"Quick looks at Mississippi" a Mississippi Travel Page by WFTR

My first visits to Mississippi were in the early 90's when my former employer sent me to do some work in their plant in Hamilton. I flew into the Golden Triangle Airport near Columbus and stayed in Columbus while I was there. I don't even remember the motel where I stayed. I do remember that the town had a few scenic old churches and a few good restaurants.

In more recent years, I've driven through Mississippi on my way to Tennessee from my home on the Gulf Coast.

From Houston, the best route was to take state highways to the northeast and catch I-20 near Shreveport, Louisiana. I-20 would take me to Jackson. If I wanted to swing through Nashville, Tennessee, I'd take I-55 to Memphis and I-40 across Tennessee. If I were going directly to East Tennessee, I'd take I-20 all the way across Mississippi and then take I-59 to Birmingham.

From Baton Rouge, the best route to Middle or East Tennessee is to take I-12 to I-59 and follow I-59 all the way to Birmingham. This route goes through Hattiesburg, Laurel, and Meridian.

On my most recent return trip, I stopped for the night in Hattiesburg and visited Paul B. Johnson State Park for an hour or two. My side excursion will generate two tips. One will be about driving on Hwy 49 and another will be about the park itself.