Mississippi left off 'Best Southern Cities' list. Here are 3 cities we wish made the cut
Mississippi is notably absent on Southern Living's recent "The South's Best Cities 2024" list.
Southern Living readers chose the 25 cities on the list through a third-party poll. From July to August 2023, approximately 20,000 respondents voiced their opinions.
All of Mississippi's neighboring states got a nod. Tennessee appeared three times, Arkansas appeared twice and Alabama and Louisiana both appeared once.
Below are three Magnolia State cities that we wish made the cut.
Oxford
Oxford is a city overflowing with classic Southern culture.
Famously, the late author and long-time Oxford resident William Faulkner found Lafayette County so rich with Southern life that he included it, disguised as the fictional "Yoknapatawpha County," in his writing.
A statue of Faulkner sits waiting for guests on a bench on the edge of Oxford's historic Square. The Square includes some of the state's oldest and most-loved restaurants such as City Grocery and Ajax.
Square Books also sits on the Square and frequently hosts famous authors for book signings.
Oxford is also home to a quintessential feature of Southern culture: football.
Every fall, the city is filled to the brim with excited tailgators as they cover every inch of the grove at Ole Miss, the university that sits in the heart of Oxford.
Mississippi writers, Southern cuisine and high-energy football games are just some of the reasons people enjoy the city. Oxford has something for any visitor looking to experience the best of the South.
Jackson
Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi, is the heartbeat of the state in many ways.
The historic city holds the state's capitol building and legislative buildings and is where bills become law for Mississippi.
At any time of the year, a multitude of public activities are available, including theater arts at Thalia Mara Hall.
Several of the state's best colleges and universities also are located in Jackson, including Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, Millsaps, Bellhaven and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Visitors can take in some of the nation's best museums, whether they are adults or children looking for something to learn.
Jackson is also home to some of the state's best dining options. Recently, Stamps Super Burgers was named one of the best in the nation by USA Today.
Jackson news: Mississippi claims two spots on USA Today's best museums list. See the winners here
More Jackson news: Tougaloo College receives grant, expands campus sexual health education. Read details here
Natchez
Natchez is the place to be if you want to experience a slice of Mississippi history.
Historic buildings dot the streets of Natchez, making it a great place to lose yourself in an afternoon stroll along the Mississippi River.
The Visit Natchez website says, "In short, Natchez is a unique place where history breathes, imagination is ignited and stories that matter come to life."
December is an especially good time to visit as each year the city hosts "Christmas in Natchez," a month-long event that made the Home and Garden Television website's 2023 list of the nation's best small towns to visit during Christmas.
Delta news: MUW alumni push back on bill that would make 'The W' part of Mississippi State. Here's why
Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@jackson.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS left off 'Best Southern Cities' list. Three cities we wish made it
