Swimming with dolphins probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Mississippi, but it’s actually a possibility at the newly opened Ocean Adventures Marine Park in Gulfport. But that’s not all the new attraction has to offer. The enormous facility also offers the option to swim with sharks and sting rays – and that’s in addition to an interactive museum, touch pools, and more. Take a look:
Located in Gulfport, the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) recently received a $15 million makeover, which included the addition of Ocean Adventures Marine Park.
It’s open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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In addition to a number of under-the-sea exhibits, the 30,000-square-foot facility offers visitors the chance to swim with dolphins, sting rays, and sharks.
Spend some time wading around with sting rays and sharks for $45. (You’ll even have the chance to feed them.) If you really want to get up close and personal, opt to snorkel and swim with them, which will cost $65.
Not interested in shelling out all that cash for an encounter? That's okay; general admission to the park also offers the chance to get intimate with creatures from the ocean.
With a general admission ticket, you'll have access to the Discovery Room touch pools, which are home to stingrays, sharks, horseshoe crabs, fish, blue crabs, sea stars, and sea urchins.
Prefer to be more of a spectator? Check out the Dolphin Presentation, where you'll see dolphins work with their trainers and interact with other guests.
Ocean Adventures Marine Park is located at 10801 Dolphin Ln., Gulfport, MS 39503. For more information, call (228) 896-9182 or click here for the IMMS website.
If there’s one thing I love about Mississippi, it’s that you’re never too far away from a body of water. Of course, Mississippi’s Gulf Coast is one of the most popular areas in the Magnolia State, but there’s a lot more to do than enjoying our beaches. This sunset sail in Mississippi is the perfect way to spend an evening, so let’s take a look at what you can expect:
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Sunsets over the water are my absolute favorite type of sunsets, and this sunset sail in Mississippi is just picture-perfect from start to finish.
Do you think the Natchez Trace Parkway, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Tishomingo State Park are all you’ll find in Mississippi that offer lots to do? If so, think again! Our great state of Mississippi is brimming with hidden gems just waiting to be explored. From historic sites to amazing restaurants, take a look below to learn all about 13 little-known places in Mississippi you'll want to visit when you think you've already experienced everything in the "Magnolia State."
Traveling back in time is as easy as visiting the Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson, Mississippi. In addition to a ton of exhibits related to its namesake, the museum includes Small Town Mississippi, which happens to be a life-size replica of a small town from the 1920s. Tour this tiny town and you’ll find historically accurate buildings that are intricately decorated inside and out. There are also plenty of authentic artifacts, making for a truly unforgettable experience. It's one of the best hidden gems in Mississippi.
Though hauntings in Mississippi are most commonly associated with homes, there are plenty of other sites with reputations for being paranormal hot spots, and the old Natchez jail is one of them. The dated Victorian building, which sits on State Street, served as the jail from 1891 until 1975. Stories of strange happenings began swirling almost as soon as construction was complete. Today, the building houses city offices. However, that doesn’t mean the eerie occurrences have come to a halt.
3. Search for hidden treasures at an epic flea market.
There aren't many things that can compare with the feeling of finding a great deal. And if it’s a great deal you’re after, there’s no better place to start the search than First Monday Trade Days in Ripley. Held the first weekend of each month, the enormous sale encompasses more than 50 acres and features over 1,000 vendors. The grounds even include dining facilities and campsites, which means you could literally spend an entire weekend at this enormous flea market.
Established in 1884, the Simmons-Wright Company in Kewanee, Mississippi takes the title as the oldest general store in the state. The two-story shop is filled with everything from antiques and memorabilia, to tools and food. Speaking of food, the store also includes a restaurant that serves up delicious meals daily. In addition to the interior, you’ll also want to spend some time exploring the grounds, which include several historic buildings, including a cotton gin and blacksmith shop. A walk through this store will certainly take you back to Mississippi's earlier days.
Speaking of general stores, another must-visit is H.D. Gibbes and Sons. Tucked away in the small town of Learned, it’s been serving as the local general store since 1892. At some point, several tables were added, creating a makeshift restaurant. In addition to perfectly cooked steaks, the fare includes seafood dishes, hearty sides, and lamb chops that are said to be incredibly delicious. This is certainly one of the many little-known places in Mississippi that are worth discovering.
Held inside an 18,000-square-foot building, the Mississippi Farmers Market in Jackson has been named "One of the South's Best Farmers Markets" by Southern Living, and the "Best Farmers Market in Mississippi" by Mississippi Magazine. In addition to thousands of square feet of merchandise, the market also features an on-site restaurant, cooking demonstrations, and more. A visit to Mississippi Farmers Market is perfect for a day trip.
Situated on the banks of the Bouie River, and centered in the middle of a certified wildlife habitat, Cowboy Jim’s Riverside Restaurant is an absolute must-visit. In addition to beautiful views and a secluded setting, the eatery offers mouthwatering fare that includes everything from hamburger steak and chicken tenders to filet mignon and seafood. There's something for everyone.
8. Visit one of the top burger restaurants in the U.S.
Situated in the small town of Holly Springs, Phillips Grocery first opened in 1892 as a saloon. Less than three decades later, a couple purchased the building and began serving burgers made from a top-secret recipe that’s still used to this day. In addition to being described as "culinary gems," the mouthwatering burgers have been recognized in several publications and have won numerous awards. After just one bite, you'll understand why these burgers can't be beat!
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9. Take an in-state vacay to one of the nation’s coolest towns.
Described as a "hip little town in the Mississippi Delta," Cleveland is brimming with things to do. Between a lively downtown that’s known for its great shopping and festivals, to historic sites and museums, there’s something for everyone to do in this Mississippi town.
Tucked away in the small town of Seminary, Shady Acres Village is as charming as it sounds. The "oasis of hospitality" includes a restaurant, which happens to be a stop on the Mississippi BBQ Trail. After filling up on amazing food, you’ll definitely want to devote some time to exploring the rest of Shady Acres Village, which includes a bakery, gift shop, and general store.
If you’re looking for an enjoyable way to take in the wonder that is the Mississippi River, look no further than Natchez’s Nature Trail. The one-of-a-kind trek includes a 200-foot descent, provides unparalleled views of the Mighty Mississippi, and leads straight to Natchez’s historic district, Under-the-Hill. Don't forget to bring along a water bottle to stay hydrated during your hike.
12. Fill up on amazing food at one of the nation’s top eateries.
Darwell’s Café is located in Long Beach, Mississippi and is one of the nation's best restaurants. Once you try their amazing food, you’ll undoubtedly agree.
Encompassing thousands of acres, guests at Tara Wildlife in Vicksburg, Mississippi can take part in everything from hiking to exciting wildlife tours. It's an experience like no other!
Have you ever visited any of these little-known places in Mississippi? If so, what did you think about them? Were they everything you thought they would be? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, if you can think of any other little-known places in Mississippi that are worthy of a visit, please feel free to share those with us as well.
If you're not a resident of Mississippi, have you ever thought about moving here? There are plenty of reasons why everyone should move to Mississippi. If you've considered it, but you're still a bit hesitant, you'll certainly want to take a look at our list.
