Features: Corinth

Corinth is often referred to as Mississippi's Gateway City due to its location in the northeast corner of the state - and it truly is a gateway into Mississippi's history and culture as evidenced by the amount of activities and interesting places to experience - and the great shopping and dining are an added bonus!

A perfect place to start your visit to Corinth is at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center. This National Historic Landmark is the Corinth Unit of Shiloh National Military Park. The $9.5 million center includes many interesting exhibits and explores six major themes including the role of the railroad; the role of earthworks and fortifications; the African-American experience; Corinth as a military learning ground; the Shiloh-Corinth corridor and America before and after the Civil War. The exhibits use innovative and high-tech audio-visual techniques to present the story.

Other historical attractions include the Black History Museum of Corinth which displays memorabilia and artifacts relating to the history of Corinth's African-American residents with an emphasis on education and religion.

After you've learned about Corinth's past, you'll want to explore the present or maybe buy some presents when you go shopping in historic downtown Corinth. Ann's is a great place for women's clothes and gifts, or stop by Ginger's for women's and children's shoes. For beautiful china and an excellent selection of gifts, browse at Kate's and Company. The Sanctuary is a florist and gift shop in the unusual environment of an old Episcopal Church. JB Outdoors has all the equipment you need for an outdoor adventure (be sure to ask them about the Corinth Hiking & Biking Trail) and men will also enjoy the excellent selection of clothing at Boston's.

While you're shopping in downtown Corinth, visit some of the legendary establishments such as Borroum's Drug Store. Founded in 1865, Borroum's is Mississippi's oldest drugstore continuously operated by the same family. They specialize in nostalgic soda fountain food as well as the local favorite called a slugburger. Slugburgers are a Depression-era "burger" of meat and breading or soy meal. There's even a Slugburger Festival every year to celebrate this local delicacy.

Other Corinth food specialties include Dilworth's Tamale Shop that's been in operation since 1962. It's a drive-thru or walk-thru restaurant only so it's a great place stop before an outdoor picnic. Speaking of picnics, the perfect place to have one in the summertime is at the Hilltop Peach Farm where you can enjoy the view from a 700-foot high overlook - and yes, you can pick your own peaches, nectarines and apples in the orchard to take home with you.

Abe's Grill serves homemade biscuits and delicious ribeye steak sandwiches or you might want to go all out and try "The Big Abe" hamburger. KC's Espresso in downtown Corinth offers lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, espressos, chai tea, fresh pastries and fruit smoothies if you're looking for a place for a perfect afternoon snack. Other dining options include local favorites like the Cross City Grille or Martha's Menu.

As you plan your trip to Corinth, you'll want to keep in mind that on Thursday nights, there's an authentic musical experience waiting for you. Thursdays are when Pickin' on Courthouse Square takes place. Regional talent celebrates the bluegrass heritage of the area. If you're enjoying the rebirth of bluegrass music in America, this is the place to be. During the Spring, Summer and Fall you can sit outside and enjoy the music on the lawn of the Courthouse Square. During the Winter, the show moves indoors to the old Coliseum-Civic Center.

Now that you know more about the history, shopping, dining and music of Corinth, the only thing left for you to do is start planning your trip here - you'll be glad you did.