See the Mississippi city World Atlas calls one of the most eccentric in the Mid-South

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7 days ago

World Atlas has named a Mississippi town among its "8 Most Eccentric Towns in the Mid-South." These are places that walk to their own beat and have a unique style that'll leave you talking about your trip there for years to come.
The list itself is unconventional. It starts with Santa Claus, Indiana, calling the state "culturally southern." Bless their hearts.
It also includes a Georgia city as part of the Mid-South, which is likely news to residents of the Peach State.
The other selections, including a Mississippi town that's a must-see destination for Elvis fans, are firmly in states considered part of the mid-South.
Here's what you need to know about some of the most eccentric towns in the Mid-South.
What's the difference in Mid-South and Deep South?
The regions have different definitions, though there's usually a solid core of Deep South States. Surrounding states are sometimes considered part of the Deep South or Mid-South.
The Deep South is often defined as Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina and parts of Florida. Some people include North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas in this.
Mid-South has a few variations. Some say it's an area surrounding Memphis. That includes northern Mississippi, east Arkansas, slivers of Missouri and Kentucky, western Tennessee and the southern tip of Illinois.
Some say it's Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky.
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' Mid-South Conference includes universities in Tennessee and Kentucky, with associate members in surrounding states including Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.
You know what's not in any iteration of the South? Indiana, a Midwest icon.
Which Mississippi city was one of the most eccentric in the Mid South?
World Atlas picked Tupelo, birthplace of the King of Rock N' Roll Elvis Presley as one of the most eccentric towns in the mid-South.
"Fans can see the small two-bedroom home he was raised in at the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum, or they can go to Tupelo Hardware Company, where Elvis' mother purchased him his first guitar for his 11th birthday," World Atlas wrote.
The site also highlighted the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, which has more than 260 animals.
What should I do in Tupelo? Where should I eat?
Johnnie's Drive-In, where Elvis ate as a teen, is still open and serving lunch and dinner. You can sit in the same booth where The King sat.
Other popular restaurants, per TripAdvisor reviews, include the Blue Canoe and the Neon Pig. Both serve American food if you're searching for a great burger and fries.
The city also has lots of live music options, the Tupelo Veterans Museum, the Oren Dunn City Museum and plenty of shopping and antiquing to keep you busy.
Mississippi roadside attractions: Five destinations to check out on a summer road trip
What are the most eccentric towns in the Mid-South?
According to World Atlas, these eight made the cut:
Santa Claus, Indiana.
Ellijay, Georgia.
Paducah, Kentucky.
Branson, Missouri.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Tupelo, Mississippi.
Paris, Tennessee.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: World Atlas calls MS city one of the most eccentric in the Mid-South
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