America’s 250th birthday is the perfect reason to reflect on what makes our country special. In Starkville, that list comes naturally. We could easily come up with 250 reasons to visit, but we’ve narrowed it down to 25. Whether it’s your first trip or your 250th, these are just a few things that make Starkville worth the trip.
1. Independence Day Celebrations
Starkville celebrated America’s 250th birthday with another memorable Fourth of July at the Red, White, and Blueberries Market and one of the area’s biggest fireworks displays.
2. The Best Small Town in the South
Recently named USA Today’s Best Small Town in the South, Starkville is the perfect blend of college-town energy and true Southern hospitality.
3. Mississippi’s College Town
Home to Mississippi State University, Starkville is known as Mississippi’s College Town for its campus traditions, SEC sports, and vibrant downtown.
4. An Award-Winning Destination
Starkville was recently awarded for excellence in community education, retail promotion, historic rehabilitation, and design by the Mississippi Main Street Association.
5. Bulldog Gamedays
Whether you’re an MSU fan or not, the energy of tailgating, cowbells, and Davis Wade Stadium makes a Bulldog gameday an unforgettable experience.
6. Featured Events
From the Starkville Dachshund Derby and Cotton District Arts Festival to Pumpkinpalooza and the Holiday Bazaar, Starkville’s event calendar stays busy year-round.
7. Community Gatherings
Singer Songwriter Nights, the Starkville Community Market, and the Summer Farmers Market offer an authentic glimpse into the community that makes Starkville special.
8. A Rich History
History comes to life in Starkville through historic districts, museums, music collections, and landmarks.
9. The Cowbells
What began as a legend has grown into one of college sports’ most recognizable traditions, creating an atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else.
10. Johnny Cash’s Inspiration
Johnny Cash’s arrest in 1965 inspired his song “Starkville City Jail,” and visitors can still see the landmarks that commemorate the story.
11. The Food Scene
From local restaurants and seasonal food events to the famous MSU Edam Cheese, Starkville offers flavors you won’t forget.
12. Coffee Worth Waking Up For
Whether you visit Arepas, Coffee Depot, Strange Brew, or 7 Brew, there’s no shortage of great coffee in Starkville.
13. A Presidential Library
Explore one of the nation’s largest collections dedicated to Ulysses S. Grant and the Civil War at Mississippi State University.
14. Family-Friendly Fun
Roller skating, community theater, museums, parks, and the Starkville Community Market offer fun for visitors of every age.
15. Outdoor Activities
Starkville is full of parks, walking trails, lakes, and other outdoor areas that make it easy to spend the day outside.
16. Local Shopping
Downtown Starkville and the Cotton District are filled with locally owned boutiques and stores, and events like the Christmas Open House and Bulldog Brunch and Browse offer extended hours and a reason to explore.
17. Visual Art
Colorful murals throughout Starkville turn a simple walk around town into a photo-worthy experience.
18. Year-Round MSU Sports
Football and baseball may draw the crowds, but basketball, softball, golf, and more make Starkville a sports destination all year long.
19. Sam D. Hamilton National Wildlife Refuge
Just minutes from downtown, the refuge offers peaceful scenery, wildlife viewing, birding, hiking, biking, and fishing.
20. Deals Around Town
From happy hours and line dancing to bingo nights and weekly specials, there’s always a local deal waiting to be discovered.
21. Never-Ending Improvement
Ongoing Main Street Revitalization efforts continue enhancing downtown streets, storefronts, and public spaces while preserving Starkville’s historic character.
22. Southern Hospitality
You’ll never meet a stranger in Starkville. Friendly faces and a welcoming atmosphere make it easy to feel at home from the moment you arrive.
23. A Variety of Places to Stay
However you like to travel, Starkville has a place for you to rest and recharge. Whether you prefer a boutique motel, downtown rental, or trusted hotel, you’ll find the perfect place to stay.
24. A Variety of Places to Live
Love what you saw on your visit? Starkville’s affordable cost of living and variety of neighborhoods make it easy to imagine calling it home.
25. A Community That Works Together
The Greater Starkville Development Partnership works towards their mission of enhancing quality of life through tourism, business growth, job creation, and community initiatives. It’s this collaborative spirit that keeps Starkville thriving.
These 25 reasons only scratch the surface of what makes Starkville special. Visit Mississippi’s College Town and you may just leave with 250 reasons of your own to come back!
