Mississippi
Experiences

Marvel At Thousands Of Glittering Pieces Of Jewelry On Display At The Unique Mississippi’s Jeweled Christmas

The Jeweled Christmas at The Towers in Natchez, Mississippi, features a unique holiday display of vintage costume jewelry in an elegant antebellum mansion.

Updated Oct 27, 2023

Written by 

Daniella DiRienzo

During the holiday season, there are Christmas displays all over Mississippi. But you won’t find another quite like The Jeweled Christmas at The Towers of Natchez in Mississippi. Dubbed one of the nation’s most unique holiday displays, it doesn’t include tons of lights or inflatables. Instead, it features thousands of incredible pieces of vintage costume jewelry. Come along as we take a look at this magical way to spend Christmas in Natchez.

The Jeweled Christmas at the Towers is held at The Towers, an antebellum mansion turned B&B in Natchez.

alt
The Towers Antebellum Mansion of Natchez/Facebook

An amazing site all on its own, The Towers is considered the grandest and most elegant antebellum home in Mississippi.

advertisement

Filled with gorgeous antique furniture, including many rare pieces, The Towers is a treat for the eyes year-round.

alt
The Towers Antebellum Mansion of Natchez/Facebook

However, during the holidays, the historic home is especially stunning, and that’s because it’s decked out in vintage costume jewelry.

alt
The Towers Antebellum Mansion of Natchez/Facebook

During this annual Christmas event, thousands of pieces of beautiful jewelry fill the home.

alt
The Towers Antebellum Mansion of Natchez/Facebook

Gorgeous earrings, necklaces, and more can be found in practically every inch of The Towers.

advertisement

Merging Christmas with dazzling jewelry displays...

alt
The Towers Antebellum Mansion of Natchez/Facebook

..., it’s truly unlike any other holiday event.

alt
The Towers Antebellum Mansion of Natchez/Facebook

The one-of-a-kind display was even named one of the top 10 most unusual Christmas displays in the country by USA Today....

alt
The Towers Antebellum Mansion of Natchez/Facebook

...a feat that’s even more impressive when you learn it was the only indoor display to make the list.

For an extra special treat plan to visit during one of the Christmas Candlelight Tours.

advertisement
alt
The Towers Antebellum Mansion of Natchez/Facebook

Anything done by candlelight is very romantic, don't you think?

Some of the Candlelight Tours include an intimate evening with the owners.

alt
The Towers Antebellum Mansion of Natchez/Facebook

Guests will also enjoy refreshments and champagne.

alt
The Towers Antebellum Mansion of Natchez/Facebook

Keep in mind, the Christmas Candlelight Tours are for adults only. Tickets are available and with limited space, reservations are required.

alt
The Towers Antebellum Mansion of Natchez/Facebook

So, are you ready to see The Towers holiday display for yourself?

advertisement

For more information about The Jeweled Christmas at the Towers, you can visit The Towers Historic House & Garden website or The Towers Historic Mansion of Natchez Facebook page.

Have you ever gone to enjoy this exciting annual spectacle? If so, what was your favorite part? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

This isn’t the state’s only festive display. Be sure to read Drive Or Walk Through Millions Of Holiday Lights At Christmas In The Park In Mississippi.

If you’d like to explore winter hikes in and around the area, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Mississippi adventures, take a look at this video:

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences

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.

advertisement

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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences

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.

advertisement

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.

advertisement
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/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Stays
Hotels & Resorts

The Historic Guild House in Philadelphia is One of the Best Places I’ve Ever Stayed

by Sarah McCosham
on Oct 4
alt
State Pride
History

The Most Iconic View in Louisiana Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Oct 4
alt
Nature
Hiking

Hike Picacho Peak State Park’s Sunset Vista Trail in Arizona for an Unforgettable Adventure

by Katie Lawrence
on Oct 4
alt
Nature
Caves & Rock Formations

The Most Iconic View in Utah Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Oct 4
alt
Nature
Hiking

The 3.5-Mile Hiking Trail in Idaho That is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

by Courtnie Erickson
on Oct 4
alt