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MISSISSIPPI - Last minute travel specials to Columbus,
Jackson, Meridian, Gulfport, and Biloxi.
Columbus - Originally called "Possum Town" this quintessentially
Southern town is well known to history lovers, for history
literally lives here. The streets of Columbus are lined with
magnificent pre-Civil War mansions. Columbus is a place where
the historic architecture of old Greek columns and cupolas
maintains a place of prominence among modern buildings. And
inside this amicable blending of buildings is a rare combination
of people who respect the best of the past, yet dedicate themselves
to fostering a secure business environment that's poised for
the future. The grand old homes found outlying the streets
of Columbus are privately owned and beautifully restored.
Two homes that are a must see when visiting Columbus are Liberty
Hall and Amzi Love, both these homes have remained in the
same family since they were built in the 1800's. Some of those
homes are now bed and breakfast inns, complete with period
antiques and Southern hospitality. From Mardi Gras-like "krewes"
that carry on during the annual spring Pilgrimage, to an annual
barbecue cook-off contest called the Pigfest, Columbus is
a festive town where annual events and celebrations flourish
year round.
With such a strong commitment to business and industry, Columbus
is not short on culture and recreation, either. Columbus is
the birthplace of award-winning playwright Tennessee Williams,
who won Pulitzers for A Streetcar Named Desire, and Cat on
a Hot Tin Roof. Williams's first home, a lovely Victorian
structure, is now the Mississippi Welcome Center for the region.
The Welcome Center hostesses greet guests and tell about such
things as a local observance back in 1866 that became the
nation's first Memorial Day. The event inspired the poignant
poem, "The Blue and the Gray."
The adjoining terrain is lush and green, with tall timbers
and rolling hills to the north and east, while vast, rich
prairie land flows out to the south and west encompassing
a region known as the "Golden Triangle," and those who know
and love the region say that absolutely, the living' is easy
here. While visiting, sport fans can enjoy the plentiful sporting
events in the area, among the things to see and do: Southeastern
Conference college sports, fishing and hunting along the Tennessee-Tombigbee
Waterway, year-round golf and tennis opportunities and more.
Sophisticated shopping, culture, history, arts, delectable
cuisine and championship golf courses, Columbus has it all
and everything in between.
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