Mississippi (Day) Trips Part 2: Water Valley

Water Valley is a quaint town with a bustling Main Street that is less than twenty miles south of Oxford. So, do yourself a favor, and treat yourself to a quick day trip or stay overnight in this quiet, laid-back town.

Shop and Eat at the B.T.C. Old-Fashioned Grocery:

The B.T.C. Old-Fashioned Grocery offers seasonal produce, a great selection of gourmet foods, local beer, and much more. The café features unique and delicious lunch offerings by chef Dixie Grimes, who makes inspired dishes that satisfy both stomach and soul. You can also pick up your copy of The B.T.C. Old-Fashioned Grocery Cookbook (left) and recreate some of their yummy offerings in your very own home.

Shop at Violet Valley Bookstore:

Violet Valley Bookstore showcases a thoughtful selection of feminist, LGBTQ, and multicultural books, inviting you to consider a myriad of voices from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. You can schedule a trip whenever there is a reading at the store or just drop by to peruse the unique selection that Violet Valley offers.

View Art at Bozarts Gallery:

Bozarts Gallery offers Water Valley residents and visitors an opportunity to view and purchase original art works. The gallery displays works of local, regional, and national artists on a rotating basis. Look them up online to find the date of the next artists’ reception or pop by to view artwork on Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. or Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Have Coffee at the Humble Bee Café & Inn:

This cozy shop recently opened and offers coffee, tea and pastries. They have loads of delicious seasonal drinks, a warm atmosphere, local art on the walls and knowledgeable baristas. Humble Bee also offers overnight accommodations at their Inn if you are looking for lodging.

Eat at the Trusty Diner:

The Trusty Diner is an American-style restaurant that emphasizes quality ingredients and delectable options by chef Lawton Gafford such as rotisserie chicken, ribs, sweet potatoes with pecan butter, roasted cabbage and mac-n-cheese. They can even help you with your holiday shopping. They have t-shirts, tea towels, tote bags and house made jerky for sale by the register.

Visit the Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum:

If you would like to soak up some local history then visit the Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum to view exhibits, photographs, documents of historical interest, a caboose and banana car. There is no charge for admission. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Check out MisFits Boutique:

MisFits carries on-trend, affordable apparel, accessories, purses and shoes. Visit their new space next door to the B.T.C Grocery. You could find the perfect gift for a friend or a cool statement piece for yourself.

Stay at The Lee House:

If you’d like to plan the perfect weekend getaway, consider staying at the Lee House. It’s a charming 1908 Foursquare that offers three bedrooms for nightly rental. Do you enjoy staying in restored homes with vintage décor? If so, then you’ll fall in love with this historic home with modern amenities. The owners have made it their mission to create a genuine home away from home experience for their guests.

Enjoy the Christmas Parade:

Looking for something festive to do? Plan to visit Water Valley on Saturday, December 1. There will be free photos with Santa from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Blackmur Memorial Library. The Christmas Parade begins at 1:00 p.m. on Main Street. There is also a Christmas Tour of Homes from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Bring your whole family and celebrate the holidays in Water Valley.

Plan to attend the 2019 Watermelon Carnival:

This family friendly arts/crafts, music and food festival takes place in early August, in the heat of the Mississippi summer. It comes at the perfect time to split open a watermelon, pour a glass of sweet tea (or something stronger) and enjoy the festivities of this small-town tradition that brings thousands of people to downtown Water Valley.