Holly Springs Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural attractions, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs, safety, and transportation options of Holly Springs, Mississippi.


Introduction to Holly Springs

Holly Springs is a charming city located in the Mississippi Hills region of Mississippi state in the South of the United States of America. It offers visitors a mix of natural beauty, interesting history, and warm, southern hospitality. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just want to relax and take in the southern charm, Holly Springs has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit to this southern gem.

List of Places to Visit in Holly Springs

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Holly Springs is steeped in history and culture, and one of the best ways to experience it is by visiting the numerous museums and historical sites sprinkled throughout the town.

  1. Marshall County Historical Museum: showcases the history of Marshall County through exhibits and artifacts.

  2. Ida B. Wells Museum: celebrates the life and legacy of one of the most prominent civil rights activists in American history.

  3. Hill Country Blues Museum: dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique blues culture of the Mississippi Hill Country.

  4. Strawberry Plains Audubon Center: showcases the natural beauty and ecological diversity of Holly Springs and its surrounding area, with hiking trails, birdwatching, and educational programs.

Natural Attractions of Holly Springs: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For those who love the great outdoors, Holly Springs has plenty to offer:

  1. Holly Springs National Forest: covers over 155,000 acres of rolling hills, forests, and winding rivers and is perfect for camping, hiking, picnicking, boating, and fishing.

  2. Chewalla Lake Recreation Area: a tranquil spot for fishing, camping, hiking, and swimming, with over 700 acres of woodland and a 260-acre lake.

  3. Wall Doxey State Park: situated on the shores of a 60-acre lake, offers a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Holly Springs

Holly Springs is blessed with many beautiful hiking and biking trails that offer visitors a chance to get outside and explore the natural beauty of the region.

  1. Tanglefoot Trail: a 44-mile rail trail that winds through the historic towns and stunning countryside of the Mississippi Hills.

  2. Holly Springs Rail Trail: a 2-mile paved trail that meanders through downtown Holly Springs, offering visitors scenic views of the town’s architecture and natural beauty.

  3. Wall Doxey State Park Trails: offers a variety of trails varying in length and difficulty, all of which are perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

Best Things to Do in Holly Springs: Activities and Tours

If you’re looking for things to do in Holly Springs, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the best activities and tours:

  1. Holly Springs Main Street Walking Tours: a guided tour that takes visitors on a stroll through the town’s historic downtown district, offering insight into the town’s rich history and architecture.

  2. Soaring Cliffs Zip-line: an exhilarating zip-line adventure that offers a birds-eye view of the stunning countryside.

  3. Ghost Walk of Holly Springs: a spooky, guided tour that takes visitors through Holly Springs’s most haunted locations, offering insight into the town’s supernatural history.

Week-Long Itinerary for Holly Springs

For those looking to spend a week in Holly Springs, here is a sample itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore the Downtown Area, Visit the Marshall County Historical Museum, Ida B. Wells Museum
2 Hiking in the Holly Springs National Forest or Chewalla Lake Recreation Area
3 Visit the Hill Country Blues Museum and enjoy live blues music at a local venue
4 Take a Ghost Walk of Holly Springs and experience the town’s supernatural history
5 Soaring Cliffs Zip-line and outdoor adventure activities at Wall Doxey State Park
6 Relax and enjoy the beauty of Holly Springs, visit local shops and cafes, and stroll through the historic downtown streets
7 Day trip to nearby attractions like Oxford, Tupelo, or Memphis

Food and Drink Scene of Holly Springs

No trip to Holly Springs is complete without experiencing the town’s amazing food and drink scene.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Sweet Potato Pie: a southern classic, made with sweet potatoes, sugar, and spices, and baked in a flaky pastry crust.

  2. Fried Chicken: crispy, golden-brown chicken that is a staple in southern cuisine.

  3. Barbecue Ribs: slow-cooked, tender ribs smothered in a tangy, spicy barbecue sauce.

Local Beverages

  1. Sweet Iced Tea: a southern staple, sweet iced tea is made by brewing tea bags in hot water, adding sugar until dissolved, and then chilling in the refrigerator.

  2. Mint Julep: a refreshing cocktail made with bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint.

Where to Stay in Holly Springs: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Holly Springs offers visitors a range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and tastes.

  1. Holly Springs Inn and Suites: a newly renovated hotel situated in the heart of downtown Holly Springs, offers guests comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

  2. The Wynne House Inn: a beautifully restored guesthouse that offers a unique, Southern-style bed and breakfast experience.

  3. The Holly Springs Hostel: a budget-friendly option that provides backpackers and travelers with a cozy and comfortable place to stay.

What to Buy in Holly Springs: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When it comes to souvenirs and local products, Holly Springs has a lot to offer.

  1. Butterfield’s Antiques: a treasure trove of antiques and vintage items, including furniture, glassware, and more.

  2. Bozarts Gallery: a local store that offers unique art and handmade crafts by talented local artists.

  3. Holly Springs Farmers Market: a great place to buy locally grown produce and artisanal foods.

Local Culture and Customs of Holly Springs

Holly Springs is known for its warm, welcoming people and laid-back, southern charm. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the local culture and customs by being polite, respectful, and friendly.

Best Time to Visit Holly Springs

The best time to visit Holly Springs is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the town is alive with festivals and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Holly Springs

Do:

  1. Embrace the local culture and customs.

  2. Explore the natural beauty of the region.

  3. Experience the town’s amazing food and drink scene.

Don’t:

  1. Be disrespectful or rude to the locals.

  2. Litter or damage the natural environment.

  3. Overindulge in alcohol or engage in reckless behavior.

Safety and Health

Safety in Holly Springs

Holly Springs is generally a safe place for visitors, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions when traveling.

  1. Keep valuables safe and secure.

  2. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

  3. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas.

Health in Holly Springs

Visitors to Holly Springs should ensure they have the necessary vaccinations and medical insurance coverage before traveling.

Getting to Holly Springs: Transportation Options and Logistics

Holly Springs can be easily reached by car, bus, or plane.

Airports Near Holly Springs

  1. Memphis International Airport - located approximately 60 miles from Holly Springs.

  2. Tupelo Regional Airport - located approximately 40 miles from Holly Springs.

Bus Stations Near Holly Springs

Greyhound Bus Lines operates a bus station in Holly Springs.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Holly Springs by car, with Interstate 22 connecting the town to the surrounding area.

How to Get Around in Holly Springs

Visitors to Holly Springs can get around by car, bike, or on foot.

Where to Go Next from Holly Springs: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Holly Springs is conveniently located near several other exciting destinations and attractions.

  1. Oxford, Mississippi: a charming southern town known for its university, literary history, and vibrant arts scene.

  2. Memphis, Tennessee: a world-famous music and culture hub, known for its barbecue, blues, and Graceland.

  3. Tupelo, Mississippi: the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and home to a variety of museums and sites associated with the king of rock and roll.

Conclusion

Holly Springs, Mississippi, is a town that offers visitors a unique mix of natural beauty, historic attractions, and southern hospitality. From museums and cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this charming southern town. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your next visit to Holly Springs, and experience the best of this region.