See which Mississippi towns made World Atlas list of 'cutest small towns' in the South

Mary Boyte, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
Updated ·2 min read

Cute and quaint: two words that can describe almost any Mississippi town. Often characterized by historic architecture and intimate local culture, these southern towns make great day-trip destinations.

Recently, World Atlas, a site that publishes travel-related lists, included two Mississippi towns on its 2023 "12 Cutest Small Towns in the Southern United States" list.

The article encourages voyagers to explore each town's "exclusive character and appeal." Here's what World Atlas had to say:

Rowan Oak, a destination for writers and fans of William Faulkner, is located in Oxford, just south of the city’s historic town square.
Rowan Oak, a destination for writers and fans of William Faulkner, is located in Oxford, just south of the city’s historic town square.

Oxford

World Atlas characterizes the 12 listed towns with "generous hospitality, long-lasting past, and mesmerizing natural magnificence."

This description fits Oxford, a town that is dipped in historical charm yet remains modern thanks to the University of Mississippi, which practically engulfs the entire town's culture.

The historic Square that sits in the center of town is a popular stop for shopping and dining. Walking around the Square, visitors get a 360 view of the Lafayette County Courthouse which sits in the center.

Beyond the lively football culture, Oxford is known for its vibrant arts scene including music and literature.

Famous Mississippi author William Faulkner called Oxford home for most of his life. Visitors can take themselves back in time as they tour his home, now museum, Rowan Oak. After, just steps beyond his home, one can immerse themselves in the same Mississippi nature that inspired Faulkner's writing.

Oxford's energetic music scene means there is almost always a local concert to attend at one of the Square's bars or restaurants.

World Atlas also adds that nature lovers can travel a few miles outside of Oxford to "delve into the nearby Sardis Lake, which provides fishing, navigation, and swimming openings."

The Old Ocean Springs Historic District was established in 1987 and includes more than 400 contributing buildings.
The Old Ocean Springs Historic District was established in 1987 and includes more than 400 contributing buildings.

Ocean Springs

Mississippi isn't well-known for beaches. However, the town of Ocean Springs proves there are still coastal havens beyond the Mississippi mud.

Ocean Springs sits along the Gulf of Mexico and sports picturesque views of the ocean waters. World Atlas describes the town's many "al fresco recreational activities, comprising fishing, kayaking and birdwatching in the encircling Gulf Islands National Seashore."

Seafood lovers can partake in a feast in one of Ocean Spring's restaurants, several of which provide views of the water.

Ocean Springs is most known for its thriving arts community. Tourists and residents alike enjoy strolling through the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Anderson used the Gulf Coast as inspiration for his striking water color pieces.

Beyond the museum, various art galleries are sprinkled throughout the city's downtown area.

Art-lovers, nature-enthusiasts and foodies can all find a plethora of options in Ocean Springs.

Other towns to consider

World Atlas also recently published an article listing the "7 Cutest Small Towns in Mississippi". Oceans Springs and Oxford reappeared on this list.

The other five towns included Bay St. Louis, Natchez, Woodville, Vicksburg and Columbus.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: World Atlas names Oxford and Ocean Springs two of the cutest towns