http://www.visitmississippi.org Your Mississippi resource for press releases, places to stay, things to do, golfing, dining, shopping, outdoors, casinos and events calendar too! Mississippi the birthplace of America's music. en-gb http://www.visitmississippi.org/images/visit_mississippi_mini_logo.jpg http://www.visitmississippi.org http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/20100205_welcome_centers_celebrate_heritage.asp Jackson, Mississippi (February 5, 2010) - The musical heritage of Mississippi has been welcoming visitors to the state for decades. Whether through blues, country or rock 'n roll music, Mississippi has provided the soundtrack for the nation and the world. And travelers often visit to learn more about the birthplace of America's music firsthand. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/20100205_hattiesburg_spot_on_chitlin_circut_added.asp Jackson, Mississippi (February 5, 2010) - Hattiesburg’s original Hi-Hat Club, once a key stop on the Deep South “Chitlin’ Circuit,” will be added to the Mississippi Blues Trail. The club will be celebrated in an 11 a.m. ceremony on Wednesday, February 10, at 209 Airport Road in the Palmers Crossing community. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/20100119_2010TourGuide.asp Jackson, Mississippi (January 19, 2010) - The Mississippi Development Authority‟s Tourism Division in partnership with the Mississippi Tourism Association just released its 2010 Official Tour Guide a comprehensive handbook that encourages visitors to see the Hospitality State, while helping them plan their next Mississippi vacation. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/20100118_New_Blues_Trail_Website.asp Jackson, Mississippi (January 18, 2010) - The Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division today announced the Mississippi Blues Trail web site is now available for visitors looking to create memorable trips. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/20100118_event_workshops.asp Jackson, Mississippi (January 18, 2010) - The Mississippi Development Authority’s Division of Tourism Development and The Mississippi Arts Commission are working together to present the 5th Annual Festival and Event coordinators Workshop on January 26 and 28. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/20091229_Alabama_Blues_Trail_Marker.asp Jackson, Mississippi (December 29, 2009) - Gov. Haley Barbour today announced the dedication of a Mississippi Blues Trail marker in Tuscumbia, Alabama on the grounds of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Wednesday, January 6, 2010 to salute the musical association between Mississippi and Alabama. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/20091229_Elvis_Presley.asp Jackson, Mississippi (December 29, 2009) - Get ready to celebrate the 75th Birthday Anniversary of the King of Rock and Roll—Elvis Presley in the birthplace of America’s music, Mississippi! Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/20091222_100th_marker.asp Jackson, Mississippi (December 22, 2009) - Gov. Haley Barbour today announced the dedication of the 100th Mississippi Blues Trail Marker to honor Cassandra Wilson at 10 a.m. January 7, 2010. A ceremony and reception will be held. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20091204_shelbymarker.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (December 4, 2009) – On Friday, December 4 at 2 p.m. the 97th Mississippi Blues Trail marker will be placed at the train depot on Broadway in Shelby in honor of bluesman Henry Townsend. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/120109WelcomeCenters.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (November 24, 2009) – As the weather turns colder, our thoughts get warmer with dreams of celebrating the holidays with family and friends this year, how about adding some southern hospitality to the season by visiting a Mississippi Welcome Center. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/112309_Tutwiler.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (November 23, 2009) – Tutwiler’s celebrated reputation as the birthplace of the blues will be saluted when the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Tourism Division Heritage Trails Program, the Mississippi Blues Commission and the town of Tutwiler dedicate Mississippi Blues Trail marker number 95 Wednesday, November 25 at 11:30 a.m. on Front Street at the Railroad Park. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/110309_film_commissioners.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (October 16, 2009) – The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) has named Ward Emling of the Mississippi Film Office as a moderator during the 2009 Cineposium International Conference at Universal City, California October 31 through November 3. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/100109_helena.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (October 1, 2009) – Governor Haley Barbour today announced that the Mississippi Blues Trail is placing a marker in Helena, Arkansas at 142 Cherry Street on Friday, October 9 at 2 p. m. to entice visitors to take an unforgettable journey into Blues history in Mississippi the Birthplace of America’s Music. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/093009_Ace_Records_Release.pdf Press Release - September 30, 2009 - The Mississippi Blues Trail salutes the musical legacy of Jackson‟s Ace Records and its owner Johnny Vincent (Imbragulio) on Monday, October 5, at 3:30 p.m., with the dedication of the trail‟s 87th historical marker. The unveiling will take place at the former site of Ace‟s headquarters on the 200 block of West Capitol Street, between the Mayflower restaurant and the King Edward Hotel. