About halfway between Greenville and Starkville on Highway 82, you’ll find the charming town of Carrollton. Nestled in the hills overlooking the Delta, it exudes small town charm, but that’s not all it has to offer. The town is packed with beautiful historic homes, stately churches, and loads of history. Despite everything Carrollton has going on, it’s often overlooked as a destination but it definitely shouldn’t be, and here’s why.
Carrollton was first established in 1834. As of today, only about 200 people are lucky enough to call the picturesque town home.
Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival/Facebook
A quintessential small town, Carrollton boasts a quaint downtown area brimming with shops and eateries.
Roy/Flickr
Beyond delightful, it’s the perfect place for some exploring…and window shopping.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
Among the historic buildings that fill Carrollton is Merrill’s Store. Since being built in 1837, it has served as a store, bank, dry cleaners, furniture and coffin factory, and courtroom.
misspreservation.com
Today, it houses the Merrill Museum, which features artifacts relating to the history of Carrollton and Carroll County as well as the John Sidney McCain collection.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr The museum is located at 601 E. Jackson Street. It is opened by appointment only. For more details, click here.
With 66 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a visit to Carrollton is like stepping back in time.
Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival/Facebook A majority of the town’s historic structures have been so well maintained throughout the years, only a handful have needed restorations.
Grace Episcopal Church (pictured below), which dates back to 1884, is just one of the many stunning churches that fill Carrollton.
carrollcountyms.org Grace Episcopal Church is located at 203 East Washington Street.
Located in nearby North Carrollton, the historic J.Z. George Library is by far one of the most unique in the state.
Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival/Facebook
The library is part of The Cotesworth Culture and Heritage Center.
Cotesworth Culture and Heritage Center/Facebook Cotesworth is open for touring as well as private events. For more information, click here.
Cotesworth is the former home of Senator J.Z. George, who was an author of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890. This historical document is on display in the home on the very desk he used when drafting it.
Cotesworth Culture and Heritage Center/Facebook Cotesworth is open for touring as well as private events. For more information, click here.
While in North Carrollton, you’ll definitely want to stop by Dixie’s Kozy Kitchen.
Kozy Kitchen/Facebook
A local favorite, the restaurant is known for its authentic southern cooking, which includes mouthwatering barbecue.
Kozy Kitchen/Facebook
The eatery also happens to be home to one of the best burgers in the state.
Kozy Kitchen/Facebook Dixie’s Kozy Kitchen is located at 504 George Street in North Carrollton.
Every October, the town celebrates its history with the Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival.
Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival/Facebook
The Carrollton Pilgrimage includes tours of historic homes, churches, and several other buildings, such as the courthouse, old jail, and Gee’s Country Store.
Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival/Facebook
One of the longest operating general stores in the state, Gee’s is only opened during the annual pilgrimage. A stop at the store is sure to be a nostalgic one, as the shelves are still stocked with goods that were there the day it closed.
Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival/Facebook This year, the Pilgrimage will take place on October 6th and 7th. For more information, click here.
As charming as it sounds, the Pioneer Day Festival includes educational exhibits, arts and crafts, vendors, and live music.
Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival/Facebook This year, the festival will be held on Saturday, October 7th. For more information, click here.
Ready to visit Carrollton?
Jimmy Smith/Flickr The small town doesn’t have any hotels of its own, but there are several located in nearby towns. Click here for more information.
Have you ever been to Carrollton? What are some other amazing towns in Mississippi that tend to get overlooked? We want to hear from you; share your thoughts in the comments section!
Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival/Facebook
Roy/Flickr
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
misspreservation.com
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
The museum is located at 601 E. Jackson Street. It is opened by appointment only. For more details, click here.
Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival/Facebook
A majority of the town’s historic structures have been so well maintained throughout the years, only a handful have needed restorations.
carrollcountyms.org
Grace Episcopal Church is located at 203 East Washington Street.
Cotesworth Culture and Heritage Center/Facebook
Cotesworth is open for touring as well as private events. For more information, click here.
Kozy Kitchen/Facebook
Dixie’s Kozy Kitchen is located at 504 George Street in North Carrollton.
This year, the Pilgrimage will take place on October 6th and 7th. For more information, click here.
This year, the festival will be held on Saturday, October 7th. For more information, click here.
The small town doesn’t have any hotels of its own, but there are several located in nearby towns. Click here for more information.
Looking for another must-visit town in Mississippi? Check out “The Unique Town In Mississippi That’s Anything But Ordinary.“
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