3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Mississippi’s Craft Breweries

Mississippi Wines & Wineries

This itinerary takes you on a tour of some of Mississippi’s best craft breweries, highlighting local attractions, dining options, and activities. From the vibrant city of Jackson to the charming towns of Hattiesburg and Ocean Springs, enjoy a flavorful journey through the Magnolia State.

Day 1: Jackson and Surroundings

Morning: Arrival and First Brewery Visit

• Arrival: Arrive in Jackson and check into your hotel. Consider staying at The Westin Jackson or The Fairview Inn for comfort and convenience.
• Brewery Visit: Start your brewery tour at Ghost River Brewing Company.
  • Location: 827 E. 2nd St, Jackson, MS 39202
  • Experience: Sample their “Ghost River Golden Ale” and “Riverbank Red” in their cozy taproom.
  • Ghost River Brewing Company Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at The Pig & Pint, known for its delicious BBQ and extensive beer selection.
  • Location: 3137 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216
  • The Pig & Pint Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Head to Lucky Town Brewing Company.

  • Location: 1710 N Mill St, Jackson, MS 39202
  • Experience: Taste their popular brews like “Hops for the Holidays” and take a brewery tour.
  • Lucky Town Brewing Company Website

• Brewery Visit: Visit Southern Prohibition Brewing in Hattiesburg (about an hour away).

  • Location: 268 E. Central Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
  • Experience: Sample their “Suzy B” blonde ale and explore their creative range of beers.
  • Southern Prohibition Brewing Website

Evening: Dinner and Relaxation

• Dinner: Dine at Hattiesburg’s Brick & Spoon for a mix of Southern comfort food and craft beer.
  • Location: 1003 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
  • Brick & Spoon Website

Day 2: Coastal Adventures in Ocean Springs

Morning: Travel and Brewery Visit

• Travel: Drive from Hattiesburg to Ocean Springs (approximately 1 hour).
• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Crooked Letter Brewing Company.
  • Location: 9440 South Greenview Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
  • Experience: Enjoy a variety of local beers, including their “IPA” and “Beach Blonde.”
  • Crooked Letter Brewing Company Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Head to The Reef for a casual beachfront meal with fresh seafood and craft beer.
  • Location: 3316 Beach Blvd, Beach, MS 39564
  • The Reef Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Visit Casey’s Craft Beer and Wine.

  • Location: 2600 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
  • Experience: Sample a selection of local and regional craft beers in a relaxed environment.
  • Casey’s Craft Beer and Wine Website

• Brewery Visit: Check out Big Beach Brewing Company.

  • Location: 3000 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 (a bit of a drive, but worth it for the experience)
  • Experience: Enjoy a cold brew with a view of the beach and sample their unique offerings.
  • Big Beach Brewing Company Website

Evening: Dinner and Relaxation

• Dinner: Dine at Shaggy’s Coastal Grill, known for its fun atmosphere and delicious seafood.
  • Location: 2120 Beach Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
  • Shaggy’s Coastal Grill Website

Day 3: Exploring Hattiesburg and Return to Jackson

Morning: Travel Back to Hattiesburg

• Travel: Head back to Hattiesburg in the morning.

Brewery Visit: Revisit Southern Prohibition Brewing if you want to try more of their offerings or check out The Depot Kitchen and Market for brunch.

• Location: 1650 W 6th St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
• The Depot Kitchen and Market Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at Keg and Barrel, which offers a great selection of local beers and delicious food.
  • Location: 4310 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
  • Keg and Barrel Website

Afternoon: Visit Local Attractions

• Activity: Explore the Hattiesburg Zoo or take a stroll through the Hattiesburg Arts Council for local art and culture.
  • Hattiesburg Zoo Website

Evening: Return to Jackson

• Travel: Drive back to Jackson (approximately 1 hour).

Dinner: Final Farewell

• Dinner: End your trip with dinner at Café Tu Tu Tango, known for its eclectic menu and artful ambiance.
  • Location: 3200 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216
  • Café Tu Tu Tango Website

Mississippi Weddings

This 3-day itinerary provides a comprehensive tour of Mississippi’s craft breweries while highlighting local flavors, attractions, and unique experiences. Enjoy your journey through the rich and diverse craft beer culture of Mississippi!

Here’s a list of fun activities and attractions to enjoy while exploring Mississippi, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and local events:

Outdoor Activities

1. Explore the Great River Road

• Description: Take a scenic drive along the Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River and offers beautiful views, historic sites, and opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking.

2. Hiking in State Parks

• Description: Visit one of Mississippi’s state parks for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying nature. Notable parks include:
  • Tishomingo State Park: Features hiking trails, rock formations, and beautiful scenery.
  • Hurricane Creek: Offers hiking trails that wind through scenic landscapes.

