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Vacation in Tupelo - Mississippi
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Jump to:
Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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Area Overview
Located in the foothills of Northeast Mississippi, Tupelo is the epicenter of America’s music, where, in 1935, the world’s greatest entertainer was born in a two-room shotgun shack. The gospel tunes he sang in his boyhood church, the soulful blues that he heard coming from the juke joints in the Shakerag district, and the country music that he listened to on the radio from his front porch, enabled Elvis Presley to blend the sounds and deliver what we all know as Rock ‘N Roll, to the masses.
Visitors can immerse themselves in America’s musical heritage, by beginning their journey in a town called Tupelo. Travelers to the city can experience the first part of Elvis’ incredible story by visiting the birthplace where he took his first breath, the church where he sang his first song, and the hardware store where he strummed his first guitar. A larger-than-life statue commemorating his 1956 Homecoming concert stands in Tupelo’s Fairpark District, and a driving tour highlighting 13 significant places in Elvis’ childhood is also part of the visitor experience.
Getting to Tupelo is as much a part of the experience as spending time in this Center of Positivity. The rhythms of this southern town that gave rise to the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll began with the Chickasaw natives who traveled the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway over 10,000 years ago. Reaching from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, this national scenic byway is headquartered in Tupelo and still invites guests to find their own adventure, whether on two wheels or four.
Tupelo serves as the hub for northeast Mississippi. With quality accommodations, exciting events, unique attractions, three distinct shopping districts, and over 100 restaurants offering a selection of cuisines, Tupelo’s rhythms resound in the visitors who come back time and time again, because in Tupelo, anything is possible. Imagine what you can do here!
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Things to Do |
Recreation & Fitness
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Festival season is in swing all year round in Tupelo. From special events that pay homage to Elvis Presley’s influence on America’s music to celebrations of the thriving arts organizations in this community, Tupelo’s festivals attract a large, diverse audience, truly offering something for everyone to get out and enjoy. From Chili Fest in October and the Don’t Be Cruel BBQ Duel in March to the Wine Downtown in April and the Tupelo Craft Beer Festival, Tupelo also celebrates its food culture through its annual festivals.
Tupelo’s culinary landscape is an ever-evolving scene whose constant is its ability to satiate any appetite. Perennial southern favorites like lip-smacking barbecue, golden fried chicken, and every soul satisfying side dish to be had, are readily available. From food trucks to farm-fresh creations and haute-cuisine, Tupelo is blazing an epicurean trail through the state of Mississippi. Let your mouth water by following #tupelofoodie on Twitter and Instagram. Tupelo’s food culture is also inspired by Elvis, inviting patrons to enjoy a meal where he was known to eat. Johnnie’s Drive-In is a full-service drive-in restaurant, serving up the same diner food that Elvis loved. Guests can even sit where he sat in the “Elvis Booth.”
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Cultural Activities
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Immerse yourself in America’s Civil War with a visit to Tupelo, MS. The Battle of Brice’s Crossroads, the Battle of Tupelo/Harrisburg, and the Battle of Old Town Creek were the last stands of the Confederate cavalry in Northeast Mississippi, during the summer of 1864. Today, visitors can walk in the footsteps of soldiers who defended this land and delve deeper into these decisive battles that occurred in and around Tupelo.
The Mississippi’s Final Stands Interpretive Center serves as a guide to enthusiasts interested in Mississippi’s place in the Civil War. The center’s many interpretive exhibits explain the state’s role in the Civil War and how the battles fought here were significant to the progress of the war. A film also chronicles the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads and its significance to the war and military history.
Located just minutes from the center is Brice’s Crossroads National Battlefield where guests can walk the1,600-acre hallowed ground. A one-acre site maintained by the National Park Service at the site of the Brice house contains a monument and two cannons which commemorate the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads. Adjacent to the monument is Bethany Historic Cemetery which contains a mass grave of Confederate soldiers and markers for ninety-six Confederate soldiers who were known to have been killed during the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads.
The Tupelo National Battlefield site is marked in the heart of town. The first day of the Battle of Tupelo/Harrisburg was fought here with over 20,000 soldiers and was the last time that Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest's renowned cavalry fought Union infantry during the Civil War. Across town, the Battle of Town Creek interprets the second day of fighting during the Battle of Tupelo/Harrisburg.
Tupelo’s Civil War history is further preserved through the Heritage Trails Enrichment Program, marking significant sites throughout town. From makeshift hospitals and prisons to homes where famous generals stayed, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of what life was like for soldiers and residents of Northeast Mississippi during the war.
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Attractions
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Tupelo’s beat resounds in the many attractions that showcase the city’s unique southern charm. From the incredible Tupelo Automobile Museum exhibiting over 100 antique and classic cars and the interactive HealthWorks! Kids Museum teaching kids to make healthy choices, to the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo housing over 300 animals representing 87 different species, there is truly something for every visitor to enjoy. Tupelo’s rich cultural history is also presented through a Civil War trail and a Civil Rights and African American Heritage trail.
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Transportation |
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Climate |
Monthly Temperatures / Rainfall
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Low
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Avg
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High
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Rain |
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January
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30.5
F°
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40.4
F°
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50.3
F°
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5.1
"
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February
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33.5
F°
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44.8
F°
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56.0
F°
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4.7
"
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March
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41.4
F°
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53.1
F°
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64.8
F°
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6.3
"
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April
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48.2
F°
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60.9
F°
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73.5
F°
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4.9
"
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May
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57.7
F°
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69.3
F°
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81.0
F°
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5.8
"
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June
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65.7
F°
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76.8
F°
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88.0
F°
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4.8
"
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July
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69.8
F°
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80.6
F°
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91.4
F°
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3.7
"
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August
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68.2
F°
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79.5
F°
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90.9
F°
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2.7
"
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September
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61.7
F°
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73.3
F°
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84.9
F°
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3.4
"
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October
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48.8
F°
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61.9
F°
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74.9
F°
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3.4
"
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November
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40.0
F°
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51.5
F°
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63.0
F°
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5.0
"
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December
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33.2
F°
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43.4
F°
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53.6
F°
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6.1
"
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Best Time To Go:
Summer and fall.
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The climate of Tupelo is mild with an average summer highs of 92 degree and lows of 68 degrees. Average winter temperatures range from highs of 54 degrees to lows of 32 degrees.
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Accommodations |
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Tupelo offers over 1900 rooms to choose from - all conveniently located to the many restaurants and attractions.
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Costs |
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Additional Information
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Visitor Information
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Back to:
Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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