Looking for a leisurely getaway close to Virginia? Consider heading to a nearby state for your honeymoon or a romantic weekend getaway. There are plenty of things to do in Tupelo, Mississippi, that might surprise you. Is Tupelo worth visiting? In my opinion, yes!
I visited Tupelo in partnership with the tourism board. Photography and all opinions are my own.
FAQ About Visiting Tupelo, Mississippi Attractions
What is the Tupelo, Mississippi, weather?
In the winter, the highs are around 55°F, and the lows typically range from the mid-30s to the mid-40s. During the summer, the weather normally reaches around 90°F, with lows in the high 60s or low 70s. Although the chance for snow is usually low, the area does sometimes see winter precipitation.
Is there a Tupelo, Mississippi, map?
Feel free to scroll in or out of the map of Tupelo, Mississippi, below. Hopefully, that helps!
Is there a Tupelo, Mississippi, airport?
Surprisingly, yes! It’s small and easy to get through security. The airport code is TUP if you want to look into buying a flight into Tupelo.
What are the directions to Tupelo, Mississippi?
Tupelo is situated in northeastern Mississippi, making it easily accessible from numerous locations. Here are a few standard driving distances between places.
- Tupelo to Graceland: 1.75 hours
- Tupelo to Memphis: 1.75 hours
- Tupelo to Nashville: 3.75 hours
- Tupelo to Biloxi: 4.75 hours
Romantic Hotels in Tupelo Mississippi
Although there are several chain hotels in Tupelo, we (my husband and I) had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Tupelo, which is currently the only boutique hotel in town. Is there anything to see in Tupelo, Mississippi? The presence of this great hotel is evidence that there certainly is.
It’s conveniently located and has all of the modern conveniences. One thing I loved was that they had bikes available, allowing you to explore the downtown area. So fun!
Take a peek at our accommodations below.
Things to Do in Tupelo, Mississippi, on a Getaway
Elvis fans are in luck, as there is a rich history surrounding the life of the King of Rock and Roll. After all, he was born there and spent his young life in the town. However, if you have no interest in Presley’s history, there are still so many Tupelo, Mississippi, attractions to enjoy!
1. Go back in time at the Elvis Presley Birthplace.
Visiting the Elvis Presley Birthplace offers a glimpse into his humble beginnings. He was born in a modest, two-room house that you can walk through.
Also on the site is the church where he used to perform (although it has been relocated to the current site for preservation), as well as an interesting museum. It’s well worth a visit, as it’s one of the most popular things to do in Tupelo, MS.
2. Take a self-guided mural tour.
Murals are fascinating, and Tupelo has a wealth of visual art throughout the town. Whether you want to take pictures at each one or simply stroll by, be on the lookout!
My favorites were the Elvis-centric ones. However, I also enjoyed the Mississippi flag and the sign that mimicked an old-fashioned postcard. How fun!
3. Explore the Natchez Trace Parkway.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile stretch of road that is recognized by the National Park Service. It has a rich history, and I’d suggest starting at the visitor’s center to watch a video about its origins.
Then you can venture out and either drive the parkway or walk parts of the trace. It’s actually a path etched throughout the woods that was used by Indians and early settlers. It’s an interesting piece of American history!
4. See where Elvis’s mom purchased his first guitar.
At first, Tupelo Hardware Co. may seem unassuming, but don’t miss this historic spot. It’s been family-owned for years, and in the 1940’s Elvis’s mom purchased his first guitar as a birthday present.
Of course, my retelling won’t do the story justice. However, an employee will be more than happy to tell the tale if you stop in. You can even stand in the spot where Elvis did!
5. Look for the painted guitars on the Elvis Guitar Trail.
If you explore for any time at all downtown, it would be difficult to miss the fact that over 25 painted guitars are peppered throughout.
The Elvis Guitar Trail offers the opportunity to explore and notice how each guitar is unique. Of course, many are related to the history of Elvis.
