How to see the Mid-South on a budget

With the price of just about everything going up, up, up over the last few years, it may seem like there’s not enough room in the budget for travel. We here in DeSoto County, Mississippi, beg to differ! Many local businesses here at the top of the Magnolia State are here to help you and your family experience all the Mid-South has to offer without breaking the bank.

Interstate 55 runs through DeSoto County, making it very easy to spend time in DeSoto County and neighboring Memphis, Tennessee. Because of this, visitors spend time in both areas, with many opting to stay in DeSoto County and travel to Memphis as needed for various reasons. After all, we do have more than 50 hotels with approximately 4,000 rooms to choose from.

For the music buffs

Like Memphis, DeSoto County is a great place to learn about tunes and artists of yesteryear. Take the Mississippi Blues Trail, for example. It runs through DeSoto County and is definitely worth checking out before or after you visit Graceland, STAX or Sun Studio in the Bluff City. To honor the talented musicians who spent significant time in the Magnolia State, the Mississippi Blues Commission created the trail in 2006. It boasts a sprawling collection of markers dedicated to the artists who contributed greatly to the genre. Each one gives a synopsis of the musicians’ contributions to the blues. For a full list of markers found in DeSoto County, click here.

For the barbecue lovers

We know ‘cue, too! In fact, DeSoto County is home to a restaurant and barbecue superstore owned by a 7-time World Barbecue Champion. Let us introduce you to Melissa Cookston. She’s the owner of Memphis Barbecue Company in Horn Lake and The BBQ Allstars in Southaven. She’s also the author of two cookbooks and has appeared on several nationally televised shows, including Food Network’s “Chopped Grill Masters.” Her restaurant is a staple here in DeSoto County that serves up some of the best barbecue money can buy. After you grab a bite, head to The BBQ Allstars to purchase some of Cookston’s rubs and sauces to take home.

For the families

After a visit to a kid-friendly attraction in the Bluff City like the Memphis Zoo, head back across the state line for more family fun. Visit one of the three disc golf courses we have here in DeSoto County, play a round of mini golf at Snowden Grove Park or cast a line at one of our many lakes. Prefer to lace up the skates? Skate Odyssey and Mid-South Ice House are the answers. And, Landers Center, the largest venue in North Mississippi, hosts a variety of kid-friendly shows throughout the year. Check out their lineup and BankPlus Amphitheater's concert lineup before you visit our area to see if there’s an event that piques your family’s interest. More kid-friendly activities can be found here.

Ready to take a trip? Hope so! We look forward to seeing you soon here in DeSoto County.