Although easily overlooked by many in our area, Tupelo and Oxford sit in the northern part of Mississippi, and they each offer plenty of things to do for a fun weekend trip up north. These both sit roughly three to four hours from Union, but by combining both Mississippi locations, one can easily make a good, affordable weekend trip from Union. Both locations offer first-hand insights into Mississippi history and culture. Therefore, every Union resident should consider a trip to Tupelo and Oxford this summer.
In order to get to Tupelo, Mississippi, one must drive, and although many may not want to drive quite so long, one can easily start this trip off with a scenic drive up the Natchez Trace, setting the historical and natural tone for the entire trip. Once in Tupelo, one must first visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum; this attraction actually features the home Elvis grew up in. As many may know, Elvis Presley belongs to our state as a proud Mississippian since he lived in Tupelo until his mid-childhood. As an accompaniment to the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, Union residents should also visit the Elvis Presley Center, a small museum and memorial to The King. Furthermore, visitors interested in United States’ history and military history should visit the Vietnam Memorial Replica Wall and the Tupelo Veterans’ Museum. Both attractions serve as great locations for a historical education. Moreover, for lovers of nature, the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, Tombigbee State Park, and Trace State Park all prove tremendous places to enjoy the beauty and wildlife of rural North Mississippi. Like many other places for weekend trips in Mississippi, Tupelo offers something for everyone.
As another main location in north Mississippi, Oxford offers an even better historical experience than Tupelo while also retaining some attractions for lovers of nature. When one thinks of Oxford, one immediately thinks of the University of Mississippi (which has positive or negative connotations depending on who one asks). The University of Mississippi serves as Mississippi’s flagship and premier university, and the campus has earned the title of “Most Beautiful College Campus in America” in past years. The university also has a museum that one can tour while in Oxford. Therefore, all Union residents would likely enjoy a visit to the University of Mississippi (even all of Union’s Mississippi State fans). Furthermore, the city of Oxford itself boasts an impressive history. The Historic Downtown Square and Confederate Cemetery show monuments of the past that many may not see in Mississippi quite so easily. Oxford also boasts Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulkner, as an attraction, and Union residents should certainly see this sight. Moreover, like Tupelo, Oxford also includes the Thacker Mountain Trail and Bailey’s Woods Trail as attractions for nature lovers. In addition to all these things to do, Oxford has many restaurants with great food for all tastes. Therefore, like Tupelo, Oxford boasts a wide variety of attractions for everyone, and this northern Mississippi town proves worth a visit.
Union residents do not have to consider expensive vacations far away from home if they do not want to or cannot this year. Mississippi offers something for everyone, and weekend trips likely will not affect official vacation time. By traveling to Tupelo and Oxford, Union residents can easily take a short break from the work week, learn about Mississippi culture, and still go on a larger vacation; these two cities offer something for everyone. Therefore, when making summer plans, Union residents should strongly consider Tupelo and Oxford.
Send your Union community news to Matt Hennington at mch.2000@hotmail.com.
