Tupelo Strikes the Right Chord with Families
For today’s on-the-go families, Tupelo, Mississippi is the ideal getaway, with a diverse mix of fun and exciting attractions that are completely genuine. As original as Elvis, its favorite native son; as authentically American as the majestic herd of buffalo that roam the hillsides; as unspoiled as the scenic vistas of the historic Natchez Trace Parkway; as pulse-pounding as the dramatic Civil War battle reenacted every year, Tupelo is the ticket for an adventure packed with fascinating history, delightful recreation, up-to-the-minute shopping and so much more.
Young Elvis takes center stage:
The life and legacy of Elvis Presley is draws families from all over the globe to Tupelo, to the Elvis Presley Birthplace where visitors meet the child who would become an icon. First in the two-room shotgun house where Elvis was born, and then in the nearby museum, recently renovated and featuring an extensive collection of personal memorabilia in an in-depth exploration of Elvis’s early life and influences. The Birthplace is also home to many attractions, such as the church where Elvis attended services as a child, a statue titled Elvis at 13 and the Fountain of Life, which symbolically tells the story of Tupelo and Elvis.
Buffalos make a big comeback:
It is another scene not soon forgotten: A herd of over 100 buffalo, the largest herd east of the Mississippi, spreading out over the 200 acres of the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo. Visitors hop the monster Bison Bus, or an open-air trolley, to move among these mighty creatures as they graze — a special highlight is the sighting of Tukota, one of only three white buffalos in the country. After roaming the range, via bus and trolley, pull into the specially created pens where visitors can safely hand-feed the buffalo with corn and grain.
Museums rev up the fun:
Fun-loving families who don’t go in for stuffy museums will love going into all of Tupelo’s museums. Recognized as one of the finest in the country, the Tupelo Automobile Museum is a massive 120,000-sq. ft. repository of automotive classics guaranteed to ignite the interests of young and old alike. The museum’s collection of more than 100 cars is valued at a total of over $6 million.
And there’s nothing stuffy about the HealthWorks! Kids Museum — unless maybe it’s the nose of the teenage girl whose brain you are exploring. And about that nose, have you ever wondered what exactly goes on in there? You’ll find out at this children’s health education center. It’s entertaining and educational and at times a bit gross — the perfect mix for some wonderful family fun.
The Natchez Trace goes deep into the heart of history:
The Natchez Trace Parkway is known as one of the most scenic, beautifully preserved and historic routes in all of America, extending 444 miles from Natchez to Nashville. Parkway headquarters are located in Tupelo, and here visitors are immersed in the road’s colorful and exciting history through recently redesigned and refined exhibits that combine scholarship with entertainment.
|