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My Girls’ Weekend: Our Tupelo Itinerary
Tupelo, Mississippi, might just be the “Heartbreak Hotel” for anyone who hasn’t yet discovered its charm. After my second visit to Tupelo, I was once again “All Shook Up” about one of the South’s most underrated destinations. From all things Elvis to food you’ll want to write home about, this Southern city offers more than meets the eye. I just spent a long weekend here with my friend Keryn researching things to do in Tupelo and all the hot restaurants you’ve got to try, so pack your blue suede shoes and check out my Tupelo itinerary below!
Read about Tupelo’s Heritage Trails from my last visit
Why visit Tupelo?
The King of Rock and Roll – maybe you’ve heard of him? – put Tupelo on the global map back in his heyday. As the birthplace of hip-swiveling, lip-curling Elvis Presley, Tupelo attracts its fair share of fans, impersonators and annual festivals and conventions. But even if Elvis isn’t at the top of your playlist, Tupelo’s vibrant downtown, incredible food and Southern charm make it a city worth visiting.
There’s something undeniably special about this small Southern city. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, love a good national park or just need a girls’ getaway where you can drink coffee and do crafts (are we in heaven?), this Tupelo itinerary has all that and more. Let me walk you through my latest trip, day by day, and give you all the insider details on how to make the most of your stay.
When to Visit Tupelo
Tupelo is a great all-year destination, but the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are particularly gorgeous. These seasons bring mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the hiking trails along the Natchez Trace and window shopping downtown. Summer can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s, while winter stays relatively cool, rarely dipping below freezing.
PRO TIP: Keep in mind that many restaurants and shops are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so make sure to check when you’re in the planning stages of your Tupelo itinerary that your preferred activities and meals are open when you’re in town. You’ll still have plenty of options of things to do and eat on Sundays, but it’s worth noting that Sundays can be a little more challenging.
How to Get to Tupelo
Tupelo may feel like a small city, but it’s not as big a secret as you might think. Founded in 1860 and home to 40,000 residents, it’s considered the hub of northern Mississippi. Getting to Tupelo is easy enough. If you’re driving, it’s 4 hours or less from Atlanta, Chattanooga and Nashville and less than 2 hours from Memphis, Birmingham and Jackson.
If you’re flying in, the Tupelo Regional Airport is just a few miles from downtown, with regional flights on Contour Airlines available from Dallas and Nashville. You can also fly into Memphis International Airport (about 1.5 hours away) or Jackson-Evers International Airport (about 2 hours away), both of which have plenty of rental car options.
PRO TIP: Keep your eyes open for bison and other wildlife as you land at TUP, as the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo is right next door.
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxed Start
HOTEL TUPELO | Hotel Tupelo was under construction during my last visit, so I was excited to finally stay at this chic boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. It has 79 rooms from basic double queens to the Elvis-inspired King Suite, so there are modern and comfy options for every size group. (Bachelorette party, anyone?)
With plenty of local touches, like a lobby display focusing on Blue Delta Jeans, and nods to Elvis, Hotel Tupelo has the Southern sparkle I needed in my life. It’s also in the Wyndham Hotels portfolio so if that’s your loyalty program of choice, you can get points!
The hotel is in the Fairpark District, walking distance to some of the best spots in town for dining, shopping, murals and activities at the Cadence Bank Arena. Parking is free, there are bike rentals for exploring and it’s pet friendly. Plus if you want to chat with the experts on things to do in Tupelo, the Tupelo Visitor’s Center is right across the street.
Hotel Tupelo
314 East Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38804
Check pricing and availability at Hotel Tupelo
Other hotel options in Tupelo, Mississippi: Tru by Hilton | Holiday Inn & Suites | Hilton Garden Inn
NEON PIG CAFE | For dinner on our travel day, we headed over to Neon Pig Café. Like many of Tupelo’s best meals, it’s tucked in an unassuming strip mall. The smash burgers here are legendary, as is the $1,000 meal deal where you get a famous burger and a custom-made pair of Blue Delta Jeans while you wait. We didn’t have time for jeans on this trip, but count me in for it next time.
