Tupelo Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture in Tupelo, Mississippi, with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Tupelo

Nestled in the Mississippi Hills region of Mississippi, Tupelo is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of rich culture, scenic landscapes, and fun-filled activities for visitors of all ages. Tupelo is most famously known for being the birthplace of Elvis Presley, which has made the city an important historical landmark and a popular tourist destination. But besides being the birthplace of The King of Rock and Roll, Tupelo has much to offer its visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Tupelo

Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay in Tupelo, here are some must-see places that you should add to your itinerary.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum: This historic site is the birthplace of Elvis Presley and features exhibits that showcase the King’s life and career.
  • Tupelo Automobile Museum: This one-of-a-kind car museum houses over 100 vintage and antique cars and motorcycles.
  • Oren Dunn City Museum: Discover the rich history and culture of Tupelo and the surrounding areas in this delightful museum that features exhibits and artifacts from the prehistoric era to modern times.

Natural Attractions of Tupelo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Natchez Trace Parkway: Travel back in time with a scenic drive along this historic route which dates back to Native American settlements and the early American settlement.
  • Tombigbee State Park: Featuring picturesque lakes, sprawling forests, and fine sand beaches, this state park is a favorite spot for camping, hiking, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tupelo

Tupelo boasts some of the most scenic and well-maintained hiking and biking trails in the state. Here are some of the best ones you should definitely check out:

  • Trace Trail, Tupelo section: With its well-paved roads and scenic views, this trail is perfect for biking enthusiasts of all levels.
  • Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site: This historic site is not just an excellent hiking destination but also offers visitors a rich history lesson.

Best Things to Do in Tupelo: Activities and Tours

From live entertainment and shopping to outdoor recreation and adventurous tours, Tupelo provides countless opportunities for entertainment and fun. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo: Take a tour and get up close and personal with exotic animal species such as zebras, buffalo, and giraffes.
  • Tupelo Automobile Museum: Take a guided tour through this car museum, and learn about the history of automobiles and what makes each car unique.
  • The Mall at Barnes Crossing: This impressive shopping mall features over 50 stores and restaurants, making it the perfect destination for a day of shopping and dining.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tupelo

If you’re planning a week-long visit to Tupelo, here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your time in this lovely city:

Day Activities
Day 1 Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
Day 2 Trace State Park and Lake swimming and picnicking
Day 3 Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo
Day 4 Natchez Trace Parkway drive
Day 5 Tupelo Automobile Museum and Oren Dunn City Museum
Day 6 Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site hiking, biking, and picnicking
Day 7 Shopping and Dining at The Mall at Barnes Crossing

Food and Drink Scene of Tupelo

Tupelo’s culinary scene is a mix of southern comfort and international flavors that offers something for everyone. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages that you should definitely check out:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Catfish: A Tupelo staple, fried catfish is a must-try dish for seafood lovers.
  • Hot Tamales: Tupelo’s take on a Mexican classic, hot tamales offer a spicy and flavorful treat.

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea: A southern classic, Tupelo’s sweet tea is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot summer days.
  • Craft Beer: Tupelo has a burgeoning craft beer scene, and numerous local breweries offer visitors a chance to sample unique and delicious brews.

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

Tupelo offers various accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Hilton Garden Inn: A modern hotel that’s centrally located and offers all the amenities to make your stay comfortable.
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tupelo: This reasonably priced hotel offers excellent value, convenient location, and lots of amenities for the price.

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

From Elvis memorabilia to local crafts and art pieces, Tupelo offers plenty of options for unique souvenirs. Here are some things that you should consider bringing home:

  • Elvis Presley Memorabilia: Whether it’s an Elvis record, a T-shirt, or a poster, Tupelo has plenty of souvenir shops that sell all things Elvis.
  • Tupelo Honey: This delicious honey is harvested from the local Tupelo trees and makes for an excellent gift to take back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Tupelo

Tupelo is a warm and welcoming city that values traditions and customs. Some customs to be aware of include saying “yes ma’am” and “no sir” as a sign of respect and politeness, and to always remove your hat indoors, except in places where hats are allowed, such as barbershops.

Best Time to Visit Tupelo

The best time to visit Tupelo is from April to October, when the city’s outdoor activities are at their peak and the weather is generally mild and pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tupelo

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and craft beer
  • Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum

    Don’t:

  • Forget to show politeness and respect to locals, such as using “yes ma’am” and “no sir”.
  • Tear down culturally significant items or landmarks.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tupelo

Tupelo is a relatively safe city, and visitors are unlikely to experience any major safety concerns. However, visitors should still exercise caution and take basic measures to ensure their safety.

Health in Tupelo

Visitors to Tupelo are unlikely to experience any significant health risks. However, as with any travel, it is always a good idea to have health insurance and carry any medications that you require.

Getting to Tupelo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tupelo is easily accessible and can be reached by various means of transportation.

Airports Near Tupelo

  • Tupelo Regional Airport: This local airport offers direct flights to and from major cities.
  • Memphis International Airport is 1 hour 45 minutes away.

Bus Stations Near Tupelo

  • Greyhound Bus Station
  • JATRAN Bus Station

Other Options

Renting a car is an excellent option for tourists looking to drive around the city and its surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Tupelo

Tupelo has various transportation options to help visitors get around.

  • Car Rental: Numerous car rental companies offer their services at the airport and in the city center.
  • Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services: Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Tupelo.

Where to Go Next from Tupelo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are numerous fantastic destinations to explore around Tupelo. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Oxford, Mississippi: A charming college town that’s home to several literary and cultural landmarks.
  • New Albany, Mississippi: A small town known for its antebellum architecture and scenic trails.

Conclusion

Tupelo, Mississippi, offers a wealth of exciting activities, natural attractions, culinary delights, and cultural landmarks that offer an excellent experience for visitors of all ages. So, why wait? Pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and come explore Tupelo today!