homes that serve as good photo ops include the Sekels-Rubel House, the Gift-Williams Home, and the Duncan House.
The Crossroads at Corinth
Originally called Cross City, Corinth also played a significant role in the railroad industry, thanks to its location at the intersection of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad and the Mobile & Ohio Railroad. This eventually led to Corinth’s nickname, the “Crossroads of the South.”
You can see the physical railroad intersection behind Corinth’s Crossroads Museum, which offers a deeper look into the city’s history. Exhibits explore everything from the Civil War’s relation to the railroad industry to the famous eatery, Dilworth’s Tamales. Visitors can also step inside a vintage train caboose for up-close views of a cannon used during the Battle of Shiloh.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Corinth, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime!
This article is sponsored by Visit Corinth.
