The Small Town in Mississippi That Comes Alive in the Fall Season

I know the Magnolia State doesn’t see the bountiful fall foliage like our northern friends do, but fall in Mississippi is still a fabulous time to get outdoors. Fall is my all-time favorite time of year, and I love that our small towns come alive during this glorious season. One in particular is Grenada in north-central Mississippi. This charming community is the perfect little town to spend a few days exploring, and I’ve highlighted a few of my favorite things to do in Grenada to inspire your next adventure.

Conveniently located between Jackson, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee, Grenada, Mississippi, is the perfect small town to spend a fall weekend exploring. The population hovers just north of 10,000 residents, which is the perfect size if you ask me. You’ll still have all of the amenities, restaurants, and shopping opportunities that bigger cities offer while still feeling that small-town charm.

Since Grenada is less than two hours away from Jackson, 90 minutes from Memphis, and about an hour away from Oxford, it makes it a wonderful destination for a day trip or weekend adventure. And you'll have plenty to do and see here, especially if you love spending time outdoors.

Grenada is a nature lover’s paradise, and the fall is the perfect time to visit. Cooler temperatures keep the bugs at bay, plus you may even get to see some fall foliage! Mississippi tends to see the leaves change a few weeks later than most states, so if you’re planning a leaf-peeping expedition, check out our previous article on when the leaves will change in Mississippi this year.

One of the most popular reasons to visit this delightful town is the beautiful Grenada Lake. It's home to some of the best crappie fishing in the country! Plus, if it's too chilly to swim, enjoy boating or paddling on the serene oasis. The Grenada Lake Loop is a lovely little scenic drive along the lake. I can't recommend it enough. Tunes up, windows down, and let your need for adventure guide your way! If you're a history buff, you'll come across several relics on your drive that you can stop to admire.

Hugh White State Park is another popular destination in Grenada. You'll get your steps while hiking Lost Bluff Trail. The loop trail is just shy of 2.5 miles and covers some of the most beautiful areas of the state park. It's the perfect spot to press pause and admire the scenery. And fall is the best time to explore this outdoor playground. The forest comes alive with the vibrant hues of the season. There's just something about autumn that I can't get enough of.

Like golfing? You may want to play a round at Dogwoods Golf Course. The golf course is located within the state park, and you can soak up the striking fall scenery here.

If you ask me, autumn is the best time of year to go camping in Mississippi, and with gorgeous landscapes all around, you may never want to leave town! Whether you have your own RV or decide to rent one from a company like RVShare, the waterfront views here are second to none. If RV camping isn't for you, there are plenty of tent camping options as well as several cabins with waterfront views.

Once you've explored the natural landscape, take to the town to see the historic buildings and get your fill of delicious restaurants and shopping opportunities. Spain's Supermarket, in particular, is worth a stop on this fall trip in Mississippi. This grocery store is known for its unique selection of hard-to-find meats, and it's not uncommon for folks to drive for hours just to stock up their freezers with Spain's selections. Swing by and see what you can throw on the grill! Or if you get hungry, stop in at Pap's Fish and Steak, a local joint serving some of the best comfort food in town. On Friday nights, don't miss the catfish, shrimp, and frog legs buffet. Yum!

Between the outdoor activities, the local joints, and the scenic drives, it's easy to see why we enjoy this small town in Mississippi so much. And chances are, you'll love it too. Have you ever visited Grenada, Mississippi? What is your favorite town to visit in Mississippi in the fall? Tell us on our nomination page.

Need more fall inspiration? Here's our list of fun activities in Mississippi during the autumn season. And when you're ready for your next adventure, be sure to use our Only In Your State itinerary planner to create a fun itinerary in minutes.