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.

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.  

The Making of "EP"

Written By: Brent Farrar

"EP" by Brent Farrar is the 2014 artwork for the Tupelo Elvis Fest poster

About a year ago, I was wrapping up the 2013 Elvis Festival poster. It’s origination came from the new statue in Fairpark, a replica from a 1956 Elvis concert in that very same location. The image for this poster came easy. It was my first year to do the art and I had actually taken the photo that I used many months prior.  I was happy with the final product.  I was relieved that it was over, but as the norm with my finished paintings, I can usually pick them apart with my own critiques.   

The 2014 image would be my second and last year to do the artwork for the Tupelo Elvis Festival because the Tupelo Downtown Main Street Association commissions artists for two year periods. I knew this year would be a challenge, because for me, as an artist, my subject matter is the most critical piece. I have to be “moved.” I cannot be forced to paint, nor can I force myself to do it. I mostly do it as a hobby, my full-time duties as husband, father, travel baseball coach, and “real-world” job kind of keep me busy.

I wanted to do something that had never been done in the 16 years prior. I wanted something to challenge myself, as well as something that would get the buzz going. What makes Elvis iconic? What makes him larger than life? Is it the music? Is it the hair? Is it the sideburns? For me, it’s a combination of all of it…it’s whatever it is that makes YOU think of him. For me, it was the shades! The big ol’ GOLD, larger than life, in your face, sunglasses. You know, the ones you can buy now with the sideburns attached to them! That was it, so the search was on.

The process goes like this:

·      find an image

·      obtain permission from the owner of the image

·      obtain permission from the Main Street Association

·      paint the image

·      and finally, get the blessing from the EPE, The Estate of Elvis Presley/The Elvis Presely Trust (no pressure at all on this one!)

Surprisingly, there wasn’t a lot of images of the big E with the shades, however, I was able to find one from a 1970’s recording session in Nashville. The next step was the approval of the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association. Their primary objective was to ensure that the Elvis represented in the art was related back to Tupelo - the son that Mississippi produced.

I knew the image had to be Elvis and the glasses. There could not be another image, especially one that I could fully commit to. So, we discussed it a few times via e-mail, and then it hit me.

Keep it simple.

I knew there would be a blank space in the reflection of his glasses, so while doing my research, I had seen other artists paint various things in the glasses. How about the statue? It just seemed so natural, almost a logical progression from the 2013 image. I told the association about my idea and they loved it, so we moved forward.

Now, I seem to perform so much better under the pressure and duress of a deadline. Maybe it lets the creative juices flow a little better, maybe I have so much going on in life that it’s poor planning. Either way, I’m always up against this same deadline. I have only known for one year that I needed to paint this image. It was now December 25 and the unveiling was set for January 8 (Elvis’ birthday) and for obvious reasons, this date could not be moved.

So, on Saturday, Dec 28, I got out the watercolor paints and paper. It was the first time since the 2013 Elvis image. I made an entire day of it. Right in the middle of my kitchen, where baby bottles were being made and Christmas toys were being played with & overlooked - It’s the epicenter of our house. I call it poor design, but I think it’s called having a family of five! I know people that have studios, quiet time and other terms and spaces, but I just loaded the iPod up, and plugged in.

Now this image was different, it was a person’s face - not just any person, but ELVIS. Can you imagine how unhappy all of the Elvis fans would be if you painted a picture of Elvis and it didn’t look like Elvis? And if you know me, I don’t do faces, but for whatever reason, the paint literally flowed right on to the paper, and in all the right places. The sideburns, the hair, the lips, the glasses - it was all there. Over the next few days, I continued to tweak and refine the image, but the hard work was done.

The last thing to do was to give the piece an appropriate name. For that, I consulted a close college friend. I gave him this big elaborate explanation with reason and verbiage. His reply was, “Just call it EP,” and to that I said, “Well it is EP, right?”

During this process, I came across a great quote, “Elvis fans around the world…. We are connected because of one man.” My goal was simple, to create a piece that would speak to all of his fans. I wanted to capture everything in my head that makes me think of him: the shades, the sideburns, the hair - THE look. All of it poured onto the paper that day, along with my heart. The hardest thing about being commisioned to paint the Elvis Festival poster is seperating from your original art. “EP” was special, different than all of the other paintings I have ever done. But then again, wasn’t the real EP special and different than all the others too?

"EP" was unveiled January 8 and features an original watercolor painting done by Brent Farrar. (L-R: Brent Farrar, Mayor Jason Shelton and Debbie Brangenberg, Downtown Tupelo/Main Street Association Director)

Brent resides in Tupelo, MS with his wife, Jenny Cabiness Farrar. They have 3 children; Gatlin(13), Fischer(6) & Stella(4 mo). He attended Mississippi State University in 1998, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture. During his senior year, Brent took watercolor painting as an elective. That class, led by Brent Funderburk, changed his life forever - leaving him with a love, and unearthed talent, for watercolor painting. Brent embraced this love and the result can be seen in his numerous works of original art. Follow him on Facebook at “Original Watercolors by Brent Farrar.” 

The Foodie Culture & Tupelo

           

            When I was younger, it was a special treat to dine outside of my family kitchen. My family didn’t go out to eat very often unless we were out of town or celebrating something special. However, as I got older, I noticed it became a little more common for us to eat out. It started by going out one night a weekend, then both Friday and Saturday night and now it’s several times a week.

It seems we have been part of a cultural shift within the last 10-15 years where people eat outside of their own home more, and how could we not?  The options available for meals have increased so much it’s hard not to salivate at our wide array of choices. There are local restaurants, fast food joints, chain restaurants and now there’s even trucks with food! The possibilities are endless! Not to mention, dining out is incredibly convenient, because it takes the pressure away from us cooking when we could be visiting with friends and family.

Part of this cultural shift of eating out more frequently has also given way to the Foodie culture. Individuals have become so enamored with food that they have taken to seeking and enjoying food as a hobby. Also, with the commonality of the smart phone, apps like Facebook and Instagram have enhanced our “food experience.” It’s almost impossible to scroll through either platform without seeing what someone had for dinner. This has also been aided by the likes of the Food Network and the Travel Channel, featuring shows pertaining to food as more than nourishment but an experience. The Foodie culture has lent itself to creating a global phenomenon of taking food from a place of nourishment to a total experience.

Tupelo has not missed out on this trend. From the Taste of Tupelo expo, to the local food truck, farm-to-table scene and more, Tupelo has developed its own part of the Foodie culture. With our own flavor of Southern cuisine, the city has embraced its geographical location as an opportunity to exhibit the wonderful tastes of our region. It hasn’t stopped there as Tupelo has seen several new ethnic restaurants and encouraged patronage to the new food experiences.

To encourage the growth of the Tupelo Foodie culture, we are starting a Tupelo Foodie Challenge. We encourage people to participate by sharing pictures of their meals from their favorite Tupelo eateries and tagging us on Facebook (Tupelo CVB) or use #TupeloFoodie on Twitter and Instagram. The contest will end Thursday, January 23 and a winner will be chosen on Friday, January 24. The winner’s meal photo will be shared across all of our social media platforms. Remember, the more creative and appetizing your photo, the more likely you are to win!

Our goal is to make this Challenge a monthly competition with different prizes each month, however we need everyone to participate. So, tag us and share your pictures!