Vicksburg, MS - part two of the southern states tour

Dog-friendly Vicksburg National Military Park

A few months ago my husband, Ben, our Jack Russell-mix, Bodie, and I went on a road trip. Our original plan was to drive through Alabama and Mississippi to Memphis, stopping along the way at famous blues and country music sites. We made it through Mobile and were in Vicksburg, MS when our trip got detoured to New Orleans instead because of intense storms and flooding in the Mississippi Delta region. Read all about our trip in this series! 

Part 1 - Montgomery, Alabama

Part 2 - Vicksburg, Mississippi

Part 3 - New Orleans, Louisiana 

Recovered Union gunboat

We didn't know what to expect from Vicksburg. It was a larger city on our map, and thus we thought it would have a selection of hotels to choose from. And we were right! Vicksburg is a small city on the banks of the Mississippi. While we didn't spend much time in the downtown area (thanks to some pretty major storms), we did spend some time in the area's biggest tourist attraction - the Vicksburg National Military Park.

The Vicksburg National Military Park "commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg". The eventual surrender of Vicksburg gave the Union control of the Mississippi River -- a huge turning point in the Civil War. Sites include over 1,300 monuments -- ranging from small markers to large monuments that you can walk around, a restored Union gunboat that they dug up from a local river, and a National Cemetery. The park is situated along a 16-mile road which you can self-drive. The gunboat was probably our favorite part, although some of the large monuments were pretty impressive. Unfortunately, our visit was cut short when a heavy thunderstorm came through the park when we were at the gunboat. The rest of the park we saw through rain soaked windows. It is a definite must for anyone who finds themselves in Vicksburg, however! And the best part is -- it's pet-friendly! Our dog, Bodie, was able to get out of the car and explore the monuments along with us humans!

Robert Johnson Memorial

We stayed at the La Quinta Inn & Suites Vicksburg, which is practically across the street from the Vicksburg National Military Park. This hotel was recently opened - it still smelled new - so the rooms were nice and clean. All La Quinta's offer free breakfast and free wireless internet. This one also had an evening social hour with complimentary hor d'oeuvre, beer and wine. We didn't partake however, as we just had a large meal at McAlisters Deli.

McAlister's Deli was one of our favorite lunchtime restaurants in Gainesville, FL. We were pleasantly surprised to find McAlister's all over the Southern U.S. -- there's even a version in the Harrah's Casino in New Orleans! All the McAlisters we've been to have seating outdoors so you can take your dog with you. Their menu features a good selection of salads, soups, sandwiches and large baked potatoes. Don't leave without trying their sweet (or unsweet) tea - they even sell it by the gallon! 

Because of the thunderstorms that were rolling through the area, we started heading South instead of our original intention of going up the Delta to Memphis. Our last stop in Mississippi was in Hazlehurst. Hazlehurst is a small town just off the highway. What makes it important is that its the hometown of blues musician Robert Johnson. His original home was destroyed when the highway was built but they do have a nice memorial outside the courthouse where he got married. He also used to perform with his guitar on the courthouse steps. There is also a large mural featuring Johnson that you will see upon arrival into the small downtown of Hazlehurst. It's definitely worth the detour for any blues fan in the area.

Our tour continues to the "Big Easy" - the city of New Orleans. Read part 3 here!

Or if you missed it, read about the first part of our trip - Montgomery, AL.

Do you have a tip or story relating to this article? Please comment below!

For more info: Visit  these websites or email me!