Reviewed by: Patience Itson
5 reasons you’ll want to visit Vicksburg, MS this spring, including their new passport program
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Only four hours from downtown Birmingham, Vicksburg, Mississippi is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway full of fun activities, unique events, a delicious food scene and more. With a brand-new program where you’ll get rewarded for marking things off your bucket list, plus a full schedule of spring events, there’s no better time to discover everything to love about this special town. Keep reading for an overview of must-do’s on your trip.
1. Attend unique events
Spring is the time for warm weather, fresh flowers and tons of outdoor events. Vicksburg has so many incredible things to do this season you’ll want to pack your bags right now. Here’s a look into a few:
Tara Wildlife’s Spring Outdoor and Birding Weekend
Head to Tara Wildlife in Vicksburg for a weekend adventure in the great outdoors. With canoeing, hiking and wildlife watching on the agenda, this event is a must for nature lovers. Here are some of the birds you could spot:
- Wood Stork
- Roseate Spoonbill
- Great Egret
- Prothonotary Warbler
- Painted Bunting
- Indigo Bunting
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Baltimore Oriole
- Where: 6791 Eagle Lake Shore Rd, Vicksburg, MS 39183
- When: May 6-May 8
- Tickets
Symphony at Sunset
Calling all music fans! This is the event for you. Enjoy a night of free musical entertainment from the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. There’s no better way to kick off Memorial Day Weekend than with a concert at Vicksburg National Military Park. Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs, and get there early to secure a good spot for family and friends.
- When: Saturday, May 28 I 7PM
- Where: 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183
- Cost: Free
Second Saturday
Wondering what Second Saturday is? Every second Saturday of the month, Vicksburg hosts a series of unique free events and activities downtown. Some likely to be on the agenda: live music, performing arts, sidewalk sales, games, shopping and dining specials. Whatever you happen upon, you can expect something special, so don’t miss out.
2. Eat fantastic cuisine
Vicksburg is home to several mouthwatering restaurants that are sure to satisfy everyone. Here’s a look at a few of the local favorites:
10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill
Talk about dinner with a view! 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill is the place to go for the best views in Vicksburg along with incredible cuisine. Located on the rooftop of the First National Building, this is the perfect casual dinner spot to enjoy the sunset and a couple of drinks after a fun-filled day downtown.
Dive into Southern staples like their shrimp and grits, fried chicken sandwich or double chocolate bread pudding. Feeling fancy? You can opt for their delicious Steak Frites, Filet Mignon or salmon dishes.
Relish Bistro
Voted the best Italian food in Vicksburg, Relish Bistro is a cozy, casual spot serving elevated dishes like fried goat cheese and tomato salad, Caprese Flatbread and Shrimp Polenta as well as Italian classics like Chicken Parmesan, Bolognese and Chicken Fettuccine.
Walnut Hills Restaurant
Have you ever heard of Walnut Hills? Their food is world renowned with mentions from Good Morning America, Southern Living, Saveur, Delta Magazine, 1000 Places to See Before You Die and more. This is classic southern food that is good for the soul with recipes that have been passed down for generations. Try their made-from-scratch cornbread, handmade biscuits and their famous fried chicken.
3. Visit unforgettable attractions
It’s time to get back to your roots and spend a weekend experiencing southern history in Vicksburg. Trace the origins of one of the world’s best sodas at the Beidenharn Coca-Cola Museum, see antique furniture, antebellum clothing and more at the Old Court House Museum and head to the Catfish Row Museum to learn even more about the diverse history of the town.
Here’s a few more attractions you have to hit on your trip:
- Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum—This museum explores the history of Mississippi River life and the river’s relationship with local society.
- Old Depot Museum—Great for civil War enthusiasts, this museum showcases an immersive diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg.
- Southern Heritage Air Museum—Perfect for those fascinated by flight, this museum has a range of historical artifacts related to the nation’s history of aviation.
- USS Cairo—A Union gunboat that sunk in 1862 and is now displayed at Vicksburg National Military Park.
- Vicksburg National Military Park—During the Civil War, Vicksburg was a central war zone and this park contains remnants and commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg.
4. Participate in the Passport Program
If you’ve ever been out of the country, you know how satisfying it is to get your passport stamped. It’s a great way to mark off new places and now you don’t have to travel the world to do it. Vicksburg has announced the release of their City Attractions Passport, a free book the size of a traveler’s passport that allows Vicksburg tourists to collect stamps from museums, tour homes and other landmark attractions around the city.
The passport contains interesting descriptions, information and contacts for the eight participating attractions and 11 tour homes. Once a visitor collects five stamps in their passport, they can redeem it at the Vicksburg Visitors Information Center for a free #VisitVicksburg T-shirt.
Looking to pick up your passport? You can at the Visitors Information Center as well as participating locations including Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum, Old Court House Museum, Old Depot Museum and more.
5. Discover historic downtown
Wandering around the streets of historic Vicksburg is the best way to spend a relaxing day out. Pop by the many museums, art galleries, boutiques and antique stores the city has to offer.
To really immerse yourself in the history of Vicksburg, we recommend staying in one of the many adorable bed and breakfast spots around town. Many of these beautiful buildings are over a hundred years old and are just a short walk from downtown. Bonus: As the name entails, you’ll get a free delicious breakfast when you stay—what a deal! Check out Vicksburg’s website for more information on historic places to stay.
To learn even more about the fun things happening in Vicksburg, head to their website, Facebook and Instagram.
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