MISSISSIPPI

Apart from its northern neighbour of Tennessee, there's nowhere in the United States with such an incredible musical heritage as Mississippi. The birthplace of many iconic artists and homeland of the blues, this hub of American music is a must visit for any true aficionado. Named after the mighty Mississippi River, which makes up the majority of its western border, the 200-year-old state also has its fair share of historical, culinary and literary attractions. Get a fast quote from air charter service to charter a private jet to Mississippi.

As the name would suggest, the Mississippi Capital/River region is where you'll find state capital Jackson, dubbed the ‘City with Soul'. As with the majority of cities in this part of the world, live music is a staple of local culture, along with a plethora of museums and a growing foodie scene. One of the region’s most famous cities is Natchez, a popular stop on a New Orleans-to-Nashville road trip. Set on a bluff overlooking the river, this postcard-perfect southern city is home to some incredible examples of antebellum architecture, with several beautiful mansions open to the public. We recommend heading here during the spring pilgrimage, when many private residences also welcome visitors.

Natchez is the southern-most point on the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway, which winds north all the way to Nashville. This scenic drive and designated cycle path follows the route of the Old Natchez Trail, a track first used by the Kaintuc Native Americans. Today, it’s an absolute dream to drive, despite a maximum speed limit of just 50 miles an hour. Stick on a blues or country radio station and enjoy a quintessential Deep South experience, where time takes on a different dimension as you’re swept away from the trappings of modern America. History buffs should take a slight detour off the Parkway and visit Vicksburg, a city with rich Civil War heritage where you’ll find the National Military Park and USS Cairo Museum.

It's hard to ignore Mississippi’s impact on the country's music industry – it’s dubbed the ‘Birthplace of American Music’ for good reason and even those with just a passing interest should explore the Delta and Hills regions. Evolved from the songs and chants of African slaves who worked in the cotton fields, blues music is particularly synonymous with the state and the Mississippi Blues Trail uncovers this soulful genre’s roots. Unmissable stops include Berclair, where B.B. King was born; his former home, Kilmichael; and Tupelo, the birthplace and boyhood home of Elvis Presley, where the king of rock ’n’ roll first heard the gospel, country and blues music that influenced his world-renowned style.

The state’s lesser-known Gulf Coast is also well worth a visit. Spanning a 62-mile shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, here you can unwind on swathes of white-sand beach and explore the region’s wildlife-rich barrier islands. Stay in vibrant cities that were painstakingly regenerated following Hurricane Katrina, where you’ll find lively Southern culture, fantastic seafood restaurants, world-class casinos and championship golf courses.

There are plenty of opportunities to really get a sense of place when it comes to Mississippi’s accommodation. The Magnolia State is full of unique, locally-owned bed-and-breakfasts and inns, many of which are housed in historic antebellum mansions, plantation houses and pretty cottages.

Mississippi is served by a selection of international, municipal and county airports. To find out which airport is best for you, simply contact our team and we’ll arrange everything you need to charter a private jet to Mississippi.