EAT, STAY, PLAY: MERIDIAN
Situated at the crossroads of the I-20/I-59 corridor, the city of Meridian was established as a railway town in the 1860s and has grown into a vibrant community full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Home to Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music, and the world’s only two-row stationary Dentzel Menagerie Carousel, you’ll love the sights and sounds that Meridian has to offer!
EAT
As the oldest restaurant in Mississippi, Weidmann’s Restaurant features tried and true recipes, serving in high quality comfort food. Since the 1940s, each table is set with a handmade peanut butter crock; however, no experience is complete without a piece of black bottom pie. Weidmann’s is also known for its upstairs lounge, which has a balcony that looks onto the rest of beautiful, historic downtown Meridian. This is a great spot for dining in or just to stop for cocktails.
A relaxed, casual restaurant with an inventive menu, Harvest Grill’s “Cross-Country Cuisine” prominently features fresh, seasonal produce from right here in Mississippi. Whether you’re enjoying the main dining room, bar, covered outdoor patio, you’ll feel comfortable in jeans. Of course, they’re worth dressing up for too, if that fits your mood.
Featuring more than 60 varieties of beers and homemade pub favorites, Brickhaus Bar & Grill offers something to please most any palate. Their laid back atmosphere is the perfect venue for watching live music any day of the week. When the weather is nice, their outdoor patio is a great place to relax and enjoy food and friends.
STAY
Located in the heart of downtown Meridian, Century House Bed and Breakfast is a grand, imposing home overlooking the city. The home features porches with classical columns, 12-foot ceilings, huge pocket doors, and antique furniture adding to the house’s grandeur.
PLAY
Meridian is a hotbed of country music history. It’s why the very first Mississippi Country Music Trail marker was unveiled there! Find the Jimmie Rodgers, Elsie McWilliams, Moe Bandy and Country Music Comes of Age markers and learn about Country Music’s influences, as well as, the place that cradled its creation. At the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, see memorabilia from the life of “The Singing Brakeman,” including his original guitar.
Visit the Mississippi Blues Trail Marker at Peavey Electronics, founded in 1965 by Meridian native Hartley Peavey, to the changing sounds of blues, rock and country. As Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars has said, “Peavey is the sound of the Mississippi juke joint. That’s our sound and we take it around the world.”
Located in historic downtown Meridian, The Riley Center occupies the town’s original 1899 Grand Opera House, now a beautifully and carefully restored entertainment venue featuring national acts. Whether you love legendary music, contemporary sounds, or drama, or you want to bring the whole family to a light-hearted show, the theatre always features entertainment that’s sure to please.
Photo: The Riley Center in historic downtown Meridian.
This post was written by the staff of Visit Mississippi and highlights some of our favorite destinations. To learn about other top Meridian visitor attractions and to plan your trip, see www.visitmeridian.com.
