Brookhaven Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Brookhaven, including its cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking routes, must-try food, where to stay, and transportation options.


Introduction to Brookhaven

Located in the southern part of Mississippi, Brookhaven is a charming city that is often overlooked by travelers. Despite its size, Brookhaven offers visitors a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and delicious cuisine that make it a destination worth exploring. This comprehensive tour guide will give you all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Brookhaven.

List of Places to Visit in Brookhaven

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or adventure, Brookhaven has something to offer for everyone. Here are some of the must-visit places in the city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce: Located in a beautiful historic building, the chamber provides information about local history, attractions, and upcoming events.

  • Monticello Mercantile Museum: This museum features exhibits and artifacts about the history of Brookhaven and Lincoln County, including antique farming equipment and daily house items.

  • Lincoln County Historical and Genealogical Society: The Society’s museum is a living testament to history of Brookhaven and Lincoln County’s deep roots that date back centuries.

Natural Attractions of Brookhaven: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bogue Chitto Water Park: Located in southeastern Lincoln County, this park features lovely hiking trails and a large sand beach for swimming and sunbathing. There is also a picnic area, playground for children, and paddleboat rentals for those who want to explore on water.

  • Lake Lincoln State Park: This scenic park has a 550-acre lake that is perfect for fishing and boating. There are also hiking trails, bird watching areas, and campsites for those who want to spend the night.

  • Horse-drawn Wagon Rides: Discover the charm of Mississippi hills while enjoying an old-fashioned wagon ride down the country lanes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Brookhaven

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then Brookhaven is the place for you. The city offers several hiking and biking trails that range from easy to challenging.

  • Railroad Heritage Trail: This biking and hiking trail goes through the heart of downtown Brookhaven, passing by several historic sites and beautiful parks and providing fantastic views of the city’s architecture.

  • Lincoln County Multi-use trail: This paved trail is perfect for biking or hiking and goes through several scenic areas of Lincoln County, with one part running parallel to the Bogue Chitto Creek.

  • Homochitto National Forest: Located just a few miles south of Brookhaven, Homochitto offers visitors several hiking trails for all levels of skills, including the Bayou Pierre Trail, the Clear Springs Trail, and the Brushy Creek Trail.

Best Things to Do in Brookhaven: Activities and Tours

Brookhaven has a wide range of activities, tours, and events to keep you entertained during your stay. Here are some of the best things to do in Brookhaven:

  • Picnic at Brookhaven City Park: Brookhaven City Park is a beautiful park that features picnic areas, a playground, and a jogging trail. The park is also home to several annual events including the Mississippi Picnic, which celebrates Mississippi food, art, and music.

  • Tour the Historic District: Take a stroll down memory lane through the charming streets and admire the stunning antebellum and Victorian architectural styles.

  • Brookhaven Speedway: Although race season runs from March to October, visitors can enjoy various heat races, qualifying, and special events.

Week-Long Itinerary for Brookhaven

Day 1: Start your tour by discovering Brookhaven’s history at the Monticello Mercantile Museum and the Lincoln County Historical and Genealogical Society. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s historic downtown area and enjoying an old-fashioned wagon ride down the country lanes.

Day 2: Spend your day outdoors by hiking the Lincoln County Multi-use Trail and enjoying an afternoon picnic at Brookhaven City Park.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Homochitto National Forest and hike one of their several trails.

Day 4: Visit the Bogue Chitto Water Park for an afternoon of swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and paddle boating.

Day 5: Bike or hike the Railroad Heritage Trail and checkout the unique architecture and historic sites of the city.

Day 6: Drive to Lake Lincoln State Park and spend a day fishing, boating, bird watching, or hiking.

Day 7: Wrap up your trip with a fun and exhilarating night at the Brookhaven Speedway.

Food and Drink Scene of Brookhaven

No visit to Brookhaven is complete without trying some of their delicious local food and drinks.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Southern Fried Chicken: Brookhaven is known for their mouth-watering fried chicken, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Head over to Poppa’s Fried Chicken or the Country Kitchen for the best in town.

  • Biscuits and Gravy: Stop by the Waffle House for their hearty and buttery biscuits smothered in rich and savory gravy.

