Published Nov 8, 2020

A Water Lantern Festival Will Be Coming To Mississippi In 2021 And You Can Reserve Your Tickets Now

The Water Lantern Festival is coming to Gulfport, Mississippi in 2021, featuring glowing lanterns, food, and music.

Published Nov 8, 2020

Written by

Daniella DiRienzo

Published Aug 26, 2024

The Incredible Town In Mississippi That Has Been Left In Ruins

Do you love history? This ghost town in Mississippi has been left in ruins. You'd never guess Rodney was once a thriving community.

Published Aug 26, 2024

Written by

Andrea Verschuyl

If you love everything spooky or want to delve deep into our state's past, I recommend visiting Rodney this summer. Located in Jefferson Country, this dilapidated community has been left in ruins. Still, its fascinating history and beautiful scenery make it a ghost town in Mississippi you won't want to miss.

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Perched on the shores of the Mississippi River, experts believe people have inhabited the site of present-day Rodney for thousands of years. Unearthed artifacts in the area indicate that the Natchez used the riverfront as a portage point to White Apple Village. Years later, the French would claim the spot, calling it "Petite Gulf."

alt — Michael Gaylard/flickr

After the French lost regional power, the Spanish seized control, initiating another wave of settlement. Only after they left did American settlers populate the area, naming the community Rodney in 1814. Rodney was so important to early Mississippi that it nearly became the state capital, losing by just three votes to Jackson in 1817!

alt — Rjjiii/Wikimedia Commons

In the following decades, Rodney saw rapid growth. Much of this development is entangled with dark chapters of history, from slavery to the Indian Removal Act of 1830. As westward expansion accelerated, Rodney became a pivotal stopover point for colonists heading to states like Texas. Rodney also developed Petite Gulf cotton, a disease-resistant variety.

alt — Michael McCarthy/flickr

You can still visit buildings where this history unfolded in Rodney. The Presbyterian Church, for instance, was the site of a dramatic conflict in the Civil War. The church's Reverend Baker, a Confederate, invited Union soldiers from a steamboat to come to shore for a service. Confederate cavalry surrounded the church and threatened to kill the trapped soldiers if the boat's remaining crew opened fire. A cannonball shot during this encounter remains lodged in the church's brick!

alt — Michael McCarthy/flickr

However, it wasn't the Civil War that led to Rodney's downfall. It was the Mississippi River changing course.

alt — Marion Post Walcott/Wikimedia Commons

Like a highway town cut off by the interstate, Rodney stagnated when the river shifted in the mid-1800s. A local railroad bypassed the community, sealing its fate. Though some families continued to live there, Rodney was disincorporated by 1930. Visiting now, you'd never guess it played such a crucial role in regional history.

alt — Rjjiii/Wikimedia Commons

If you'd like to visit a ghost town in Mississippi, I recommend planning a road trip to Rodney. Though much of the community has been left in ruins, some structures remain, bringing the area's historical events to life. Whether you're a history buff or a connoisseur of spooky scenery, Rodney is a worthwhile weekend getaway.

Updated Jul 23, 2024

The Gigantic General Store In Mississippi You’ll Want To Visit Over And Over Again

McClain General Store in Brandon, Mississippi, offers a unique southern experience with diverse shopping, dining options, and a wildlife park.

Updated Jul 23, 2024

Written by

Daniella DiRienzo

McClain General Store was rebranded as Cypress Point Resort General Store. In terms of general stores, it doesn’t get much better than this one in Brandon, Mississippi. The enormous store has practically everything you could imagine — from produce and fresh baked sweets to sporting goods and unique gifts. Even better, the grounds also include restaurants and a wildlife park. This is one place you’ll want to visit over and over again. Take a look at this general store near me.

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Situated in the middle of 2,000 beautiful acres, McClain General Store Brandon MS (now The General Store) sits just east of Jackson.

alt — Cypress Point Resort/Facebook

Aiming to provide a unique Southern experience, the enormous general store includes such sections as The Grocery Store, The Butcher Shop, The Bakery and Coffee, and Merchandise and Gifts.

alt — McClain General Store and Restaurant/Google

The wide array of merchandise means that there really is something for everyone at The General Store at Cypress Point Resort.

alt — McClain Resort/Facebook

We enjoy the choices of unique gifts, home decor, toys, and more.

At the farmers market, you’ll find fresh fruits and veggies, which vary depending on the season. Other items include jams, jellies, and locally produced goods.

alt — Matthew Smith/Google

A delectable selection of pastries, pies, cakes, breads, and homemade fudge fill the bakery. Your only complaint will be having to decide which homemade delicacy in which to indulge.

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alt — Wesley Bowers/Google

Meat connoisseurs are sure to be impressed with The Butcher Shop at one of the best general stores in MO, which carries a mouthwatering selection of local beef and other prime meats.

alt — Wesley Bowers/Google

Even better, an experienced butcher is on hand to carve the cut to your liking.

Several restaurants are located on the property, so you can fill up on great merchandise and great food at Cypress Point Resort. A steakhouse, buffet, and pub are just a few of the dining options to choose from.

alt — McClain Resort/Facebook

There’s more to McClain General Store Brandon MS (now Cypress Point Resort) than shopping and dining, though. The resort staff also offers safari tours, which get visitors up close and personal with more than 200 kinds of animals.

alt — McClain Resort/Facebook

With great shopping, incredible restaurants, and one-of-a-kind safari tours, Cypress Point Resort is a great visit for the entire family.

Former McClain General Store offers more information on the Cypress Point Resort website. Have you visited McClain? Do you know of another great general store in Mississippi? Tell us in the comments section below.

While you're in the area, hike the 3.5-mile Brandon Quarry Trail for a fun adventure. And get some help navigating with a free week trial of AllTrails+.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/mississippi/most-enchanting-hike-ms/

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