Mississippi Magazine releases a reader survey of the "Best of Mississippi" every year for its readers to determine where the Magnolia states most sought after destinations, shops or food items are. In 2016, 20 different Tupelo businesses, restaurants, attractions and destinations were found on the Best of Mississippi list. Without further ado, here's where you can find the best of Mississippi in Tupelo by location.
The AntlerBest Reception Hall "M List" Recognition
" I saw the plans but never dreamed that they would create a space that has so much opportunity and has such attention to detail."
- Tim P., Wedding Planner
The Blue Canoe
Best Dessert Winner:
Connie's Blueberry Donut Bread Pudding
Best Appetizer "M List" Recognition:
Fried Black Eyed Peas
Best Burger "M List" Recognition
There's so much good stuff going on at the
Canoe that we don't even have room to talk
about it.
The Caron Gallery Best Art Gallery "M List" Recognition
Featuring artists from Mississippi and
Mississippi only, this art gallery located
on Main Street downtown is a must-see
and features everything from acrylic
or oil paintings to sculptures and other
forms of art.
Connie's Fried Chicken
Best Fried Chicken "M List" Recognition
Connie's could have just as easily been on this
list for Best Dessert because of their famed
blueberry donuts, however, their chicken is
fantastic as well, thus the recognition as some
of the best in the Magnolia State.
Crave
Best Dessert "M List" Recognition:
Crave Skillet Cookie
The skillet cookie is an absolute monster
that's exactly what it sounds like, topped off
with some ice cream to balance out the warmth
of an amazing cookie. Sharing is encouraged,
not required.
The Downtown Tupelo Farmer's Market Best Farmer's Market "M List" Recognition
Fresh tomatoes, watermelons, squash, you name
it. The Downtown Tupelo Farmer's Market
is the place to get your locally grown produce
or vegetables, just ask some of our local chefs
that feature their food on their menus daily.
The Elvis Presley Birthplace Best Historic Site "M List" Recognition
Elvis fans and tourists alike from all over the
world flock to Tupelo to see where the King
himself got on the path to establishing Rock
n Roll. Tour the house Elvis was born in,
experience a Sunday gospel service at the very
church Elvis went to when he was young, or
walk the beautiful Elvis Birthplace Trail. It's a
must for any Elvis or music fan.
Harvey's Best Appetizer Winner:
Harvey's Broccoli Bites
Best Dessert "M List" Recognition:
Harvey's Bread Pudding
Best Fine Dining Experience "M List" Recogntion
Harvey's can be found in Tupelo, Starkville,
and even Columbus, but we're going to count it. With all of those recognitions, it's definitely worth a trip.
Kay's Kreations
Best Mother of the Bride Shop "M List"
Recognition
Best Bridal Boutique "M List" Recognition
With over 1,000 different wedding gowns in
their showroom and tons of seating for guests
this is without question one of the best places in Mississippi to be a bride.
Best Pizza Winner
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant "M List"
Recognition
"Get Lost" in what was once just the dream of two college roommates in Mississippi. Now, they make the Magnolia states best pizza with the freshest ingredients and have an awesome beer selection to boot.
McCalister's Deli Best Sweet Tea Winner
Best Deli "M List" Recognition
Founded in Oxford, MS, in 1989, you can now find McCalister's Deli in 26 states. The expansion of McCalister's hasn't changed the quality of their sweet tea, however, which is famously good and constantly awarded. (They have a national free sweet tea day, which is today if you're reading this on July 21st, 2016.)
Mid-South Nursery and Garden Center
Best Yard & Garden Shop "M List" Recognition
Need a plant or shrub? How about some flowers? Mid-South Nursery and Garden Center on Coley Road will have everything you need and greet you with a warm smile in the process.
Mugshots Grill & Bar Best Burger Winner
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant "M List"
Recognition
If you're looking for what Mississippi Magazine readers consider the best burger in the state, then look no further than Mugshots Grill & Bar on Main Street. With succulent burgers and an easy going atmosphere, you'll never leave hungry.
The Natchez Trace Parkway Best Hiking Area/Destination Winner
Best Historic Site "M List" Recognition
Even though the Natchez Trace Parkway stretches across 444 miles from Natchez, MS, to Nashville, TN, we're going to claim this one because the Trace is headquartered here in Tupelo. It's a beautiful drive and an amazing way to spend the day, no matter which direction you go in from Tupelo.
Best Burger "M List" Recognition
While the Neon Pig Cafe didn't win
Mississippi Magazine's readership poll
for best burger in the state, it was voted the
#1 burger in the country in a Thrillist.com
poll in 2015. That just goes to show how
great the burger scene is here in Tupelo.
Newk's Eatery Best Deli Winner
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant "M List"
Recognition
Best Sweet Tea "M List" Recognition
Newk's, a regional restaurant, had many recognitions from
Mississippi Magazine readers in 2016. From winning
"Best Deli" to being recognized on the M List for one of the
best kid-friendly restaurants, there's a lot to be proud of
at Newk's.
Reed's Department Store Best Men's Casual Clothing Store Winner
Founded in 1905 in the heart of downtown Tupelo,
Reed's Department Store is a local icon. Not only
does Reed's offer impeccable men's clothing, it has
also been voted the friendliest store in Tupelo and
Lee County 14 years in a row.
Best Sweet Tea "M List" Recognition
Best Deli "M List" Recognition
One thing is certain, Tupelo isn't lacking when
it comes to excellent sweet teas. The Sweet Pepper's Deli made the M List for both
Sweet Tea and Best Deli in Mississippi.
Yet another restaurant where both residents and visitors to Tupelo alike can find the best in the state.
Best Kids Attraction "M List" Recognition
Where else in the state can you take the family out for a day of petting giraffes, watching Siberian tigers play, or meeting a Capuchin monkey famous (literally) for its lock picking ability? (His name is Oliver, by the way) The Tupelo Buffalo Park is far more than just a great kids attraction.
The Tupelo Flea Market Best Flea Market "M List" Recognition
The Tupelo Flea Market has everything and is the South's largest Indoor and Outdoor Flea Market. The 500,000 square foot space draws people from all over Northeast Mississippi every year.
And there it is, Tupelo. In the end, the All-American City wound up getting 32 separate recognitions or wins for 20 different stores, attractions, or restaurants.
