If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to spend the night somewhere between the golden glow of Old Hollywood and the laid-back, sun-drenched cool of modern California, allow me to introduce you to The Hoxton hotel in Downtown LA — a hotel that feels less like a place to crash and more like a glamorous friend’s impeccably designed pied-à-terre.
A while back, I was driving through Coffeeville on my way back from Jackson, and I stopped at a little spot that is usually very busy on the weekends with people who set up yard sales. In the past, I lucked-up and found a lot of vintage jewelry for sale. This time, I had a similar experience.
I’ve stopped there a few times in the past and, on more than one occasion, scored some gorgeous vintage jewelry — necklaces and earrings that feel like they have stories of their own. Think rhinestones, costume gems, and clip-ons that would make any retro-lover’s heart skip a beat.
There’s something hauntingly interesting about old places — stories frozen in time. That’s exactly the feeling I had standing on the front lawn of Longwood, the grandest and most mysterious of Natchez’s antebellum homes.
You may recognize Longwood even if you’ve never set foot in Mississippi. The exterior was featured in HBO’s “True Blood” as the home of the Vampire King of Mississippi. And it makes perfect sense — Longwood has that Southern Gothic aura. With its octagonal design and eerie stillness, the mansion practically begs for stories to be written — or filmed — within its walls.
A video of my first trip to Natchez.
Sometimes the best way to step back in time is with a burger, a milkshake, and a little retro neon glow. That’s exactly the vibe I felt when I ate at Brent’s Drugs, a timeless diner nestled in the heart of Fondren, Jackson’s beloved arts district.
Brent’s is more than just a drugstore-turned-diner. It’s a piece of Mississippi nostalgia wrapped in turquoise booths, checkered floors, and vintage signage that looks like it stepped off a 1950s postcard. Opened in 1946, Brent’s originally operated as a pharmacy with a soda fountain — back when that was the ultimate hangout spot for milkshakes, malts, and first dates.
On a trip to Atlanta, I found myself in the mood for something cozy, classic, and truly Southern — and The Horseradish Grill did not disappoint.
Tucked away beneath a canopy of trees in the heart of the Chastain Park neighborhood, this charming restaurant blended rustic farmhouse aesthetics with gourmet Southern comfort food. With its warm wood interiors, candle-lit ambiance, and welcoming staff, it felt like stepping into someone’s home — someone with incredible taste in both decor and cuisine.
When it comes to dining in the Jackson metro area, I have a handful of favorite spots — but Phillip’s on the Reservoir stands out for one breathtaking reason: the view.
There’s just something special about eating delicious, freshly prepared seafood while overlooking the still, reflective waters of the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Whether you’re enjoying lunch on a sunny afternoon or settling in for dinner just as the sky turns cotton-candy pink at sunset, the atmosphere here is always peaceful, always picturesque.
There’s something deeply comforting about dining in a place that feels like it belongs to another time — where the walls tell stories and the food tastes like it came straight out of Grandma’s kitchen. I’ve always been drawn to restaurants with a little character, charm, and history, and two of my favorites are Taylor Grocery and Gibbes Old Country Store in Learned, Mississippi.
If you’ve never been to Gibbes, it’s the kind of place that reminds you why people fall in love with the South. Think old hardwood floors, mismatched tables and chairs, antique signs on the walls, and the kind of genuine Southern hospitality that makes you feel like family the moment you walk in.
A new cookbook featuring Mississippi restaurants is now on the shelves. “Southern Living Off the Eaten Path: Second Helpings” is a travel guide/cookbook that takes you on a journey to eateries in 16 Southern states.
Written by former Southern Living travel editor Morgan Murphy, the 272-page book published by Oxmoor House and sold for $22.95 features 150 of Morgan’s favorite recipes.
Last week, I stumbled upon a one-of-a-kind Mississippi dining experience, and it inspired me to start something new: a video blog series called “Mississippi Style On the Road.” Whenever I’m out exploring the state and come across something special — whether it’s food, culture, or just good old-fashioned charm — I’ll try to capture it and share it with you. (Check out the first video above!)
Now, let me confess something. At least once a week, I find myself at Cracker Barrel. Like most Southerners, I’ve grown fond of the familiar old-country-store aesthetic, complete with rocking chairs, checkerboards, and shelves of candy sticks and vintage signs.
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