Kara’s Sights and Bites: Celebrate Memorial Day close to home without breaking the bank
By: Kara Kimbrough
The 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir located in parts of Madison and Rankin Counties, is filled with numerous opportunities for boating, jet and water-skiing, swimming, fishing and picnicking. One of the most popular picnic areas is Lakeshore Park on the Rankin County side. (Photo courtesy of Pearl River Valley Water Supply District)
Filling up the car with gas in advance of a road trip during the long Memorial Day weekend ahead was not a problem in previous years. But this year…well, that’s a different story. Without dwelling on the pain we’re all feeling at the pump, I decided to share a few tips to celebrate the official start of summer without venturing too far from home. After all, we’re blessed to live in a state filled with scenic State Parks, hundreds of recreational lakes and a mammoth reservoir, city parks and 29 miles of sandy beaches and gulf waters at our southernmost border.
Grilling burgers or hot dogs at home on the patio isn’t that exciting, but dining al fresco surrounded by natural beauty and waterfront views? Now that quickly elevates a picnic lunch from backyard boring to memorable Memorial Day in no time. Why not pack a cooler full of your family’s favorite picnic foods and beverages and take a short – notice I said “short” – road trip to one of our state’s outdoor areas? It’s a lot cheaper than trekking across state lines to a pricey beach resort or other crowded vacation spot.
A few of my ideas when considering exploring some of Mississippi’s scenic outdoor spots (and yes, they’re equipped with picnic areas, among other amenities) to check out this Memorial Day weekend include:
1. Visit a State Park– Mississippi is blessed with 25 State Parks encompassing 24,000 acres of public land filled with campgrounds (RV and tent campsites), picnic areas, lakes for fishing, boating and swimming, and playgrounds. A small sample of some that have been nationally-recognized for their amenities are:
- J.P. Coleman State Park: Located on 47,000-acre Pickwick Lake in the northeastern corner of the state in Iuka, this destination is known for its magnificent 50-foot waterfall, Cooper Falls, freshwater fishing, swimming in the lake or heated swimming pool, water recreation and plenty of places to camp, grill, spread out a picnic and soak in the area’s outstanding natural beauty.
- Buccaneer State Park: Located in the opposite end of the state on the Gulf Coast in Waveland, the park has a fascinating history tied to pirate Jean Lafitte and President Andrew Jackson, both of whom loved the area for its picturesque beauty and cool coastal breezes. In addition to over 250 campsites, nature trails and golf course, one of the most popular features is a popular water park, Buccaneer Bay, a 4.5-acre waterpark that will reopen just in time for the holiday weekend. Guests can purchase a day pass to enjoy the waterpark.
- Lake Lincoln State Park: A favorable beach rating usually occurs on the Gulf Coast. However, one of our state parks is listed in the “Top 25 Best Park Beaches in the U.S.” by Reserve America. Lake Lincoln State Park in Wesson features a sandy beach fronting its namesake 550-acre lake perfect for jet skiing, swimming, water skiing, boating or fishing. Or, simply relax on the sand and enjoy the cool breezes floating over the water. There are campsites for overnight stays, a picnic area, nature trail, playground, disk golf course and nature trail.
- LeFleur’s Bluff State Park: Located right in the middle of the Jackson metro area just off Lakeland Drive and Interstate 55, LeFleur’s Bluff is perfect for a quick escape for the weekend or a day of picnicking and relaxing. LeFleur’s Bluff offers hiking on scenic nature trails, fishing on Mayes Lake or playing a few rounds of golf on the 9-hole course. Opportunities for picnicking, camping and bird-watching also abound in this lush oasis in the midst of busy highways and buildings. Named to several “best of” U.S. state park lists for its above-average amenities, LeFleur’s provides a tranquil green spot to decompress away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir located in parts of Madison and Rankin Counties, is filled with numerous opportunities for boating, jet and water-skiing, swimming, fishing and picnicking. One of the most popular picnic areas is Lakeshore Park on the Rankin County side. (Photo courtesy of Pearl River Valley Water Supply District)2. Barnett Reservoir – If visiting a larger body of water is more to your liking, drive a few miles from the Jackson city limits to the 33,000-acre Reservoir, or “Rez” as it’s commonly called. Once there, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and scenic water views in all directions along 105 miles of shoreline. One of the best spots to stop and enjoy a leisurely meal is scenic Lakeshore Park located on the Rez’s southeastern shore in Rankin County. The area is open to the public year-round for picnicking, boating, fishing and swimming in a secure sand-filled body of water with an adjacent beach. Admission is free Monday through Friday. A $5 parking fee is assessed on Saturday and Sunday at Lakeshore and other parks.
3. The Mighty Mississippi – Second only to the waterfront views along the Gulf Coast are those along the banks of the majestic Mississippi River. Both Natchez and Vicksburg offer scenic picnic areas near their riverfronts. Bluff Park in Natchez is the perfect place to unpack a picnic lunch and enjoy the breeze and sight of the river rolling by. Over in Vicksburg, River Front Park offers similar views and opportunities for a memorable meal.
These are just a “few” of my recommendations for a fun, relatively inexpensive way to kick off summer and enjoy Memorial Day ’26. If you’d like more recommendations on ways to celebrate the holiday without busting your budget, drop me an email and I’ll send them to you. In the meantime…Happy Memorial Day!
* To find a State Park near you and to learn about admission fees and amenities, check out the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Park’s website: mdwfp.com.
And, if you’d like menu ideas or recipes, I’ll be happy to send those, too!
Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.
