Features: Greenwood

During the holidays, the only thing better than the giving and receiving of gifts is the cooking and eating of treats. If you enjoy celebrating the culinary aspect of the holidays-now that the season is upon us-why not celebrate Delta-style in Greenwood, Mississippi.

While Greenwood has plenty of intriguing history, outdoor opportunities and other activities, the food, restaurants and cooking attractions in this town are a highlight you don't want to miss-especially during the holidays.

Start with the world-famous Viking Cooking School. This incredible treasure has hosted hundreds of passionate gourmets and novices alike to hands-on and demonstration classes by top regional chefs. While you're "studying", be sure to stay at the fabulous Alluvian Hotel, also owned by the Viking Range Corporation. This spot rivals any New York boutique hotel, and they have great Christmas and New Year's Eve specials, too. As if the Alluvian Hotel wasn't luxurious enough, the Alluvian Spa is yet another upscale escape you have to indulge in. Also associated with the hotel is Giardina's Restaurant. It's the perfect place for dinner with favorites like flame-broiled steaks topped with lump crabmeat, shrimp or crawfish tails.

Speaking of restaurants, Greenwood is loaded with great places to dine. Local favorites such as Lusco's and The Crystal Grill provide a delicious, authentic experience for visitors. At Lusco's, their signature marinades and sauces are bottled for sale to take home-and if you're at The Crystal Grill, be sure to save room for dessert including their mile-high chocolate pie.

After you've sampled the restaurants in Greenwood, it's time to finish up the holiday shopping. Practically anything and everything that's made in Mississippi-more than 1,200 of our best food and gift items to be precise-fill the shelves at The Mississippi Gift Company. From local pottery to the #1 seller, cheese straws, the most creative and most flavorful of Mississippi are here. Dispense with restraint and enjoy yourself. The store also creates gift baskets and takes catalog and Internet orders-could Christmas shopping get any easier than this?

For the food connoisseur on your shopping list, you'll love the Delta Fresh Market & Deli. With few if any rivals in the state, Delta Fresh Market & Deli is one-stop shopping for extraordinary cheeses, fresh organic produce, sandwiches and other prepared take-out items, and gourmet products from Mississippi and around the world. Shoppers can also enjoy dining in this eclectic atmosphere while surfing the Internet and planning their next home-cooked gourmet extravaganza.

While you're here, spend some time learning more about historic Greenwood by visiting the Greenwood Blues Heritage Museum & Gallery and the Cottonlandia Museum. Both places provide an interesting look at the area's rich musical heritage and diverse past.