As someone who was born and raised in Mississippi I've seen and experienced the amazing things that the hospitality state has to offer. We have incredible food, music and attractions y'all! Unfortunately not everyone knows of these commodities, so as a proud Mississippian I thought I'd let y'all know about what my great state has to offer.

1. Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Gautier, MS

The refuge was established in 1975 under authority of the Endangered Species Act to protect the critically endangered Mississippi sandhill cranes and their unique, and itself endangered, wet pine savanna habitat. The crane population, at that time only 30-35 birds, is currently at approximately 110 birds. Through captive rearing and reintroduction to the area as well as wild birds nesting in the savannas, the crane population continues to grow. . I remember going on a field trip to this NWR in fifth grade. My class took a tour and learned all about the endangered sandhill Cranes, and I absolutely loved every minute of the trip.

2. All-American Rose Garden, Hattiesburg, MS

Located on the campus of Southern Miss University, the rose garden features 750 hybrid-T and Grandiflora patented rosebushes. Open year-round and the blooming season is late spring and summer.

3. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Jackson, MS

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is the largest museum in the state of Mississippi. The museum features aquariums, habitat exhibits, and nature trails specializing in the flora and fauna of Mississippi. The museum also houses the state's systematic collections, containing more than a million specimens of fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, invertebrates, plants, and fossils.

4. Ward's Restaurant, Mississippi

Richard and Ed Ward opened the first Ward’s location May 28, 1978. The signature hamburgers are lovingly referred to as the “Big One” and the “Little One.” Dressed with Ward’s homemade chili and signature sauce these favorites are two of the most popular on the menu.

5. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi

The Gulf Islands National Seashore extends from Cat Island in Mississippi to the eastern tip of Santa Rosa Island in Florida. Most of the seashore is actually submerged but the barrier islands offer white sand beaches, coastal marshes, and dense maritime forests. Davis Bayou is located on the mainland at Ocean Springs and can be easily accessed. There are hiking trails, camping and picnicking areas, old forts, as well as other recreational opportunities.

6. Ocean Springs, Mississippi

The town of Ocean Springs is located about 2 miles east of Biloxi, Mississippi. It has become a haven for artists and craftspeople, with numerous art shops and studios. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art also calls Ocean Springs home. WAMA is dedicated to the celebration of the works of Walter Inlglis Anderson (1903–1965), American master, whose depictions of the plants, animals, and people of the Gulf Coast have placed him among the forefront of American painters of the Twentieth Century. The town also maintains a number of historic churches from the late 1800s. Although it was greatly affected by Hurricane Katrina, Ocean Springs has made considerable progress in re-establishing itself. Ocean Springs is also my home town and I couldn't have picked a better place for myself to live. In the words of my senior class "OS THE BEST!"

7. Rock & Blues Heritage Museum, Clarksdale, Mississippi

The exhibits in the Rock & Blues Heritage Museum spans the 1920's through to the 1970's. Clarksdale was chosen as the location for the museum as it is considered the place where the first rock n roll record was recorded in 1951. Highlights include signed photographs by many Blues musicians.

8. The Shed, Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Oh, the Shed. Where do I begin? The Shed is where you will enjoy live music, drinks, and some of the best damn BBQ you'll ever eat. This place seriously is a hidden gem. Those of us who have had the amazing opportunity to visit the shed are often referred to as "Shedheads". With the family friendly environment and great food I highly recommend "getting fed at the Shed".

9. Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum (MSIM) was established in 1986 to preserve and interpret the maritime history and heritage of Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It accomplishes this mission through an array of exhibits on shrimping, oystering, recreational fishing, wetlands, managing marine resources, charter boats, marine blacksmithing, wooden boat building, net-making, catboats/Biloxi skiff, shrimp peeling machine and numerous historic photographs and objects.

10. Home

Mississippi is and always will be my home. I was born in Vicksburg, MS and raised on the beautiful coast of Ocean Springs. I've been able to learn so many amazing things by getting to live here, I've seen the devastation that Hurricane Katrina caused, and I've seen some of the best years of my life here. I wouldn't trade my life on the coast for anything. If you've never visited MS, I highly recommend that y'all come see us soon!