Neon Pig Café
1203 North Gloster Street, Tupelo, MS 38801
Day 2: Exploring Tupelo’s Culture & Charm
BRICK & SPOON | There’s no better way to start a long day of exploring in the South than with biscuits, gravy, beignets – you know, a joyous celebration of carbs. So we hit up Brick & Spoon, a popular local breakfast / lunch spot with a side of live music – yes, in the morning! If you’re a Bloody Mary fan, their customizable menu is impressive, but if you’re not into drinking tomatoes (hi, it’s me), try a mimosa flight instead. I ordered the Bayou Benedict, an amalgamation of shrimp and spicy cajun cream sauce over a biscuit with poached eggs. Highly recommend if you’re always looking for a unique Benny like I am.
Brick & Spoon
1201 North Gloster Street, Tupelo, MS 38801
FRESH FARM | Filled to the brim with sugar, we head out to the countryside to meet Mori, the owner of Fresh Farm Tupelo. Mori bought the farm when she turned 50 for a fresh start and a new adventure. Onsite, she grows flowers that then go out as monthly flower subscriptions and bouquets. You can also catch Fresh Farm’s mobile flower trailer, lovingly named Pearl, at local events, or you can sign up for a craft class in the gorgeous greenhouse like we did.
Even in the winter, it’s a flower lover’s dream. Under Mori’s direction, we created framed art with dried flowers and floral infusions to take home and make cocktails. Did I take photos of Fresh Farm’s dreamy greenhouse and immediately send to my husband with the message, “Build me this?” Of course, I did.
Fresh Farm
343 County Road 1, Tupelo, MS 38804
ELVIS PRESLEY BIRTHPLACE | Next up, back to the Elvis Presley Birthplace. This was an important stop on my last Tupelo itinerary from a few years ago, and much remains the same, like the tiny 2-room home where he was born in 1935. You can also attend a mock church service at the Assembly of God church he attended as a kid where he was first exposed to gospel music. And there are some new additions to the site. I loved the trail around a little lake for reflecting and the statue, “Becoming.” It’s really a fascinating look at the life that shaped the legend, and you 100% don’t have to be a fan of Elvis to appreciate it. I didn’t know anything about him on my first visit, and now I have an Elvis playlist on my Spotify that I listen to on road trips all the time.
Don’t miss the gift shop and the view overlooking Tupelo at the top of the hill. You can easily spend an hour or two here, just be prepared to notice Elvis popping up in your daily life much more once you’re aware of his impact on American culture.
Elvis Presley Birthplace
306 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo, MS 38801
Jobos | We opt for an early dinner at Jobos on the ground floor of Hotel Tupelo. (Pronunciation: Yo-bows, not Ho-bows or Jo-bows) You’re not gonna believe it, but the theme is NOT Elvis. It’s actually a Costa Rica surf and turf vibe, wholly unexpected in downtown Tupelo. There’s even outdoor seating on the patio.
The atmosphere was perfect for unwinding after a day of crafts and Elvis, plus, it’s on the Tupelo Cocktail Trail, which is Keryn’s wheelhouse. I ordered a Rustye’s Elixir from the mocktail menu, which has fig fresca, ginger and sprite. It was so good, Keryn and I went back for another one the next night – and you know I’ll be making it for Figchella this year.
Jobos
314 East Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38804
Coffee Culture: A Must for Your Tupelo Itinerary
In a little over 72 hours of this busy, but not-too-busy Tupelo itinerary, we stopped at 5 local coffee shops and while I can’t pick a favorite, I wanted to list them all (combined with some of my favorites from my last visit) in one place so you can map them into your itinerary when you come.
Crave
108 East Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38801
Lost + Found Coffee Co.
910 Robert E Lee Extended, Tupelo, MS 38801
Talbot House Bakery & Café
101 North Industrial Road, Tupelo, MS 38801
Mae’s To-Go Cup
1699 Coley Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801
Strange Brew
220 N Gloster St, Tupelo, MS 38804
Popsy
206 N Spring St #1/2, Tupelo, MS 38804
Tupelo River Coffee
522 W Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804
Day 3: Shopping, Creativity & Local Flavor
Talbot House Bakery & Café| Saturday starts with a visit to Talbot House Bakery & Café, a place that’s as heartwarming as its cinnamon rolls. The bakery is a social enterprise of Talbot House, a nonprofit program helping women transition into new phases of life. Not only is the food amazing, but it’s also for a great cause. We heard great things about the cinnamon buns, and they were great, but can we talk about the ginormous salted chocolate chip cookie that I’m still dreaming about weeks later? That’s a must-get for snacking later, unless you eat the whole thing at breakfast like we did.