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/092909_Hollandale_Marker.pdf Press Release - September 29, 2009 - Governor Haley Barbour today announced the Mississippi Blues Trail will salute the musical legacy of Sam Chatmon and others of Hollandale, Mississippi on Friday, October 2, at 3 p.m. with the dedication of the trail's 86th historical marker on Simmons Street and West Washington Avenue. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/092209_CharlesEversBluesMarker.pdf Press release - September 22, 2009 - Governor Haley Barbour today announced a Mississippi Blues Trail Marker will be placed in Fayette to honor one of the state’s leading civil rights advocates, Charles Evers. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/090109_Lightfoot.pdf Press release - September 1, 2009 - Music lovers are invited to soak in the sounds of the blues at the unveiling of Natchez’s second Mississippi Blues Trail marker on Friday, September 4 at 6:30 p.m. in Jack Waite Park on McCabe Street. The marker honors Alexander “Papa George” Lightfoot, who was a Natchez ice cream peddler by day and a blues man by night. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090827_Otha_Turner.pdf Press release - August 27, 2009 - For people whose travel decisions are based solely on their love for the Blues - now is the time to follow that passion for music as Mississippi continues to expand the Blues Trail Saturday, August 29 at 11a.m. with dedication ceremonies in downtown Como in honor of the late fife and drum musician Otha Turner. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/082109_Travel_South_Chairman.pdf Press release - August 21, 2009 - Travel South USA, the official regional destination marketing organization for the 12 Southern state tourism offices, has announced Mississippi Development Authority, Tourism Division Director D. Craig Ray has been elected as Chairman for its Board of Directors. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090731_SamCooke.pdf Press release - July 30, 2009 - Sam Cooke, one of America’s most popular and charismatic singing idols, will be honored with the 81st marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail during the annual Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival in Clarksdale. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090720_AuthenticPlacestoStay.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (July 20, 2009) – Mississippi is the perfect choice for a night or two's stay especially if you are looking for accommodations that are truly authentic. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090713_Oldest_African_American_Neighborhood.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (July 13, 2009) – Baptist Town, established in the 1800s in tandem with the growth of the local cotton industry and one of Greenwood’s oldest African American neighborhoods, is the site of the newest marker dedication on the Mississippi Blues Trail. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090709_Marty_Stuart.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (July 9, 2009) – The exhibit - Mississippi Boy, Marty Stuart, The Neshoba County Years opens today at the Philadelphia –Neshoba County Museum as framed records, photos, and other pieces of memorabilia from the country music legend’s life is displayed for visitors. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090620-Pomonkeys-release.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (June 20, 2009) – The rural juke joint played an integral role in the development of the blues, offering a distinctly secular space for people to socialize, Mississippi Blues Trail marker number seventy-nine will be unveiled at Po’ Monkey’s juke joint in Merigold, Mississippi on Monday, June 22 at 2:30 p.m. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/ChicagotoMississippiJune82009.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (June 11, 2009) – Governor Haley Barbour announces the continued growth of the Mississippi Blues Trail as the Mississippi Blues Trail goes to Chicago, Illinois with its second out-of-state marker titled “Mississippi to Chicago” Mississippi Blues Trail marker, Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 3 p.m. in Grant Part, north of Roosevelt and Indiana Avenue in Chicago. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/Red_White_and_Blueberry_Festival.pdf Ocean Springs, Mississippi (June 1, 2009) – Local chefs and restaurant owners, Kenny Ward and Debbie Patout will be culinary guests at this year’s 4th annual Red, White & “Blueberry” Festival hosted by the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce - Main Street – Tourism Bureau and Ocean Springs Fresh Market on Saturday, June 6, 2009, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the L&N Depot parking lot in downtown Ocean Springs. Read more.. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/Son_Thomas_Press_Release.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (June 1, 2009) –Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, The Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division Heritage Trails Program, the Mississippi Blues Commission and the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, will honor James “Son” Thomas with a Mississippi Blues Trail marker to be unveiled on Friday, June 5, 2009 at 2 p.m. at 309 North Broad Street in Leland, Mississippi. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090526_Grammy_Media_CheckIn_Advisory.