Meridian

Meridian is a relaxing town in eastern Mississippi. The residents enjoy a life filled with music and art. Several lakes, nature trails and a waterfall also contribute to Meridian's quality of life.

The Meridian Museum of Art hosts more than 30 annual exhibitions ranging from American Indian tribal works to contemporary paintings and photography. The museum also has permanent collections of European and American paintings and sculpture.

Meridian is fortunate to be home to the Meridian Little Theatre, the largest amateur theatre in the state as well as the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, which is the second oldest in the state. Performances by the orchestra bring the soothing sounds of kettle drums and bassoons to Meridian residents several times a year. The Grand Opera House of Mississippi is the only grand opera house in the South. After being sealed for 70 years, the $25 million restoration was completed in 2006 and The Grand Opera House will be in it's second season of performances in the fall of 2007. It adjoins the Riley Performing Arts Center in beautiful downtown Meridian, which is the premier facility for pre and post-show events, workshops and conferences.

Jimmie Rodgers, "The Father of Country Music," was a Meridian native. Every year in May the community hosts a festival in honor of "The Singing Brakeman" with performances by top country music acts from around the nation, talent contest for kids and adults, a gospel concert and a Memphis in May BBQ contest.

The Meridian Council for the Arts sponsors Art in the Park at Bonita Lakes in April, which features arts and crafts, food and drinks, kids activities and entertainment. Things really get popping at the Bonita Lakes/Cellular South/ Meridian Sumphony Orchestra Pops in the Park on the Fourth of July. Navy jet fly overs, fireworks displays and performances by the orchestra provide a wondereful evening of family entertainment.

When it's time to take it easy, Lake Okatibbee offers boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting and more than 100 campsites. A wildlife refuge and a 65-foot waterfall once used as a power source to manufacture Stetson hats can be found at Dunn's Falls. Bonita Lakes Park is a 3,300-acre, city-owned park situated on three lakes. In addition to boating and fishing, the park also features nature trails, horseback riding and an 18-hole public golf course.

Meridian is a major health care center. The three area hospitals provide care for much of eastern Mississippi and western Alabama.
    
Over 4,000 military personnel, dependents and civilians work and live at the Naval Air Station Meridian base. Military retirees can take advantage of the base exchange, medical facilities, golf course and a riding stable.

The Lifetime Quest program at Meridian Community College offers terrific educational opportunities for any studious retiree. And when it's time for a study break, you can shop till you drop at the brand-new Bonita Lakes mall.

Read what people like yourself have to say about Meridian:

Robert and Dorothy Klimetz decided to settle in the eastern Mississippi town of Meridian.

Mississippi Living: It seems you just happened upon Mississippi. Tell us about your arrival.

The Klimetzes: The Navy transferred us here from Kodiak, Alaska. We liked Meridian so much, we decided to stay here for our retirement. The size of the town is small enough to get around easily and keep the cost of living down. Yet it is large enough to have excellent stores, parks and cultural events.

Mississippi Living: What were some other factors keeping you here?

The Klimetzes: Well, the hunting and fishing are excellent. We can choose from dove, turkey, whitetail deer and squirrel. There is plenty of freshwater fishing around Meridian, or we can go to the Gulf for great saltwater fishing. And those of us over 65 can hunt and fish for free!

Mississippi Living: Have you become involved in the Meridian community?

The Klimetzes: Well, it's hard not to. We're are members of the Retired Officers Association and the Retiree Group of Meridian, as well as being active with our church.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

City of Meridian
723 23rd Ave.
P.O. Box 1430
Meridian, MS 39302
Phone: 601-484-6848
1-800-585-3722
Fax: 601-484-6813
email:retire@meridianms.org
Website:www.meridianms.org