With its historic downtown, cultural attractions, and ample outdoors recreation, Brookhaven, Mississippi, or "Ole Brook," as it is affectionately referred to by residents, is the epitome of Southern hospitality and historic charm. Featuring a subtly elevated culinary scene, an avid arts milieu, and no shortage of outdoor recreation, there's certainly more to this small town than meets the eye. With several must-see cultural attractions and family-friendly fun, it all makes for an idyllic, bucolic escape in Mississippi's Capital/River region.
Built in 1908, imposing in its grand stature and expansive entryway, Butterfield Mansion is a local landmark of epic proportions. A recent restoration, however, has given the historic home a second life as a popular wedding and event venue. Take a jaunt to the town’s Victorian District, brimming with stunning historic homes on South Jackson Street. Walking through town, you may sight some of Brookhaven’s public art murals, which include a zebra mural on the side of J. Allan’s, the Mississippi School of Arts mural (pictured above), and the Cherokee Alley mural.
Courtesy of the Brookhaven Tourism Council
Settled within the shade of towering hardwood trees, Lake Lincoln State Park feels remote with its dense wilderness, hiking trails, and a lake, but its close proximity to Interstate 55, U.S. Highway 51, and State Highway 27 provide easy access for recreational visitors.
Mt. Zion Mountain Bike Trail, also known as “The Biggest Little Trail in Mississippi,” gets its nickname for good reason. Comprising six miles of flowing single track with a variety of terrain, including climbs and descents, the trail features three loops for varying skill levels; a beginner-friendly loop for inexperienced riders, a nine-mile loop for intermediate riders (this one includes forty-plus wooden features), and a short "black diamond" section.
Courtesy of the Brookhaven Tourism Council
For a glimpse behind the scenes of a commercial tea farming operation, The Great Mississippi Tea Company is an agrotourism farm, cultivating over seven acres of tea that produce more than two hundred and fifty pounds at harvest. The company offers both general admission tours along with three different immersive tour options. Each includes a tour of the field, nursery, and processing facility, while the immersion add-ons allow visitors to participate in tea processing, which includes plucking, withering, rolling, and drying, and tea tastings.
Not quite ready to be homeward bound just yet? Continue your sojourn and stay the night at The Inn on Whitworth, a historic boutique hotel featuring fourteen simple yet sophisticated rooms, each replete with modern amenities, original artwork, and antique hardwood floors. For help planning your Ole Brook experience, whether it be a day trip, weekend getaway, or just lunch while passing through, visitbrookhavenms.com is your best up-to-date resource.
Sponsored by the Brookhaven Tourism Council
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