Mississippi Road Trip: Greenwood

Just 25 miles west of major artery Interstate 55, the city of Greenwood, Mississippi, offers an easily accessible, off-the-beaten-path escape. In the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the small city of Greenwood is home to a number of luxurious establishments, perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway. Here’s how to spend a weekend in Greenwood:

FRIDAY

Check into The Alluvian Hotel

Step through the revolving doors into the sleek lobby and feel transported to a realm of chic ambiance reminiscent of major metropolitan cities. The Alluvian Hotel stays true to its Mississippi surroundings. The boutique hotel is named for the alluvial plain of the Mississippi Delta, a level land with extensive amounts of mineral-rich soil. The hotel also boasts an award-winning art collection by Mississippi artists. One of the best benefits of The Alluvian: the location. Downtown Greenwood offers dining and activity options all within walking distance, so there’s no need to crank your engine until departure time.

Dinner at Giardina’s

After you’ve checked into the Alluvian, check out its neighboring fine restaurant, Giardina’s. Founded in 1936 by Italian immigrant Joseph Giardina, the restaurant is one of the region’s oldest. Featuring steaks, seafood and Italian cuisine in an upscale setting, Giardina’s atmosphere is old-world elegant, but the dress is laid back “Delta casual.” Reservations are recommended.

SATURDAY

Morning Yoga at Studio A

Start your day well by taking a class at The Alluvian’s in-house yoga studio. Experienced instructors will guide you through a series of postures designed to invigorate the body and calm the mind.

Cooking Class at Viking Cooking School

Located across the street from The Alluvian, the Viking Cooking School offers novice and experienced cooks a delicious experience. Choose from classes covering subjects such as ethnic cuisines, vegetarian, basic cooking and baking techniques and cocktail and dinner parties, all of which take place in a fully appointed Viking kitchen. Make sure to book a class well in advance. Classes are quite popular and sell out quickly.

Wine Tasting at Williams Landing Winery

Toast your new cooking skills at a wine tasting at Williams Landing Winery. A few blocks south of The Alluvian, The Winery at Williams Landing is a small batch artisanal winery, specializing in wines made from locally sourced fruits.

Dinner at Lusco’s Restaurant

Cap off your epicurean day with dinner at Lusco’s. Lusco’s Restaurant has been serving up wonderful steaks, poultry and authentic seafood dishes in Greenwood, MS for 80 years.  Long known as one of Mississippi’s landmark restaurants and one of the best places to eat in the South, Lusco’s products are now available in many gourmet food stores and on-line.

SUNDAY

Driving Tour of “The Help” Filming Locations

Not ready to leave this charming Delta town just yet? On your way out, take the grand tour of Greenwood by driving around town to see the many locations used in Director Tate Taylor’s 2011 film adaptation of Mississippi author Kathryn Stockett’s novel The Help. Easily find Hilly Holbrook’s house, Skeeter Phelan’s farm and many others with this helpful Google Map.