Nestled halfway between Atlanta and Dallas — and halfway between Nashville and New Orleans — is the delightful Mississippi town of Meridian. With roots in the railroad industry — which eventually led to its nickname of the “Queen City” — here’s how to make the most of your time here, including where to stay, eat, and play!
DAY ONE
You’ll likely need more than one day to experience the magic of Meridian, so it’s lucky that Downtown Meridian is home to the Threefoot Hotel. Located in a thoughtfully renovated Art Deco building, this is the perfect home base, offering beautifully appointed guest rooms and two on-site eateries.
In the hotel’s lobby, 6:01 Local is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — an ideal place to begin or end your first day in Meridian. On the rooftop, you’ll find The Boxcar, where you can enjoy sweeping views of Downtown as you sip on a signature cocktail or enjoy a light bite.
If you arrive in Meridian in the afternoon and want to venture outside your hotel for lunch, Mia’s Caffe is a popular option. While primarily known for its pizza, the local eatery also serves a variety of delicious sandwiches and pasta.
SB Tip: On select nights, you can also visit Mia’s later in the evening for a cold beer and live music!
Just across the street from Mia’s is the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (also known as The MAX). Open since 2018, the museum is an immersive experience that explores some of the best art and music Mississippi has to offer.
When you first step into the building, you’re greeted by a bright, spacious atrium. Take a few moments to explore the Hall of Fame here, which features notable Mississippi natives like Marty Stuart, Jim Henson, William Faulkner, and Oprah Winfrey.
When you’re ready, head to the second floor to begin your exploration of the museum. Take a seat in the theater to watch an introductory video about some of Mississippi’s most well-known people and places. As you make your way through the self-guided exhibits, you can participate in hands-on activities like creating your own piece of virtual pottery, crafting a meal out of thin air, or making your own quilt square.
After The MAX, it’s time to start exploring the boutiques around Downtown Meridian. Whether you’re looking for on-trend clothing and home decor or just want to window shop, local favorites include Crooked Letter, Belle G Boutique, Generations Fine Paper and Gifts, and Over The Moon.
In need of a pick-me-up after all that shopping? Visit Fare on Eighth for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail!) and a snack. If you visit any day between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., you can enjoy happy hour specials on hummus, pimento cheese, and select specialty cocktails.
For dinner, we recommend Weidmann’s, the oldest restaurant in Mississippi. Known for offering a variety of Southern comfort food, standout menu items include fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and redfish.
SB Tip: Take advantage of Weidmann’s handmade crock on your table! It’s filled with delicious peanut butter.
After dinner, take a brief stroll to Threefoot Brewing. Located inside a historic bank building, the brewpub is known to host live music and offers an extensive menu of lagers, IPAs, and pilsners.
DAY TWO
After a good night’s rest, it’s time to hit the ground running for a fun-filled second day. If you’re traveling with children, a visit to the Mississippi Children’s Museum is first on the agenda. A satellite location of the original museum in Jackson, the Meridian location explores aviation and railroad history, the human body, literature, and more.
Before leaving, stroll through the museum’s 25,000-square-foot garden, which includes a sandbox, a serene waterfall, and climbing structures.
If you’re not traveling with children or prefer to immerse yourself in more of the local history, pay a visit to the Jimmie Rodgers Museum. Inside, you’ll find memorabilia that once belonged to the Meridian native and “Father of Country Music,” as well as artifacts from the era of train travel.
Speaking of trains, the Meridian Railroad Museum is another popular attraction. Sitting adjacent to Meridian Union Station, the museum includes three retired rolling stocks, one of which is a caboose from the nearby Meridian and Bigbee Railroad.
Those looking for quality time outdoors or just a serene place to unwind will enjoy strolling through Bonita Lakes Park. In addition to the three lakes, the park includes equestrian, walking, and biking trails in addition to workout stations and a playground.
Before heading out of town, stop by Harvest Grill for lunch. The menu is chock-full of items featuring fresh seasonal produce. Whether you sit in the main dining room or snag a seat on the patio, you can also enjoy hearty dishes like the Harvest Burger, fish tacos, and the meatloaf sandwich. Be sure to try their signature truffle fries, too!
A BONUS RECOMMENDATION
You can’t go wrong planning your visit around a show at the MSU Riley Center. The performing arts center has been meticulously restored to its 18th-century heyday, offering a magnificent opera house you won’t believe until you see it in person. Past performers have included Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, and so many more.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Meridian, you’ll find charm and beauty around every corner.Â
This article is sponsored by Visit Meridian.
