Meridian, MS

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Highland Park features a vintage locomotive and is home to the Highland Park Dentzel Carousel, the only existing two-row stationary Dentzel menagerie. The carousel is a virtual zoo with tigers, lions, deer, giraffes, antelopes, and horses. Meridian is the first officially-designated entertainment district in Mississippi. Among the venues in the district is the Temple Theater where you can find everything from performances by the South Mississippi Ballet Theatre to musicals such as The Sound of Music. The Temple Theater also host The Sucarnochee Revue, a monthly live radio taping featuring local and national musical talent. Hosted by singer/songwriter Jacky Jack White, the radio program is broadcast globally on 60 radio stations. Also downtown, the MSU Riley Center offers monthly arts events that range from jazz to country music. A thriving city Symphony Orchestra offers year-round performances and the Meridian Little Theatre hosts an active youth theater.

You know you've become a local when Weidmann's Restaurant a regular place to enjoy a meal. Along with some classic recipes, Weidmanns offers a wide range of seafood, steaks and affordable southern cuisine. Because of its proximity to the Gulf, Meridian has a number of fine seafood eateries. Purple Parrot Café has the best seafood outside of New Orleans. Executive chef Robert St. John has appeared nationally on The Travel Channel and The Food Network and his restaurant recently received a AAA Travel Guide Four-Diamond rating. Other great places to eat in town include Cater's Market, Rustler Steak House and Lounge, The Hungry Heifer, and Jean’s Restaurant. If you are looking to make a meal at home, check out the Meridian's Farmers' Market where you will find the freshest produce in the area.

With great weather most of the year, Meridian is a great place for golfers. Ideal for newcomers and experienced golfers alike, the city-operated Lakeview Golf Course is a par-70 course opened in 1955. Plus, Lakeview Golf is a great deal. If you walk the course, you can play 18 holes for only $12 during the week and $14 on the weekend. Add a cart and you will still pay less than $25 for a great morning of golf. There are also two fine private courses nearby: Northwood Country Club and Briarwood Country Club.

There are two wonderful options if you love to fish, swim or just enjoy the great outdoors. Bonita Lakes is a 3,300-acre park situated on three lakes. The beautiful, relatively primitive park features a jogging and walking track, nature trails, horseback riding, paddle boats, picnic facilities, boat ramps and fishing. Entrance to the park is free. Okatibbee Lake is 4,100-acre lake surrounded by seven parks and offers class "A" camping, a motel, a full-service marina, swimming beaches, and other day-use attractions. The fishing is excellent and there is also a large area managed for hunting.

The Bonita Lakes Mall is the premier shopping destination in the East Mississippi/West Alabama region. Located just off Interstates 20/59, the mall has four anchor stores: Belk, Dillard's, Sears and J.C. Penney. Here you can also find numerous specialty stores, a food court and a nine-screen United Artists Cinema. Bonita Lakes Mall was recently featured in the Food Network’s Food Court Wars hosted by Tyler Florence. Other shopping centers include The Crossing, College Park Shopping Center and North Hills. If you are looking for something other than a mall consider Aimee's Hand-Painted Linens, Rhonda's Connection, Liberty Shop Incorporated, Corner Stitch, United States Rare Coin & Currency, Garden and Gift Center, Plant the Earth, Reflection of Modern Gardens, Spices and Spirits, Broadmoor Home Center, and Pampered Bodies Day Spa & Salon.