Four Mississippi towns have been selected as “Top 50 Best Small Towns In The South,” according to Southern Living.
Here’s what the magazine had to say about each.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Bay St. Louis came in at No. 47 on the list. Southern Living writers raved about the coastal Mississippi town’s beachy yet city-esque feel.
“Just over 50 miles from New Orleans, Bay St. Louis blends the Big Easy’s funky, artsy feel with the mellow, barefoot vibe you can find only in a tried-and-true coastal town. The beaches are dog-friendly, the blueways (water trails) are ready for exploring, and Old Town’s French Quarter appeal can’t be beat.”
Laurel, Mississippi
About 95 miles north of Bay St. Louis, Laurel has really made a name for itself recently with the rise of HGTV’s hit show, “Home Town,” coming in at No. 25 on Southern Living’s list.
“Stars of HGTV’s Home Town, Erin and Ben Napier, put this place on the cultural map in 2016. Since then, it’s become a Southern hot spot. Spend an afternoon meeting locals who have revitalized downtown Laurel, and stop by the Napiers’ flagship store, Laurel Mercantile Co., to buy pretty and practical home goods.”
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford brings a lot more to the table than just being a college town, leading the writers at Southern Living to vote the north Mississippi staple as the No. 22 best small town in America.
“In 1837, this town incorporated and named itself after Oxford, England, with the hope that it would also be home to a great university one day. About 10 years later, the University of Mississippi opened, and in time, Oxford became the South’s quintessential college town. Equally celebrated for SEC football and its literary-and-arts scene, this place attracts all kinds, creating a vibrant community with a refined sense of Southern style.”
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
The easternmost counterpart to Bay St. Louis, artsy Ocean Springs was Mississippi’s highest-ranked town at No. 18 on Southern Living’s “Top 50 Small Towns In The South.”
“A thriving community, vibrant entertainment districts, and the beauty of the Gulf Coast are just a few reasons this is a great place to live and visit. Delicious food doesn’t hurt either. Go old-school at Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant (with a speakeasy cellar), or have a fancy night out at Vestige, an award-winning restaurant with a five-course tasting menu.”
The full list of Southern Living‘s “Top 50 Small Towns In The South” can be viewed here.