  • Fried Catfish: From Ryan’s steaks and seafood or Woody’s Fish House and Steak to Jerry’s Catfish House, Brookhaven has no shortage of exceptional fried catfish offerings.

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea: Brookhaven is known for their sweet tea servings, which pairs great with their mouth-watering dishes. Head to the City Limits Sports Bar for a tall glass.

  • Coffee: Establishments such as Studio D and Lighthouse Coffee are known for their coffee offerings and the hometown dates.

Where to Stay in Brookhaven: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Brookhaven has several lodging options for visitors, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are a few:

  • Hampton Inn Brookhaven: Conveniently situated near several dining and shopping options, this hotel is perfect for families, couples, and business travelers.

  • Quality Inn Brookhaven: This budget-friendly hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the city’s famous landmarks, shopping centers, and dining options.

  • Mamie’s Cottage Bed and Breakfast: This charming bed and breakfast is located in a historic home in downtown Brookhaven and offers visitors a taste of the city’s hospitality.

What to Buy in Brookhaven: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bring home a piece of Brookhaven by shopping for unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some of the best places for shopping:

  • Mississippi Mudds: This shop sells Mississippi-inspired pottery, handmade soaps, bath bombs, and other unique gifts.

  • The Blossom Shoppe: This flower shop has a variety of unique blooms, perfect for souvenirs or decorations.

  • The Crafty Fox: Located in the historic downtown area, this shop sells handmade crafts, jewelry, and home decor, all made by local artists and artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Brookhaven

The locals of Brookhaven are known for their hospitality and their southern charm. Visitors are always welcomed with open arms and are often invited to participate in local events and traditions. If you want to experience the local culture first-hand, then make sure to attend one of the city’s annual events such as the Mississippi Picnic or the Ole Brook Festival.

Best Time to Visit Brookhaven

The best time to visit Brookhaven is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild, and the city’s outdoor attractions are in full bloom. The summer months, while warmer, are also great for outdoor activities and water sports. It gets colder during winter; however, there are still activities and events throughout the town for everyone to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brookhaven

Do:

  • Take the time to appreciate the city’s unique architecture and historic landmarks.

  • Sample the local food and drinks.

  • Participate in the city’s annual events and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural attractions.

  • Be disrespectful to the locals or their customs.

  • Ignore the city’s safety guidelines or traffic regulations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Brookhaven

Brookhaven is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still be aware of their surroundings and keep their belongings safe. Always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving your valuables in plain view.

Health in Brookhaven

Brookhaven has several medical facilities such as King’s Daughters Medical Center and Brookhaven Medical Clinic in case of any urgent health needs. It is also important to drink plenty of water, use sunscreen if going outdoors, and protect yourself from mosquitoes during the warmer months.

Getting to Brookhaven: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Brookhaven

The nearest airport to Brookhaven is the Jackson-Evers International Airport, located about an hour’s drive north of the city. Visitors can rent a car, take a taxi or Uber, or catch a bus to get to Brookhaven.

Bus Stations Near Brookhaven

The Greyhound bus station closest to Brookhaven is in McComb, which is about 25 miles south of the city.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or take a private shuttle to get to Brookhaven.

How to Get Around in Brookhaven

The best way to get around Brookhaven is by car. However, there are also options for biking and walking throughout the city. If you don’t have access to a car, you can always use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to get where you need to go.

Where to Go Next from Brookhaven: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time after exploring Brookhaven, there are several nearby destinations worth visiting:

  • Natchez: Located about an hour’s drive southwest of Brookhaven, Natchez is a charming city known for its historic architecture and beautiful Mississippi River views.

  • Vicksburg: Located about an hour’s drive northwest of Brookhaven, Vicksburg is a historic city that played a significant role during the Civil War. Visitors can explore historic sites, museums, and the beautiful Mississippi River.

  • New Orleans: Located about a four-hour drive south of Brookhaven, New Orleans is a vibrant and historic city known for its delicious cuisine, unique architecture, and rich culture.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or adventure, Brookhaven is a hidden gem in Mississippi that offers something for everyone. With its charming downtown area, beautiful natural attractions, and delicious local food, Brookhaven is a destination that shouldn’t be missed. Do follow the guidelines, enjoy local culture and indulge in food, and have a great time exploring all the city has to offer.