Tupelo Shopping | It wouldn’t be a proper Tupelo itinerary without a visit to at least one of Tupelo’s shopping districts! After breakfast (a.k.a. cookies), we hit the shops in Downtown Tupelo. Downtown feels like modern Mayberry, friendly and quaint, but with a wide variety of gourmet restaurants, shopping, art galleries, murals and creativity. I’m not sure I’ve encountered a small Southern town so skilled at building its past into a future that welcomes growth but preserves its history at the same time. The area is filled with boutiques, antiques and local finds – you can spend HOURS browsing.
Some must-sees on Tupelo’s Historic Main Street:
- I especially love Reed’s, one of the oldest department stores in Mississippi. It’s such a cool place, and the fact that a mural of Gladys Presley pregnant with Elvis is painted right outside makes it even more memorable.
- Tupelo Hardware is a must see – even if you don’t need a new hammer – because that’s the exact spot where Elvis and his mama bought his first guitar for his birthday. You can stand on the exact spot where that historic moment happened, chat with the employees who have tons of fascinating Elvis lore to share, and yes, you can get duct tape, screwdrivers and Elvis memorabilia.
- If you’re into public art, Tupelo has tons and Main Street is a great place to start exploring. Use the Off the Wall mural trail map to get started.
- A fun scavenger hunt is the Elvis Guitar Trail. You’ll see them all over town!
CharCutie Class | For lunch, we head over to CharCutie. If you’ve never taken a charcuterie class, this is the place to do it. We create the most gorgeous boards, with meats, cheeses and all the delicious accompaniments. It’s a great way to unwind, eat, and learn something new, and it’s the perfect addition to a girls’ getaway or bachelorette party. CharCutie has events for Galentine’s, date nights, book clubs oh, and they partner with Fresh Farm on events, too.
You get to eat, dish and craft? Yes, please. Tupelo just keeps proving it’s right up my alley.
Charcutie
603 Clayton Avenue, Tupelo, MS 38804
Day 4: Farewell to Tupelo
Relics Antique Marketplace | After checking out of Hotel Tupelo, we head to Relics Antique Marketplace, a two-story treasure trove of antiques, collectibles and handmade goods overlooking the train tracks. It’s housed in the former garment factory where Gladys Presley worked while pregnant with Elvis, which adds to the charm.
We spent the morning wandering through the aisles, and I kinda wish I’d driven because there’s an MCM dining set with yellow leather chairs I’d really like to take home with me. Sadly, it’s not meant to be this time and this Tupelo itinerary is winding down. But I know I’ll be back to this sweet Southern spot.
Relics Antique Marketplace
248 South Green Street Tupelo, MS 38804
Tupelo may be small by some standards, but it’s got big personality—history, friendly folks, and seriously good food. From Elvis’ legacy to top-notch local eats and a Main Street straight out of a postcard, I can’t get enough of this underrated Southern gem. It’s the perfect spot to swap the daily grind for a weekend of good vibes and even better hospitality. You can plan a girls weekend that’s relaxed and low-key, or wild and crazy and jam-packed with fun. Just make sure you save room in your Tupelo itinerary for a dab of Elvis, 2 scoops shopping and whole lot of eating.
Where many once bustling Southern towns sit all-but-empty, Tupelo has reinvented itself again and again. When the world turned upside down in WWII, they imported Jersey cows to raise. When one of the most destructive tornadoes in US history tore through town in 1936, they rebuilt stronger than ever. The Chickasaw Nation is back in their homeland, bringing their culture to the forefront in a way that will positively benefit the area for generations to come. You get the idea that no matter what comes, Tupelo will land on its feet.
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I did not come across one person who was less than utterly delightful during my whole trip. Generous in spirit, with some of the most molasses-drippin’ southern drawls I’ve ever heard. If I ever had the notion to move again, I’d give Tupelo a very close look. Somehow, this town of 38,000 or so has all the energy of a thriving big city, but none of the traffic. A city vibe with a small town heart!
