Holiday Guide: The Quintessential Thanksgiving in Mississippi By
Alli Hill
Heading to Mississippi for Thanksgiving? You’re in luck: there’s no end of things to do during the week of Turkey Day. Once you’ve eaten your fill of casserole, stuffing, and desserts, you and family can carry on old traditions or make new ones thanks to Mississippi’s abundance of museums, events, and activities, all of which are filled with the spirit of Thanksgiving. Use this quintessential guide to Thanksgiving in Mississippi for a holiday you won’t soon forget.
1. Adventures Pub & Spirits, Biloxi, MS
Begin your Thanksgiving to remember with a little Drinksgiving celebration. Adventures Pub & Spirits is serving up tasty eats and ice-cold drinks in a classic pub-style atmosphere. Even if you’re not into the adult beverage scene, the food menu alone is worth a stop here—pig wings, calamari, nachos, and chicken tenders are just a few of the fan favorites to satisfy your appetite.
2. The Mosaic Shop, Pearl, MS
If you’re feeling crafty and want to make your Thanksgiving spread unique, take a trip to the Mosaic Shop and create some original home decor for the holidays. Or, if you’re leaving all the hard to someone else, make a unique piece for them as a thank you gift for a stress-free Thanksgiving.
3. Tom’s Fried Pies, Richland, MS
Take some hassle out of the kitchen and let Tom’s Fried Pies take care of the dessert. These tasty, savory pies are sure to make your guests all the more thankful for your good ideas. Choose from a variety of sizes and flavors, including fruits, sugar-free, and even meat pies.
4. Olivia’s Food Emporium, Madison, MS
Outsourcing the dessert is usually a no-brainer, but letting someone else handle the turkey takes courage. Olivia’s Food Emporium is always up to the challenge, offering fried, roasted, and smoked turkeys to let you spend more time with your family and out of the kitchen. They can also handle all fixings, too, giving you a potentially hands-free Thanksgiving meal.
5. Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival, Gulfport, MS
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, guests can be the first to experience the third annual Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival. The carnival rides, Christmas lights, and hot chocolate here make for a good transition from our day of Thanks into the Christmas season.
6. Outlets at Mississippi, Pearl, MS
Start your Christmas shopping (and potentially finish it, too) on Black Friday with a trip to the outlet mall in Peal. They feature some of the best names in fashion, accessories, and lifestyles, which means you’re sure to find that something special for everyone on your list. And with outlet prices, you might even pick up a few things for yourself!
7. Mississippi State vs. Stephen F. Austin State University basketball
If you love basketball and happen to be in the area on Thanksgiving Eve, grab some seats and watch Mississippi State take on the Stephen F. Austin Jacks. Tip off is at 7 p.m., which means you’ll have enough time to get home and rest up with visions of turkey and dressing dancing in your head.
8. Chahta Immi Cultural Center, Choctaw, MS
This museum was established to highlight Choctaw culture and way of life. Visitors can gain insight into Choctaw tribal government while exploring exhibits, art, and pottery.
9. Hobble Then Gobble, Hattiesburg, MS
This Thanksgiving race might make you feel less guilty about your impending indulgences. Starting at 8 a.m., racers have their pick of a five-mile run or two-mile walk, with awards in each category. Even if you don’t win an official prize, the Thanksgiving feast awaiting you at home later will be reward enough.
10. United Way, Oxford, MS
Thanksgiving makes us realize how truly fortunate we are, and there’s no better way to show our appreciation than to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate. The United Way of Oxford thrives on volunteer support, so consider reaching out to them on how you can help make Thanksgiving brighter for the community.
