Explore Tupelo’s Civil Rights Trail Perhaps no other U.S. region experienced the pivotal moments of the Civil Rights era quite like the South. While each city’s story is unique, and a vital part of the narrative, Tupelo’s story is ultimately a positive one. Facing the challenges of integration, Tupelo rose to the occasion with cooperation among all citizens and no violence. The peaceful transition in Tupelo was the result of both Blacks and whites coming together to do the right thing. Although there was resistance among some, the vast majority of Tupelo citizens wanted to do what was right an ..read more

It’s National Plan for Vacation Day, and we have the perfect Elvis vaca-getaway planned for you. Get all shook up about all things Elvis! Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a two-room house built by his family. The Elvis Presley Birthplace tells his inspiring story and shares what life was like for young Elvis growing up in Tupelo.   Take a walk and learn about Elvis’ beginnings in Tupelo The Elvis Presley Birthplace features the house where Elvis was born, a museum that chronicles his life, and the original Assembly of God Church where he ..read more

With so many unique, local gifts, even Santa Claus shops for stocking stuffers in Tupelo. From handmade pieces to one-of-a-kind finds, we’re here to help you up your stocking stuffer game this holiday season. RAW Furniture Co. Candle RAW Furniture is known for its handcrafted wooden furniture and home goods, but did you know that they also make their own candles? Owner Andrea Gibson makes the soy candles herself, creating scents that transport you straight to Christmas morning. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rawfurnitureco Instagram: @rawfurnitureco Reed’s Gift Shop Tupelo Honey While Tu ..read more

Your ultimate guide for holiday happenings in My Tupelo during December 1. Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade December 1 A true Tupelo tradition, the Reed’s Tupelo Christmas parade has been a part of the city for 73 years. The parade begins Wednesday, December 1 at 6 p.m. This year’s parade is themed “A Magical Christmas.” What’s most magical of all? The Budweiser Clydesdale Horses will be special guests during the parade! 2. Christmas Lights at Ballard Park All December long There’s magic in Tupelo Ballard Park during the month of December. Bright and bold Christmas lights of all sizes and shap ..read more

As the summer months wane, it’s time to start looking toward the start of school and the return of fall. But that doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze in some last minute fun before the school bell rings! Check out these suggestions for some final summer fun in the sun. Elvis Presley Birthplace Visit Elvis’ birthplace and learn about the 13 years the King of Rock and Roll spent in Tupelo. Elvis’ father, grandfather, and uncle actually built the house where Elvis was born. You can check  it out and see the many phases of Elvis’ life, from 13-year-old Elvis to jumpsuit Elvis. (Photo courtesy o ..read more

This entry is part three in a series about the Chickasaw Homeland in Tupelo. Read part one here and part two here.  Through struggles and removal, the Chickasaw have maintained a strong connection with Tupelo. And in the past few decades they have become one of the first examples of a removed Southeastern Indian Nation to actively invest resources and money in their historic Homeland.  In 2017, the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation, a local non-profit that works closely with the Chickasaw Nation, acquired 168 acres adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway for the future site of the Chickas ..read more

This entry is part two in a series about the Chickasaw Homeland in Tupelo. Read part 1 here.  As the Revolutionary War drew to a close, Tribal Councils like those created by the Chickasaw would help to inspire the founding fathers’ ideas of what democracy would look like in the United States. Although the majority of Chickasaws were aligned with the British, and later the Americans, a few villages disagreed. But the storied leader, Piominko, wrote to George Washington and the new government, looking to establish diplomatic ties.  Image: David Wright Washington and Piominko buil ..read more

Elvis’ creativity, curiosity, and passion led him to change American music forever. Let’s see how growing up in Tupelo helped shape Elvis’ outlook on life and influenced some of his greatest musings:   “Never wait for tomorrow, what if tomorrow never comes?” –  Elvis January 8, 1935  Elvis knew that more positive tomorrows are not a given, you have to make them. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a two-room house built by his family, he grew up poor. While money was scarce, love and support were not. According to Tupelo historian Roy Turner, the small community that Elvis grew ..read more

In Tupelo, we thrive on positivity and are always eager to lift each other up. This spirit of community is something we can’t wait to share with you on your next visit. If you’re looking for inspiration, courage to take the next step toward your dream, or just want to hear some stories of women living their dreams, take a jaunt down this trail. Learn from (and maybe even meet) these local women who are making their mark, building their legacies, and shaping the future of Tupelo.   Trail Stop 1: King Chicken Fillin’ Station Location: 3897 McCullough BlvdStart the t ..read more

It’s just you and the road, baby. Whether you’re a hiker, road-tripper, cyclist, picnicker (or a combination of all four), it’s about time you crossed the Natchez Trace Parkway off your bucket list. Traversing three states, this 444-mile scenic byway will give you insight into the natural and rural scenery that covers 10,000 years of North American history. While the most popular way to see the Trace is by car, there are plenty of cyclists who take advantage of this beautiful route. The two-lane byway is a recreational road closed to commercial vehicles, leaving space for explorers to do their ..read more