While Tupelo is perhaps most famous as the birthplace of the King of Rock n’ Roll Elvis Presley, it is also considered one of the more progressive cities in the South. With a booming furniture business, a competitive selection of fabrics according to industry leaders, and the largest medical facility in the state of Mississippi, the city has made tremendous strides economically. As a result, Tupelo’s recent growth has residents and visitors All Shook Up, so to speak.
While the city’s latest developments make it more appealing to newcomers looking for an historic city in which to host a destination wedding, Mississippians are well aware of Tupelo’s many treasures. For example, its superb location on the verdant Natchez Trace Parkway, which stretches 444 miles from Natchez to Nashville, makes the city and surrounding areas easily accessible. In addition, the Natchez Trace Visitors Center gives guests the opportunity to see handcrafted work by Mississippi artisans. And, if the lush landscape along the Trace piques your interest, Tupelo has several other outdoor events from which to choose.
Wedding guests can incorporate a quick run into their exercise regimen by participating in one of Tupelo’s marathons or they can watch exhilarating aviation aerobatics at the annual airfest. For the more conservative, there is boating and water-skiing at the 850-acre Presley Lake and Campground and golf on the eighteen hole course at the Tombigbee State Park. But, the remainder of the couple’s wedding guests need not feel overcome by the adventuresome sun-worshippers. Tupelo has something for everyone.
There is the Tupelo Film Fest with plenty of food, arts and crafts, the annual Elvis Presley and Gum Tree Festivals, music by the local symphony orchestra, and some of the most beautifully restored antique and classic cars at the Tupelo Automobile Museum. For those on the guest list that appreciate the arts, the city regularly hosts concerts of up and coming artists at the BancorpSouth Centre, live performances at The Lyric Theatre, and exhibits at The Gumtree Museum of Art. Of course, shopping is always an option and all the more tempting at quaint downtown shops, the Tupelo Furniture Market, and the Mall at Barnes Crossing.
Nearby townships of Tupelo include New Albany and Ponotoc. Both offer the brides big city amenities with some of the state’s top jewelers, floral designers, photographers, videographers, rentals, all the wedding specialists that make a wedding day complete. And both offer that Mississippi hospitality and charm that say, “y’all come back now, you here”.
Regardless of what one chooses or where one chooses to wed, a wedding in Tupelo or one of the surrounding towns gives brides, grooms, and their guests, the best of both worlds – a sweet, southern town steeped in history and built on tradition and big city businesses that are convenient and afford variety. And, while the small town atmosphere is endearing, local attractions and events will keep wedding guests plenty busy. But, when the ceremony comes to an end and guests return to their everyday lives, they will feel as though they have Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ and schedule a weekend getaway in the Tupelo area to revisit the good times.