6. Do a tasting at Queen’s Reward Meadery.
Not only is Queen’s Reward Meadery a lovely place to spend time, but the mead is also delicious. Mead is made from honey, and the variety used at this meadery comes from Mississippi bees.
Sit down for a while and savor the taste of mead as you hear about how it’s made.
7. Search for vintage finds at Relics Antique Marketplace.
One of my favorite things to do is go shopping for antiques when I’m on the road. Relics Antique Marketplace is the perfect place to do so!
Not only is the warehouse filled with vintage treasures, but it’s also where Elvis’s mother used to work when it was a factory in the past.
8. Visit the Elvis statue in the Fairpark District.
Modeled after a 1956 concert, the Elvis statue in the park is hard to miss. You can get close and personal with him and touch his hand, which is one reason the statue is titled “The Hands.”
Take a few minutes to be outside and walk around the park while you’re there!
9. Stroll (or bike!) downtown and enjoy time in Tupelo.
When you have some free time, head downtown to explore the shops and restaurants. You can either walk from the hotel or borrow one of their bikes.
You can also peruse the shops in between visiting the various Tupelo, Mississippi, attractions.
Things to Do in Tupelo Mississippi: Best Restaurants
There are numerous restaurants to choose from, and we’ve visited our fair share. Of course, your visit depends entirely on the type of cuisine you’re looking for.
As a result, Tupelo, MS, offers a diverse range of restaurants to suit various tastes. Here’s where we went.
Jobos
When you stay at Hotel Tupelo, you definitely need to eat at the on-site restaurant, Jobos. It’s beautifully designed, has a full bar, and has tasty dishes!
My husband and I really enjoyed it; plus, it was nice to be able to go downstairs and get a bite to eat. What a great asset right at the hotel!
Tupelo River Coffee
Need to start your day with a cup of Joe? Of course, you can grab some at the hotel (they actually serve Tupelo River Coffee!), but make time to head there yourself.
It’s a charming atmosphere, and you’ll also enjoy a delicious cup of coffee before heading out on our list of best things to do in Tupelo MS.
Brick & Spoon
If you adore breakfast, head to Brick & Spoon to get your fix.
From morning cocktails (featuring mimosas and spiked coffee!) to tasty, fluffy omelets, there is so much to love about this hopping breakfast spot. Please arrive early to secure your seat.
Talbot House Bakery
Want to do some good while you’re in Tupelo? Then stop by Talbot House Bakery! Not only are there delectable goodies — I mean, look at that cinnamon roll!
However, the bakery provides employment and job training for women who are transitioning from substance abuse. Goodies and a good cause? It’s a win-win!
Neon Pig Cafe
If you’re looking for a casual but tasty lunch, head to Neon Pig Cafe.
One point to note is that this is more of an order-and-find-a-table kind of place rather than a sit-down-and-get-served restaurant. We really enjoyed the charcuterie board!
Amsterdam Deli and Grill
Amsterdam Deli and Grill is the perfect place to stop for lunch if you’re planning to rent bikes to explore downtown.
It’s an ideal place to enjoy a casual meal while taking in the ambiance of the central area. Additionally, it’s conveniently located near several Tupelo, Mississippi, attractions.
Blue Canoe
Live music and a fabulous Southern atmosphere encompass what Blue Canoe is all about.
While we were there, we enjoyed the food, vibe, and a bit of live music. It’s fun, especially if you want to pick a seat and stay for a while.
Forklift
Another great dinner spot in Tupelo, Forklift has excellent cocktails and a unique selection of meal options.
It’s an upscale yet casual place to eat dinner. Plus, the decor really makes the place — beyond the fabulous flavors, of course!
DownUnder
The place to be if you’re seeking a late-night drink or bite is definitely DownUnder.
As expected, you have to go downstairs to get in, but once you’re there, you’ll enjoy the vibrant bar atmosphere in Tupelo.
Save things to do in Tupelo Mississippi!
