Three-day itinerary hits the highlights of this must-see town
Half of traveling is planning the trip. Once that’s completed, fun is all that’s left. This handy three-day itinerary is chock-full of exciting, informative and tasty Corinth adventures designed to show you the best of Mississippi’s northeast corner in a long weekend.
Thursday
A mid-day arrival will allow for some pre-supper exploring and ample time to settle into your hotel room. Start with a lunch trip to Borroum’s Drug Store and Soda Fountain for a dining experience in the state’s oldest operating drug store and soda fountain. Filled with memorabilia and artifacts of times past, the restaurant continues to serve the city’s infamous delicacy – the slugburger. Enjoy a taste of yesteryear with an old-fashioned soda or milkshake and partake in some conversation with locals.
Scoot over to Lake Hill Motors and make your way to the back of the store for a look at one of the most unique collections of motorcycles ever. Dating back to the early 1900s, Dwayne McLemore has a cycle from every decade in his 30-year collection. The Bike Museum has fantastic replicas, sand cast models and genuine WWII German cycles. . .and all are in running condition. The stories that go along with the bikes are as interesting as the motorcycles themselves. (NOTE: This is a free but self-guided tour unless the owner, Dwayne McLemore, happens to be in.)
Stop on Taylor Street to check out unique shopping at Kate’s & Co. where unique gifts, household items and fun finds are under one roof. Next door is an interesting shopping venue – Sanctuary Antiques – an old church building filled with treasured antiques, furniture, chandeliers, household items (think candles and throw pillows) and more. Lord only knows what you’ll find here.
By now, you should be set for an on-time hotel check-in as most are in the late afternoon. Drop off the luggage, freshen up and head for Pizza Grocery. A local favorite, this restaurant serves up fabulous pizza, subs, salads, pasta and gourmet entrees.
Thursday evenings are special in Corinth. Bluegrass musicians gather from surrounding areas for evening jam sessions known as Pickin’ on the Square. Perfect after dinner entertainment unlike anywhere you’ve ever been.
Friday
Fuel up for a day of touring and such with breakfast at Abe’s Grill, the oldest diner on U.S. Highway 72 operated by the original owners. Located on a Civil War Landmark (Corona College), and Home of the Mid-South’s Favorite Homemade Biscuit, Abe’s aims to please. Seating is at a long counter on bar stools, nothing fancy. The place itself is eccentric with tons of remembrances from days gone by adorning the walls – like a Scooby Doo lunchbox or an old car tag. Something at Abe’s resonates with each guest and puts a smile on every face.
History touring is on the agenda and it is best to visit the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center
first for a good foundation regarding Corinth and Shiloh Civil War battles. As part of the Shiloh National Park Service, the Center chronicles Civil War times in the Corinth area through exhibits and videos. This world-class center is a MUST-SEE prior to a trip to Shiloh.
(NOTE: Before heading out to Shiloh, grab some drinks and snacks or a pack a picnic lunch as you’ll be visiting there through lunch time.)
Next, a visit to Shiloh National Military Park and Cemetery is in order. Established December 27, 1894, this military park contains many historic sites from the battlefield of Shiloh to the Siege and Battle of Corinth. Take the time to visit the myriad of monuments that are scattered throughout the park. Also, plan time for a walk through Shiloh National Military Cemetery where some 4,000 soldiers were laid to rest.
Plan to also stop at Corinth Contraband Camp. During the Civil War, enslaved people fled to safety behind Union lines as Federal forces occupied large portions of the South. President Lincoln’s Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation was issued in September of 1862 which increased the number of folks searching for freedom in Union-occupied Corinth. Corinth Contraband Camp was established to accommodate these refugees giving them their own community – homes, a church, a school and hospital. They farmed and sold cotton and vegetables in a coop farming program to earn money. A portion of the Corinth Contraband Camp is preserved to commemorate the journey to freedom in 1862-1863. The property sports a quarter-mile walking path with six life-size bronze sculptures erected throughout the property depicting men, women and children who were camp residents.
Tonight’s dinner is at one of Corinth’s flagship restaurants serving mouthwatering Italian food – Vicari Italian Grill. A thoughtful menu boasts lots of flavors in amazing dishes you’ll recognize like Spaghetti and Meatballs, Eggplant Parmesan, Fettuccini Alfredo and more. Relax and enjoy the elegant atmosphere of Vicari – it rivals anything a big city can offer.
Saturday
If your hotel serves breakfast, start with that. Otherwise head over to White Trolley Café to kick the day off with a homestyle breakfast.
Today is all about downtown Corinth. Find a parking spot and head out on foot. There are many fun boutiques with fashionable finds from clothing and accessories to household items and gifts. There’s even a doggie boutique – Puttin’ on the Ritz.
Enjoy a trip to Dilworth’s Hot Tamales for some (locally) famous tamales for lunch. Also, it is noteworthy to mention SoCo Grind for a coffee break anytime visitors are downtown.
The afternoon is packed with fun starting with a visit to the Corinth Art Gallery. Here, art is gathered from a 300-mile radius and one artist per moth is on display.
No trip to Corinth is complete without a visit to the Coca-Cola Museum. This Mississippi town has bottled Coke products for more than 100 years and has amassed quite the authentic collection of memorabilia. This free museum is open to the public in a new facility that is both fun and educational.
Relaxstation Day Spa is the perfect partner for a vacation Saturday. A full-service salon, they do hair cuts and styles, nails and massages. Pamper yourself at your leisure.
Dinner and cocktails are on tap at Corinth’s fine dining restaurant Smith Downtown where food and hospitality go hand-in-hand. Enjoy hearty comfort foods in the fun atmosphere of a converted building dating back to 1903. Order dessert and stick around for the live music to close out your final night in lovely Corinth.
Sunday
Check-out and head for home taking sweet memories of good times spent in a quintessential small town USA.
Corinth, Mississippi is the perfect place to visit for travelers looking to relax and leave gridlock behind. Everyone knows Corinth is a Civil War town full of relics and artifacts, but what most don’t know is how amazing the culinary scene is. Boutiques and quirky attractions are just gravy. For information and help planning a visit, go to Corinth.net.