Featured Image: Bob Franks / Tupelo CVB
It’s sweet like honey, packed with history, and dripping with Southern charm – Tupelo, Mississippi, crowns the state with everything you could be looking for in a weekend getaway. Just a few miles off the Natchez Trace Parkway, I-22, and Highway 45, you’ll find darling cafes and fine dining, a boutique hotel, and B&Bs, and plenty of places to play, from shopping districts to the birthplace of Elvis Presley.
We’ve rounded up your ultimate guide to visiting Tupelo.
Where to Eat
Southern towns are synonymous with leaving their visitors well-fed, and Tupelo is no exception. The only problem here is narrowing your options, so we’ve culled the list for you.
Forklift
If you’re only making one reservation during your visit, let it be this one. Forklift chef Cooper Miller is known for elevating Southern cuisine, making it shine as fine dining in contrast to a meat-and-three lunch (which, yes, is offered during the day). Shrimp and grits are plated with flair and topped with a savory concoction of bacon, mushrooms, and tomatoes, beef short rib sits atop creamy potatoes and bean salad, and oysters are offered three ways to kick things off. Whichever you choose, prepare to leave full and fulfilled.
Sweet Tea & Biscuits
If you’re taking the Natchez Trace Parkway to Tupelo (which is always our recommendation), this charming cafe sits right off milepost 262. It’ll take a minute to find your table if you enter through the front, as Sweet Tea & Biscuits Cafe sits inside a boutique called The Vine Collection. If you’re hungry, put your blinders on and head back to order chicken salad, a fried green tomato BLT, and, of course, a cold glass of sweet tea. Matter of fact, grab a refill to fuel your post-lunch shopping.
Johnnie’s Drive-In
Many visitors come to Tupelo to walk in the footsteps of the King, and Johnnie’s Drive-In is a necessary stop on any Elvis-inspired itinerary. Together with his friends, Elvis regularly perched in his same booth for a meal. He’d order a cheeseburger and an RC Cola, but other menu highlights include a bar-b-que sandwich, BLT, or country-fried steak.
King Chicken Fillin’ Station
Gas station food is a staple in Southern culture, but this spot ups the ante and transforms a former gas station into a full-fledged restaurant. Walk up to the window, head inside, or order online to get your hands on fried chicken in tender or sandwich form, paired with all the best chicken joint sides, like beans, macaroni and cheese, and grits. There are two locations of King Chicken in town – the original on McCullough Boulevard and a second on Eason Boulevard.
Downunder
Who doesn’t love a little eater-tainment on vacation? Downunder, its name a dual meaning as both Aussie-owned and underground, has Australian pub fare, live music, and arcade games. Try a traditional meat pie topped with mashed potatoes, rissoles, gravy, and parmesan, then round out the Aussie experience with Downunder Dip. This delicacy combines queso, meat pie filling, and pico de gallo, served with chips.
Where to Stay
Tupelo offers over 2,200 rooms, providing a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler. Whether you’re looking for modern hotels, cozy inns, or a boutique stay, there is a place to rest and recharge in the heart of the city.
Hotel Tupelo
This property is your best bet if you’re looking to be in the heart of it all. Situated at the tip of the walkable downtown district, Hotel Tupelo has stylish interiors, comfy guestrooms, and an onsite restaurant, Jobos, that doubles as a local watering hole.
National Brands
Tupelo has all the national brands as well. The Home2Suites by Hilton and a Courtyard by Marriott are both top-rated options located off North Gloster Street, and a Marriott-backed Fairfield Inn and Suites sits on the opposite side of Highway 45 near the Tupelo National Golf Course in the Barnes Crossing District.
Where to Play
Whether you’re visiting as an Elvis fan or just to experience a little Mississippi magic, there’s much to explore during your visit… and then some upon your inevitable return.
Queen’s Reward Meadery
A must-visit attraction in Tupelo is Queen’s Reward Meadery, which produces award-winning mead from 100% Mississippi honey products (bees included, so long as they don’t buzz across state lines). Queen’s Reward is a destination for gathering among friends, playing a round of cornhole, and enjoying a boozy slushy or two.
Read more about Queen’s Reward and why mead is the perfect wedding gift.
Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo
Did you know? Tupelo has its very own safari park packed with more than 260 animals, including, yes, buffalo. You can opt to drive through the park feeding camels and ostriches, or go it on foot, interacting with giraffes, sloths, and wildlife galore. If you’re visiting in the fall, the Buffalo Park and Zoo also houses a pumpkin patch complete with a petting zoo and inflatables for the kids.
Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum
While Memphis may be most closely tied to Elvis Presley, Tupelo is proud to be his birthplace. His modest childhood home can still be found in town, as well as the original church he grew up singing in. A visit to Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum is a non-negotiable on your trip, where you can literally walk in the footsteps of the King’s earliest days before propelling to stardom. Make sure to check showtimes when you arrive to enjoy a church service recreation throughout the day.
Shopping
Be sure to leave a little extra room in your suitcase when you visit Tupelo – the town has three distinct shopping districts, each worth a wander. Downtown Tupelo has a charming Southern Main Street with several locally owned and operated businesses, from boutiques to antiques and home decor.
Reed’s is a standout, celebrating its 120th year in 2025. In addition to downtown, the Midtown District has 24 local businesses, including a florist, gift shops, interior decorating, and other experiences. Lastly, the Barnes Crossing District is lined with the best national brands – TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, and Home Depot – plus an entire shopping mall.
Tupelo Cocktail Trail
After all that adventuring, hit the Tupelo Cocktail Trail to unwind in the best way. Pick up a trail card from the Tupelo Visitors Center or download the digital passport, then hit the seven participating restaurants (pace yourself…). Upon completing the trail, redeem your points at the Tupelo CVB for a cocktail shaker so you can always remember your trip.
Live Music
Across Tupelo, you can find 15 live music venues. The Cadence Bank Arena welcomes bigger acts, while bars and restaurants around town host budding musicians across genres. Catch a songwriter’s night at Blue Canoe, put a little blues in your soul at Elvis’ Birthplace, or become the star yourself with karaoke at Woody’s.
Tupelo is filled with vibrant cultural experiences. To start planning your weekend getaway, visit Tupelo.net.
Find more Southern travel inspiration here.
This article is presented in partnership with Tupelo CVB, a Modern South Founding Partner.
