So I'm aware that I hold a large amount of bias when I say that Tupelo, Mississippi is one of the best places on the planet, mostly because I am from there. I was raised there. I have friends (like 3) there. But I feel like there are several reasons almost every person I know ends up loving, staying, or at least revisiting Tupelo. Here are a few.

11. Veterans Park

Veteran's Park, Tupelo, MS

Y'all this place is so 'lit'. Like I can't even begin to explain it. First off, you drive up and the road is lined with American flags. If you weren't feeling patriotic/aren't patriotic/just hate our country, turn onto this road and be filled with utmost respect for every single person who has served. The picture above shows a sidewalk that leads out to a boat dock in the middle of the lake. NOT ONLY will you feel free and proud, but you can also walk down to the kiddy splash pad and enjoy your summer days surrounded by hundreds of humans trying to beat the Mississippi heat.

10. Elvis Presley and the Elvis Presley Birthplace

Elvis Presley Birthplace, Tupelo, MS

So if you're at Veteran's, you can drive your happy butt two blocks over to see the King of Rock and Roll's roots. Yep. I just blew your mind. Memphis may have Graceland. But Elvis Presley was born here. We even have the original house to prove it (as pictured above). We've even got a really neat Chapel near the birthplace where you can fill your heart and soul with old Elvis Presley tunage. Rock on.

9. Johnnie's Drive-In

Johnnie's Drive-In, Tupelo, MS

Elvis frequented this restaurant while growing up...need I say more? It's less than 30 seconds from the Birthplace, you can fill your stomach with perfect fried southern cuisine and go on about your day.

8. Dairy Kreme

Dairy Kreme, Tupelo, MS

It may look a little run down... but after you've filled up on Johnnie's I swear to god everyone and their mother will want a dip cone or a purple cow from Dairy Kreme because this is the most amazing ice cream place in all of Mississippi...and possibly the world.

7. Tupelo High School

Tupelo High School, Tupelo, MS

DEM BLANKETS. But seriously, I'm sure many of you who attended this place may have some sort of resentment toward it. All in all, this is one of the best high schools in Mississippi, and we're blessed enough to call it our own. It's the size of a small community college and the freshman have a separate building because life is scary. It's still pretty great because the football field is blue turf so we're intimidating to our opponents (Shoutout to Madison Central, we're coming for you next year.)

6. Natchez Trace Parkway

Natchez Trace Parkway

I understand this parkway is not exclusive to Tupelo alone... it actually stretches from Natchez, MS all the way to Nashville, TN. It's 444 miles of pure bliss. Every 10 miles reveals a new set of scenery and wildlife with a rich history and a wonderful story. But I'm still proud to claim that Tupelo shares a little piece of historical heaven for all people to experience.

5. The Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo

Tupelo Buffalo Park, Tupelo, MS

First off, you're just going to have to look this one up for yourself...or just go experience it. Because there are no words for this place. Second off, the plastic buffalo out front (as pictured) has the reddest a** eyes you've ever seen. Swear to god I refused to go to this place until I was old enough to understand that thing couldn't touch me.

4. KOK and the Neon Pig

Kermit's Outlaw Kitchen, Tupelo, MS

Something I've always loved about Tupelo is that local businesses can thrive here. Kermit's Outlaw Kitchen and the Neon Pig are both wonderfully beautiful restaurants that support the idea of local produce and goods. If you're wanting to savor your ultimate southern comfort food needs check out either location. You cannot go wrong.

3. Down on Main City-Wide Concerts

Tupelo Fairpark, Tupelo, MS

The city holds free city-wide concerts at this amazing location. They've had artists such as Keller Williams and Galactic. I don't think there's much more to this other than the fact that not many towns can pull this off. It's amazing.

2. Gum Tree Arts Festival

Gumtree Arts Festival Poster

Along the lines of thriving local business, Tupelo also cultivates the perfect environments for young, independent, or solo artists. Be it dance, painting, drawing, photography, weird yard ornaments...whatever your forte may be, the Gumtree Festival will give you a sure fill of it all. People from all over come to this festival. It's set in the historic downtown Tupelo with over 40 different vendors. (The food is bangin' too)

1. Jason Shelton

Tupelo's Mayor Jason Shelton

Mayor Shelton, this is an absolute shoutout to you... You are the best thing to happen to this town. I'm serious guys. He is the most hilarious, most genuine, and most understanding person to walk into this town. Most of the up and coming events happening in Tupelo now fall under the administration of this lovely human. We needed a bright new face in the courthouse. You've filled so many hearts with hope. You've shown every person in town what it means to live in #MyTupelo. Keep doing what you're doing, because you're doing it right.

If I haven't listed at least one thing that interests you, then bless your heart. 'Cause theres good food, good music, good education, good art, good vibes, and a great leader for this city. You cannot go wrong with Tupelo. Whether you're visiting or whether you live here...you cannot go wrong...In case I haven't said it enough... you cannot go wrong.