3. Visit the Beaches

• Description: Enjoy the sun and sand at the Gulf Coast beaches, such as Gulfport and Biloxi, where you can relax, swim, or engage in water sports.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

4. Vicksburg National Military Park

• Description: Explore this historic site that commemorates the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg. The park features monuments, a museum, and beautiful views of the Mississippi River.
• Location: 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183
• Vicksburg National Military Park Website

5. The Mississippi Museum of Art

• Description: Located in Jackson, this museum showcases a collection of Mississippi artists and hosts rotating exhibitions.
• Location: 380 S Lamar St, Jackson, MS 39201
• Mississippi Museum of Art Website

6. Historic Natchez

• Description: Visit the charming town of Natchez, known for its antebellum mansions and rich history. Take a guided tour of some of the historic homes and enjoy the views of the Mississippi River.
• Location: Natchez, MS

Festivals and Events

7. Natchez Food & Wine Festival (August)

• Description: Celebrate the culinary scene of Natchez with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and local food vendors.

8. Mississippi State Fair (October)

• Description: Held in Jackson, this fair features rides, games, live music, and a wide variety of food vendors. It’s a great way to experience local culture.
• Mississippi State Fair Website

Sports Events

9. Mississippi Braves (Minor League Baseball)

• Activity: Catch a game at Trustmark Park in Pearl, just outside Jackson. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere and a great night of baseball.
• Location: 1 Braves Way, Pearl, MS 39208
• Mississippi Braves Website

10. College Sports

• Activity: If you’re visiting during the college football or basketball season, check out a game featuring the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) or Mississippi State University.
• Ole Miss Athletics Website
• Mississippi State Athletics Website

Dining and Local Experiences

11. Food Tours

• Activity: Join a local food tour to explore Mississippi’s culinary delights, sampling Southern cuisine and craft beer along the way.
• Recommended Tour: Taste Mississippi or local food tours in Jackson and Natchez.

12. Local Markets

• Activity: Visit local farmers’ markets, such as the Jackson Farmers Market, to sample fresh produce and artisanal goods.
• Location: 929 W Pearl St, Jackson, MS 39203
• Jackson Farmers Market Website

Mississippi offers a variety of activities that complement its craft beer scene. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, rich history, local culture, or exciting events, there’s plenty to see and do during your visit. Embrace the Southern charm and make the most of your time in the Magnolia State!

Mississippi Beer & Breweries

Here are some notable beer festivals in Mississippi that celebrate the state’s growing craft beer scene:

1. Mississippi Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival

• Location: Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, MS
• Dates: Typically held in late July
• Description: This festival features a wide variety of craft beers from local Mississippi breweries, along with food vendors and live music, making it a great opportunity to sample the state’s best brews.
• Website: Mississippi Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival

2. Great Mississippi River Balloon Race

• Location: Natchez, MS
• Dates: Usually in September
• Description: While primarily a balloon race, this festival includes a beer garden featuring local breweries, live music, and various activities. It’s a unique way to enjoy craft beer while experiencing a vibrant community event.
• Website: Great Mississippi River Balloon Race

3. Mississippi State Fair

• Location: Jackson, MS
• Dates: Late September to early October
• Description: This annual fair features a beer garden where local breweries showcase their beers alongside various food and entertainment options. It’s a great way to experience the local craft beer culture in a festive atmosphere.
• Website: Mississippi State Fair

4. Natchez Food & Wine Festival

• Location: Natchez, MS
• Dates: Usually in August
• Description: This festival celebrates the culinary scene of Natchez and often includes local breweries showcasing their craft beers as part of the event. Attendees can enjoy tastings, cooking demonstrations, and food pairings.
• Website: Natchez Food & Wine Festival

5. Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival

• Location: Hattiesburg, MS
• Dates: Typically in April
• Description: This festival features local craft beers from breweries in the area, along with food trucks, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a fun way to celebrate the local craft beer community.
• Website: Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival

6. Southern Beer & Food Festival

• Location: Hattiesburg, MS
• Dates: Usually in May
• Description: This festival combines the best of craft beer and local cuisine, showcasing a variety of beers from regional breweries paired with delicious food from local restaurants.
• Website: Southern Beer & Food Festival

7. Biloxi Seafood Festival

• Location: Biloxi, MS
• Dates: Usually in September
• Description: While primarily a seafood festival, it features a beer garden with local craft beers and a variety of food vendors, making it a great place to enjoy Mississippi’s culinary and brewing offerings.
• Website: Biloxi Seafood Festival

These festivals provide fantastic opportunities to sample a wide range of craft beers, meet local brewers, and enjoy the vibrant culture of Mississippi. Be sure to check the festival websites for the latest information on dates, tickets, and activities!