20 Places in Tupelo Where You Can Find the "Best of Mississippi"

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 Antler
Best 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.

Lost Pizza Company 
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.

The Neon Pig Cafe 
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.

Sweet Pepper's Deli 
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.

Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo 
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.

Second Annual ART Rocks Tupelo Festival

Once upon a time, in a city called Tupelo, Cinderella tripped over a Mikado and almost Killed a Mockingbird. Chaos seemed just around the corner, but a group of brave artists banded together to make lemons out of lemonade and the first Art Rocks Tupelo was born.

A quirk of the calendar last March led all of Tupelo’s oldest arts organizations to schedule performances on the same weekend. Rather than quarrel over whose chocolate was in whose peanut butter, the organizations—facilitated by Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Tupelo Arts Council—agreed to work together to promote all these events across Tupelo and beyond by ADDING cultural events to the weekend to create a festival that would showcase the broad range of talents and art forms in our community. We had such great success that we decided to do it again this year—on purpose!

Art Rocks Tupelo 2014 is bigger and better. We have added events and organizations and hotel, restaurant, and small business partners. The activities this year range from classical to country music, craft beer to comedy, film to fine arts, and from Elton John to “Earnest.” When it comes to the arts in Tupelo, we truly have an embarrassment of riches. No other city this size can boast a professional orchestra, plus ballet company and award-winning community theater. 

The five organizations anchoring Art Rocks have a combined production history of almost 200 years and their leaders bring more than 100 years of arts management experience to the table with them. The Tupelo Arts Council represents dozens more artists and organizations that also deserve broader recognition. Art Rocks Tupelo spotlights our many talents and offers an ideal opportunity to promote our best artists throughout the region. We hope that Tupelo will seize this opportunity to explore new arts experiences and that people across Mississippi will make a trip to Tupelo to take advantage of our diverse range of arts and cultural activities: like a New-York-theater weekend, but closer to home and far more economical.

Mississippi has declared 2014 the Year of the Creative Economy, but Tupelo has known for years that the arts mean business! Come join us this weekend as Art Rocks Tupelo!

Schedule Of Events 

Tuesday, March 18

Tupelo Concert Association: John Berry, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 19

BancorpSouth Arena: Elton John, 8 p.m.

Thursday, March 20

The Birthplace Sessions Press Conference and Launch, 1:30 p.m.

Tupelo Film Alliance: Muscle Shoals Film Screening, 7 p.m.

UU Congregation of Tupelo: Still on the Hill in Concert, 7 p.m.

West of Shake Rag Improv: Comedy Thursday, 7 p.m.

Tupelo Community Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 21

The Caron Gallery: Lauren Dunn and Jason Twiggy Lott, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

GumTree Museum: Mississippi Art Colony Exhibit and Reception. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

with Pied Piper Players

Tupelo Community Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 22

Tupelo Ballet: Fairy Tea, 10 a.m.

Tupelo Craft Beer Festival, noon to 5 p.m.

Tupelo Ballet: Les Sylphides and Contemporary Repertoire, 2 p.m.

Tupelo Community Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest, 2 p.m.

Dinner, Link Centre Culinary Arts, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra: Brahms Double Concerto, 7:30 p.m.

Tupelo Community Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest, 7:30 p.m.

Participating organizations include GumTree Museum of Art, Link Centre, North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Pied Piper Players, The Caron Gallery, Tupelo Ballet, Tupelo Community Theatre, Tupelo Concert Association, Tupelo Film Alliance, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Tupelo, West of Shake Rag, and City of Tupelo/Downtown Main Street Association.

Festival Pricing available for Three-Event Packages and Up!

Tickets available here.

A Day In The Life: Elvis Homecoming Concert Statue

The snow melted away quickly and after about a week the remaining puddles have finally dried up. The sun has been poking its head out behind the gray winter clouds for the first time in what seems like months. I heard birds chirping the other day and it brought me joy to know that spring is almost here. 

I’ve been standing in the same place since August 2012, but I have no qualms with it. The reason I’m here is to serve tribute to something magnificent that happened in the very area I stand. It may have happened more than half a century ago, but it changed the landscape of music. Without me, a piece of history may one day be forgotten.

However, as long as I’m standing, history will always remain. My visitors seem to have good memory of the events, and I’ve seen visitors from all over the world. It always makes me so happy to see all the different people. I can’t always understand the language they’re speaking, but I can tell they’re happy from the smiles.

People are always nice though, sometimes they bring me flowers and teddy bears. Sometimes they like to climb up next to me and put their arm around my shoulder. One guy even hung a Christmas ornament on me. I never mind, because I know that I’m creating a memory for them.

The one thing that always tickles me is how many people want to hold my hand. Gentlemen and ladies alike, they’re always reaching for me, like I’m just out of reach but close enough to want to attempt a touch. Usually, they go ahead and grab my hand and offer a simple smile, like I’m taking them back to another time.

I enjoy all the attention from my visitors, but I think my favorite is when the little kids climb up next to me and grab onto my leg. They take a seat or hold on tightly, but they always smile big for their parents’ camera. It’s important to me that the kids learn about why I stand and also make some memories in the process.

