Featured Image: Canton Tourism
Looking for a charming small town straight from a movie set that features mouthwatering Southern cuisine, historic museums, and a wide array of shopping? You’ll find all this and more in Canton, Mississippi.
With many historic sites on the National Register of Historic Places, Canton tells numerous stories through food, fun, and festivals.
Here’s where to eat, stay, and play in Canton.
Eat
Regardless of what your taste buds are seeking, Canton serves up something to satisfy them. That includes everything from fresh fried catfish to classic American cuisine to tasty tacos, and even a quaint tea room tucked away on the square.
Two Rivers
When you want an elevated dining experience, head to Two Rivers Restaurant and Catering for quality steaks, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts.
The Cooking Diva
You can pick up your favorite selections ranging from fried chicken to chopped steak to pork chops at The Cooking Diva, paired with such sides as collards, mac and cheese, and sweet potatoes.
Penn’s
If you’re craving fried catfish, Penn’s is the place to go. Served up with fries, hushpuppies, and cole slaw, it’s the quintessential Mississippi meal from the largest producer of catfish in the country.
Marlo’s Backyard BBQ
For barbecue done right, look no further than Marlo’s Backyard BBQ. Ribs, pulled pork, barbecue chicken–this is just the beginning of all you can enjoy. It truly feels like you’re eating at a backyard cookout with family.
Picante’s Tacos & Tequila Restaurant
Picante’s Tacos & Tequila Restaurant cooks up a taste of authentic Mexico, everything from carnitas and chilaquiles to specialty tacos and chimichangas.
Santa Fe Bar & Grill
When you want to please everyone’s appetite, Santa Fe Bar & Grill has your table ready. Here you’ll find a wide array of choices, including enchiladas, steaks, burgers, wings, salads, and more.
The Tea Room at Merri Pennie’s
This cozy tea room invites you to lunch, where you can dine on soup, salad, sandwiches, and more, accompanied by your favorite teas, coffee, or sodas.
Stay
Because you’ll want to extend your stay to Canton, the city features a number of branded hotel properties along with some independent properties with personality.
If you prefer an affordable, comfortable room that’s familiar, choose one of the many name-brand hotels in Canton. These include: Best Western, Budget Inn, Econolodge, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, La Quinta Inn, Relax Inn, and Rodeway Inn.
For more unique accommodations, head to Canton Square Lofts. Located in a 1900 building on the historic square, Canton Square Lofts includes four themed rooms so you can choose one that perfectly matches your tastes. The property also includes a shared common area complete with a full kitchen and washer and dryer, perfect for an extended stay.
Play
As you stroll through this enchanting downtown, don’t be surprised if you come across an active film set. The film capital of Mississippi, Canton is often the setting for commercials, TV shows, and feature films. You can actually step into your favorite filming locations, plus tour the Canton Movie Museums to get up close and personal with movie artifacts. If you want to become a part of making movies in Canton, sign up for the annual Young Filmmakers Workshop. But be quick, as spots in this popular event fill quickly.
Uncover Arts and Antiques
Who doesn’t love uncovering treasures to bring back home? Canton offers plenty of opportunities to find your own souvenirs at such stores as The Emporium of Canton, the Saab Gallery, and Merri Pennie’s Mercantile. Take as long as you like to sift through the many wares and artworks to see what strikes your fancy.
Wander a Historic Town Square
As home to one of only seven pre-Civil War courthouses in Mississippi in an unaltered condition, Canton proudly shows off its historic courthouse and town square to visitors. The Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau offers individual tours by appointment at the Canton Multicultural Center and Museum, where you can learn more about the people, places, and events that played a role in this city’s history. Or, if you prefer, you can wander at your leisure, taking in the many historical markers that share some of the city’s history.
Attend an Annual Event
There’s no shortage of events in Canton where you can connect with the community and enjoy shared traditions. Here are some of the city’s most treasured annual events.
Canton Hometown Market
Kick off spring with the Canton Hometown Market, showcasing handmade goods, art, and locally crafted products from artisans who work outside the walls of a traditional storefront. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts, new artwork for your home, and tasty treats.
Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show
Twice a year, downtown Canton overflows with hundreds of artists and craftsmen offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to specialty apparel, arts and crafts, and so much more at the Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show. It’s a must-see when visiting in May and October.
Ladies’ Night Out on the Square
When you need time out with your girlfriends, the annual Ladies’ Night Out on the Square delivers with an evening filled with shopping, sweet treats, and a good time for all. Not only can you shop till you drop at Canton’s many boutiques and stores, but you can also win a door prize containing goods from stores around The Square.
Mississippi’s Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest
Watch as colorful balloons fill the skies around Canton during Mississippi’s Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest, the oldest hot air balloon race in Mississippi.
Upstairs Downtown
Canton’s square is surrounded by charming buildings filled with shops, restaurants, and businesses that welcome visitors every day. But during the biennial Upstairs Downtown event, you get to see a new side of Canton: the upper floors of the city’s historic buildings. It’s a new way to see Canton!
Canton Christmas Festival
Celebrate the season at the annual Canton Christmas Festival, where you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the historic square, snap a photo with Santa, and sample some of the big man’s cookies at Santa’s Cookie Stop. It’s the perfect spot to snap a photo for next year’s Christmas card!
Tour the Canton Multicultural Center & Museum
Canton proudly tells the stories of all the people who helped shape not only this city, but also this state and country. As you peruse the exhibits at the Canton Multicultural Center & Museum, you’ll learn about the families, community, and businesses of the city’s African Americans as they fought for civil rights.
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| This article is presented in partnership with Canton Tourism, a Modern South Founding Partner.
