Downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi, offers a surprising and diverse variety of experiences. Sitting on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Vicksburg is a city steeped in history and Southern culture. Those traditions are joined by a vibrant downtown dining and art scene, making this a river city like no other. Just 45 miles west of Jackson and 75 miles north of Natchez, Vicksburg sits at the intersection of Interstate 20 and the famed U.S. Highway 61, known as the Blues Highway.
Art and shopping
Vicksburg boasts more public art than any other city in Mississippi. It is best known for its collection of 32 vivid riverfront murals (1200 Levee Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183) painted on the flood walls of Levee Street. Downtown is also home to an assortment of shops and galleries. The Attic Gallery (1101 Washington Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183) is the oldest independent art gallery in Mississippi, filled with folk, outsider and contemporary fine art. At the H.C. Porter Gallery (1216 Washington Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183) mixed media originals and fine art prints of this famed Mississippi native are on display. The nearby Vicksburg National Military Park (3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183), referred to as the “art park of the world,” is filled with 1,400 sculptures, monuments and architectural gems like no other. If a downtown shopping spree for more than art is in order, there is an array of local shops, boutiques and antique galleries along brick-paved Washington Street and beyond.
Restaurants, music and more
Vicksburg’s entertainment district is a vibrant downtown scene with a variety of restaurants featuring local specialties, regional favorites and even popular global choices. Diners can make their choices from Southern comfort food to haute cuisine. For a relaxing evening and a view, 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill (1301 Washington Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39138) is a roof-top bar and grill and a local favorite for sunset happy hours overlooking the river. The new Relish Bistro (1104 Washington Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183), with its Italian influenced menu, joins classic favorites like Solly’s Hot Tamales (1921 Washington Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183), a star of the Mississippi Delta Hot Tamale Trail. Cottonwood Public House (1311 Washington Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39138) is Vicksburg’s local brew pub offering craft cocktails, woodfired pizza and local craft beer. Just blocks away, Anchuca (1010 First East Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183) offers an elegant dining experience in a classic historic home. These are just a few of the options and a local open container regulation allows visitors to explore even more with beverage in hand. The list of restaurants and entertainment venues gives visitors a reason to come back for a second helping or more! Of course, Vicksburg’s four casinos offer fine cuisine and nightlife, as well. Gaming, dining and entertainment are all part of the fun at these classic riverfront venues.
History and culture
Of course, all this is perched on the banks of the Mississippi River. The river not only provides the scenery for Vicksburg, but it is also the source of much of the culture, economy and lure that make Vicksburg unique. There’s no better way to soak in this city’s diverse stories than to visit one of the many museums throughout downtown. For a look back at early life on the river, the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum (910 Washington Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183) paints vivid pictures of the river’s importance and its power, from its indoor exhibits to its outdoor scaled model of its flood plain. A stop at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola® Museum (1107 Washington Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183) will share the story of why Vicksburg was the first location to bottle Coca-Cola in 1894. The Old Court House Museum (1008 Cherry Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183) and the Old Depot Museum (1010 Levee Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183) share stories and display the artifacts of days gone by.
If you go
Whether you’re interested in history or hauntings, make time for a tour during your stay in Vicksburg. Haunted Vicksburg offers walking tours that explore the haunting tales of the city. The Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trails offer a variety of ways to enjoy the history and architecture here. Many of Vicksburg’s historic homes offer home tours, as well.
Where to stay
A one-of-a-kind stay awaits at one of Vicksburg’s unique bed and breakfasts. Whether looking for a supernatural encounter at a “spirited” inn or to immerse yourself in Southern charm and hospitality, visitors will find the perfect spot here. There is also a full slate of national hotel properties as well as casino hotels from which to choose.
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