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (May 26, 2009) – Governor Haley Barbour and First Lady Marsha Barbour will host the Third Annual Mississippi GRAMMY® Event at 7 p.m. May 28, 2009, at Bluesville, part of Harrah’s Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Tunica. The list of performers and honorees includes Joey Lauren Adams, Brandon Bennett, Eden Brent, James Burton, Eddie Cotton, Dorothy Moore, Paul Overstreet, Pinetop Perkins, Charley Pride, Marty Stuart, the Williams Brothers and Nanette Workman. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090522_Abbay_Leatherman_Plantation_Marker.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (May 22, 2009) - Governor Haley Barbour today announced the placement of the 75th Mississippi Blues Trail Marker honoring the Abbay and Leatherman Plantation, the epicenter of the blues where Blues legend Robert Johnson spent his boyhood years. The ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 28, in Tunica. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090522_HERNANDO_MUSICIANS.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (May 22, 2009) –The Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Division Heritage Trails Program, the Mississippi Blues Commission and the DeSoto County Tourism Association will dedicate the marker at 400 West Park Street in honor of Hernando musicians during ceremonies Wednesday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/ChicagoBluesFestivalPressRelease2009.pdf JACKSON, Miss. (June 1, 2009) -- Get ready, Chicago, The Mississippi Development Authority’s (MDA) Tourism Division will showcase the “Birthplace of America’s Music” in Chicago, Illinois, at the 26th annual Chicago Blues Festival, June 12-14, 2009, in downtown Chicago at Grant Park. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/NewHattiesburgMuseum.pdf HATTIESBURG — Hattiesburg is welcoming a new addition to its tourism market with the long awaited grand opening Saturday of the historic USO Club and African-American Military History
 Museum. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090512_Mississippi%20Tourism%20Week.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (May 9, 2009) – Governor Haley Barbour has proclaimed this week as Mississippi Tourism Week. The Mississippi tourism industry is celebrating the 26th Annual National Travel and Tourism Week, the tourism industry's commemorative event that runs through May 17. Read more. http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090505-MemphisToMississippi.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (April 29, 2009) – Governor Haley Barbour announces the continued growth of the Mississippi Blues Trail Friday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m. as the Mississippi Blues Trail goes national with its first out-of-state marker in Memphis titled “Mississippi to Memphis.” The marker will be dedicated in front of the FedEx Forum and Rock'n'Soul Museum on 3rd Street near Beale. The unveiling by the Mississippi Blues Commission and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau will follow the annual Blues Awards ceremony in Memphis. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090429-TourismTrailRelease.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (April 29, 2009) – Governor Haley Barbour announces the continued growth of the Mississippi Blues Trail May 7-9 with three new markers honoring the Mississippi and Tennessee sites and blues legends from the Birthplace of America’s Music. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090415-QueenOfHearts.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (April 13, 2009) – Jackson became an important center for the blues in the early 1900s, when musicians from rural communities came to play for crowds on the capital city’s streets and in its many venues. The Mississippi Blues Trail will mark another historic site during ceremonies at 2243 Martin Luther King Drive on Thursday, April 16, at 4 p.m. as Governor Haley Barbour, the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Heritage Trails Program, the Mississippi Blues Commission, and the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau, honor The Queen of Hearts. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090402-ClubDesireCanton.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (March 26, 2009) –The Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division Heritage Trails Program, the Mississippi Blues Commission and the Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau will celebrate the historic significance of Club Desire, March 31, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at 141 North Union Street in Canton. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090402-msgrammy.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (April 2, 2009) – The State of Mississippi’s continuing “Birthplace of America’s Music” campaign has launched the website www.msgrammy.com to ready visitors for the third annual star-studded gala set for May 28, 2009. This year’s event moves to Bluesville at the Horseshoe in Tunica. Read more... http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_news/docs/20090316-Pilgrimage.pdf Jackson, Mississippi (March 16, 2009) – The red, pink, and white azaleas are in bloom, the boxwood hedges have been perfectly manicured, the crape myrtle trees are laden with color. It’s spring in Mississippi, and that means it’s time Pilgrimage season. Read more... Welcome to the Press and News Room. Here you’ll find the most up-to-date press releases, facts, figures, statistics, and interesting Mississippi trivia, as well as photos from across the state covering a wide variety of places, attractions, and activities. Visitmississippi.org Press and News Room http://www.visitmississippi.org