This Affordable Riverside Town Oozes Southern Charm & European Vibes

At Travel Off Path, we’re always on the prowl for overlooked destinations ready to delight you with surprising attractions and unexpected experiences.

As such, we’ve had a helpful hand from what’s undoubtedly become the South’s trendiest state right now — none other than Mississippi, a word I still struggle to type correctly on the first try…

Most recently, the strongest report yet suggesting Mississippi’s newfound popularity revealed many vacationers are opting for white-sand beaches here over Florida’s jam-packed shores, but it’s not just the coast seeing a surge in visitors.

Riverside towns like Hattiesburg and Vicksburg are welcoming millions in their charming towns too, and one town nearby is even more aesthetically pleasing as Mississippi’s third-oldest European-American settlement dating back to 1729, leaving behind imposing Greek Revival ruins oozing European vibes in a town already known for quintessential Southern hospitality.

Port Gibson: A Slice Of Europe Where You’d Least Expect It

It’s not often you find a site in the South permeating Athens vibes, and no, we’re not talking about Athens, Georgia, or Athens, Texas.

We’re talking about quite possibly Europe’s most renowned city for preserved ruins. While you likely won’t find savory gyros or shots of Ouzo in Port Gibson, this town boasts a mini slice of Europe in a place you least expect it.

Turning back the clock to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, this is where Port Gibson really began to thrive as a trading hub during a time when gorgeous European-styled mansions and stately churches were constructed

Fast forward 60 years, and that’s when Port Gibson found itself in a stranglehold. The Battle of Port Gibson took place on May 1, 1863.

Though ultimately it was declared “too beautiful to burn”, answering why it has stood the test of time to the present day, bringing a timeless charm and rich historical tapestry to those who visit.

While Port Gibson’s small townscape is anchored by the classic marvel, the Claiborne County Courthouse, which personally reminds me of my trip to Luxembourg, it’s the Windsor Ruins that have become the most notable attraction as a portal to Europe with towering pillars and crumbling facades, emitting a sense of ancient grandeur of a bygone era.

Windsor Ruins is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and can be visited any day from dawn to dusk.

Old-Timey Inns & Soulful Cuisine: Port Gibson’s Southern Charm

No trip to the South is complete without sitting down at a Mom ‘n Pop eatery for a soul-refreshing meal.

Mississippi is certainly no different, fighting off its hillbilly reputation when many of the top destinations are nothing but welcoming and exuding vintage charisma.

Port Gibson is home to fewer than 1,500 people, so you can imagine exploring downtown won’t take long at all.

In fact, many of Port Gibson’s visitors are passersby coming from nearby Vicksburg, Jackson, or road trippers heading for Mississippi’s gleaming white coastline.

Regardless, a pit stop downtown is a must, whether it be a day trip or weekend getaway. You’ll find a handful of cozy stays, remarkable churches, and inviting restaurants whipping up Southern staples.

Locals’ favorite is Mississippi’s Finest, a no-frills soul food restaurant serving classics like fried chicken, mac ‘n cheese, and dessert, there’s always room for pecan pie.

As for where to make your base, you have a few options. You can opt for a top-rated bed and breakfast, Isabella’s, holding a near-perfect 4.9 Google rating.

One recent guest raved about the service, saying he was ‘regaled me with history and interesting anecdotes about Port Gibson and the Civil War, as well as a host of other topics. It was way more than ‘just’ Southern hospitality! Definitely recommend!’.

Though Collina House does boast a perfect 5.0 Google rating and holds unique events each month for guests to kick back and recharge, such as September’s Human Design, Yoga & Beyond with Nathalie Croix.

Revel In The River: Port Gibson’s Natural Beauty

Everyone knows the legend of the Mississippi River as it’s commonly shortened to “The Mississippi”.

Grand Gulf Military Park is a great starting point to partake in Port Gibson’s riverside delights, offering sweeping river views and historic landmarks, helping you piece together the town’s significant timeline as a key port throughout multiple wars.

Though, it’s not solely the ‘Mississippi’ that’s a draw for nature lovers. In fact, Port Gibson is also a common stopping ground for hikers and cyclists traversing the Natchez Trace Parkway, where you can visit waterfalls and Sunken Trace, a pathway used by past pioneers and Native Americans now deeply trenched from decades of wagon and foot traffic.

Additionally, there are no boat tours departing Port Gibson, even with its storied past as a prime port for goods and supplies, but there’s Bayou Pierre, a common spot for paddling through tranquil waterways for wildlife spotting.

The popular town of Vicksburg is only a half-hour away, too. Test your luck at riverside casinos or enjoy a scenic boat ride.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.