Sometimes I wish I could tour my surroundings. I hear people discussing the other sites in town and how excited they are to continue touring. I know there’s so much history behind me. However, it’s so important that I look east. It’s a constant reminder of humble beginnings, of how a person is not defined by their circumstances and the importance of seizing opportunities.

Only time will tell how much longer I’m able to stand here. I hope that when I’m relieved of my duty that people will always remember the man that I stand for. I was at the mercy of my creator when given this task but the task is an honor to ensure the legacy of a King.  

Top 14 Elvis Love Songs

Valentine's Day, a day set aside to remember and celebrate the concept of LOVE. Love is one of the strongest emotions a person is capable of feeling and is something man has written about through story and song since the dawn of time. Through the years, as music has progressed, love has been a continual hot topic and there is a song for every stage and step of experiencing love. It has even been jokingly said that every love song has already been composed, but Paul McCartney sings it best in the Wings song "Silly Love Songs," - "You think that people would have had enough of silly love songs, but I look around me and I see it isn't so. Some people wanna fill the world with silly love songs, and what's wrong with that?"

With that said, we wanted to share some of our favorite love songs, and no one sings a better love song that Tupelo's very own, Elvis Presley. We compiled a list of what we believe were the Top 14 Elvis Love Songs, and we even made a Spotify playlist so you can give them a listen to them here: Top 14 Elvis Love Songs!

Have a great Valentine's Day, everyone!

14. And I Love You So

13. Fever

12. I Was The One

11. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You

10. You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling

9. Loving You

8. I Just Can’t Help Believin'

7. The Wonder of You

6. Are You Lonesome Tonight

5. Always On My Mind

4. It’s Now Or Never

3. Suspicious Minds

2. Can’t Help Falling In Love

1. Love Me Tender

What Elvis Means To Me

What Elvis Means to Me
By: Lance Ingram

 My mind was drifting between thoughts, not wanting to think too heavily on one thing or another. A piano trickled out notes as the subtle melody of a saxophone overlapped and the two became one force of beautiful music. The steady hum of the progressing road, mixed with the jazz music, quickly set my burdens at ease. Fading between the mix of red and yellow leaves, the sun was also calling it a day as it was setting deep within the constantly approaching horizon. Between the colors and the sounds I had chosen to accompany my drive home, it was impossible to worry about anything for too long. It was moments like these that I treasured.

During drives like these, it becomes increasingly easy to allow yourself to become nostalgic. Time spent reminiscing about old friends and the memories, both good and bad, that we’d made has become more enjoyable the older I’ve gotten. It was fun retracing one memory and what had led to that situation, but I realized that music was an integral piece to every memory I retraced. So, I asked myself, where did my love for music come from? After a few minutes of pondering, all my ideas traced back to Elvis Presley. I’m not exactly sure how I stumbled into being an Elvis fan, and it’s especially peculiar because he passed away a full decade before I was even born. However, I do remember that for about 6 years of my life, Elvis has an exclusive deal with anything I was listening to. 

One of my most candid memories growing up was the time my parents surprised me by taking me to Elvis’ birthplace in Tupelo, Miss. My mother and I were accompanying my dad on a business trip and a few hours into the car ride my parents told me they had a surprise for me, we were going to visit Elvis’ birthplace. To say I was ecstatic was an understatement. I was a relatively new fan at the time and had never seen his house before, so I had grand ideas of a palace fit for a king. When we arrived at the birthplace I was shocked by the size and homeliness of the house. I even questioned my parents if this was some kind of a sick joke made to deter my perception of my newfound idol.

While touring the tiny home, even as a young boy, it occurred to me what humble beginnings Elvis had and the magnitude of what he accomplished, especially considering his upbringing. I remember when I got back in the car that I started listening to Elvis again and the music was completely different this time. I’d heard the songs many times before, but they spoke differently to me now. The blues songs had a new heart of sadness, the gospel songs showed so much more reason to rejoice and the rock ‘n’ roll songs seemed like a brand new celebration. But most of all, his story and music encouraged me to pursue the things that I loved in life, regardless of circumstances.

Elvis was just the beginning of my musical journey. I wasn’t born until 12 years after the singer’s death and it would be another eighth years before I was a fan of his music. I was going against the grain when my classmates were listening to Britney Spears and ‘N Sync and I was jamming “Aloha From Hawaii.” But I wanted something more from my music. There was a raw talent, a voice with a story, that I found in Elvis that I wasn’t able to find in the pop hits of the time. Elvis opened the door to other types of music like, blues and classic rock which eventually led me to jazz.

To me, Elvis was more than a voice or performer, he was a story. He was someone that I could identify with, someone that demonstrated the importance of utilizing your God-given talents and making the most of the one opportunity we’re given at life. Elvis opened the doors to many of my favorite musicians today and showed me the value of true musicianship regardless of the genre. I consider becoming an Elvis fan to be one of the more pivotal moments in my life because of how much he inspired the person I am today, and that’s what Elvis means to me.

"What Elvis Means to Me" was written by Lance Ingram. He is our Online Content Manager and the newest employee at the Tupleo Convention and Visitors Bureau.