Mississippi Roads travels to Mize, MS, for their annual Watermelon Festival. Many people claim Smith County watermelons to be among some of the finest in the state, so when the town of Mize held its annual festival, the Roads Crew was there to take in the music, the contests, and of course - the watermelons.
The Roads crew travels to north Mississippi to witness the annual Tupelo Elvis Festival. While they were there, they discovered why so many people enjoy keeping the memory of the King of Rock and Roll alive, and why he's so important to Tupelo.
The Roads crew stops in the little town of Como, MS, which has seen its share of struggles and growth - and luckily, it seems they’re in another growth period. A trio of singers is discovered by accident. We show the story of the Como Mamas, a group that’s making a big splash nationally in gospel music, and we'll hear just how well their voices work in unison to deliver amazing music with a positive message.
The Roads crew explores the small town of Ruleville and discovers some of its hidden gems. We talk to an artist who has overcome some challenging obstacles to create masterpieces. We visit with a Ruleville native who’s made quite the name for himself in Hollywood, and a photographer from the state is traveling the nation to capture its spirit.
Every year for more than a decade, the Celtic Heritage Foundation has sponsored the Celtic Fest at the Ag Museum in Jackson. The entire event spans a few days and goes on rain or shine, with plenty of activities for the whole family inside and out. Feats of strength, Celtic Music, and workshops all greet visitors to the fair.
The Central Mississippi Fair in Kosciusko has been going on for more than a century. Walt and the MS Roads crew take a look around the attractions and learn how the fair started and why it’s still going strong more than 100 years later.
In this special edition of Mississippi Roads, we take a look at how the state celebrates the Holidays in different ways.
In this edition of Mississippi Roads, we'll take a look around the Delta from top to bottom. Our show starts off in the Yazoo Historical Society's Sam B. Olden Historical Museum - a museum meticulously curated and dedicated to the area's history. We take a look at everything from Yazoo's ancient historiy with a great collection of fossils and dioramas to it's modern influences that are felt across the world.
On this edition of Mississippi Roads, it's clashing weapons and clanging armor at the South Mississippi Renaissance Faire. We explore what draws the crowds, and the different activities for the entire family that make up the event. There's falconry, belly dancing, jousting, sparring, heavy games, magic, and much more - all wrapped up into one fun event.
Mississippi Roads visits the Cairo Museum in Vicksburg and tours the reconstructed Ironclad “city-class” gunboat. The Cairo navigated the muddy waters of the Yazoo River for just a brief period of time before two torpedoes ripped a hole in its hull, sinking the ship for nearly a century until some brave divers brought it up.
Dunn's Falls outside of Enterprise, near Meridian, is a part of the Pat Harrison Waterway District that offers a tranquil place to take in a 65 foot waterfall and tour an old gristmill. Plus, visitors can take advantage of primitive camping or stay at the cabin. Eddie "Chank" Willis earned his unusual nickname by creating a unique sound for Motown. We sit down with the former Governor's Arts Awards Recipient and talk with him about the era of Motown and his influence on its sound. Even though Louisville might not be seem like the place to hose a successful comic convention, we learn that one man's vision helped bring visitors from across the state - and even the galaxy - to the small town. Located in Pontotoc, Mississippi; Cherry Creek Orchards is locally owned and operated by Wylie and Amanda Stark. The couple encourages customers to come to their farm and pick the fruit themselves. They are passionate about getting kids involved in u-pick-it to educate them on where and how food is grown. Cherry Creek Orchards sells peaches, nectarines, apples, grapes, plums, figs, blackberries, watermelons and pumpkins. Their fruit can also be found at various farmers markets around the area.
In this edition of Mississippi Roads, we explore a museum dedicated to the men and women who have served in our military throughout the nation's history. The Mississippi Armed Forces Museum outside of Hattiesburg houses detailed displays of the scenery, the battlefields, the day-to-day life, and the equipment used by those brave men and women throughout the years. In 1812, Andrew Jackson stopped in the town of Washington, MS. Back then, it was a thriving community, and it still survives as a small town. But every so often, the locals get together to commemorate when Andrew Jackson camped in Washington, MS, on his way to New Orleans... only to receive the orders to return to Tennessee. During World War II, a group of men from overseas made Jackson their home, and left a lasting impression on those who knew them. They were the Dutch Airmen, and we were lucky enough to sit down with some people who knew them well and hear their touching story. And in a fitting tribute to those heros who have given a portion of their lives - or their whole lives, sometimes - to our country, we take to the skies with a group of the state's honored veterans to visit our nation's capitol.
The Mississippi Roads crew celebrates July 4th in Ridgeland with the Celebrate America Balloon Glow. Every year since 1990, more than twenty thousand people show up for great music, entertainment, food, and fun near Northpark Mall. We join them for the fun and festivities, as well as take a look behind the scenes and speak with one of the balloonists who makes the trip to take part in the glow. Plus, Marianne Todd spent years as a photographer working with political figures and heavy hitters before realizing her dream to start a magazine. If you've picked up a copy of Legends Magazine, then you've seen her work. The magazine covers everything from the state's arts, culture, people, places and events in a beautiful format with gorgeous pictures and well-worded stories. When Katrina tore through the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Bay St. Louis was one of the communities hit hard. Gone with many of its businesses and residences was its community theater. But, as the saying goes, the show must go on. The community rallied together to restore an old building, and in doing so, brought hope and happiness to the community as a whole. And finally, if you're ever dining at the Ole Biloxi Schooner Seafood Restaurant in Biloxi and see something strange out of the corner of your eye - well, you wouldn't be the first to do so. We learn about the history of the restaurant and the building it rests in - and why it may be home to some strange occurrences.
Mississippi Roads explores the tip of the state during the annual. Hernando A'Fair. We visit an established ice cream parlor that's been delivering the sweets to customers for decades. One man's mission to capture the stories of Mississippi is prime training ground for a new breed of photographers and filmmakers, and a family finds something delicious in an unusual place.
The Mississippi Roads crew discovers a neighborhood in the Capital City with a unique history. A certain type of automobile has been spotted around town, and customers are lining up to get the good inside. We take a look through the rear-view mirror at a restaurant that called the Capital its home, and one man is making it his mission to bring top-notch entertainment to Fondren.
The Mississippi Roads crew uncovers some interesting history in Ripley. A man has a trick up his sleeve that's sure to entertain audiences both young and old. We take a look through the rear-view mirror at a restaurant in Holly Springs that's been open for decades, and a festival in Clarksdale pays proper tribute to some Blues greats.
The Mississippi Roads crew tours the town of Poplarville during their annual Blueberry Jubilee. A group of people in Mississippi has come together to set an extra table at their restaurants for some special guests. We take a look through the rear0view mirror at a Draft Horse school that used to operate in Poplarville, and finally - the art and science of blueberry farming.
The crew anchors in Gulfport for the annual Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. Chef Rob Stinson has weathered some storms on the coast, and brings his knowledge and love of great food to diners from all over. Musician Matt Hoggatt is now gathering legions of fans, and we take a look through the rear-view mirror at the Tato Nut in Ocean Springs.
We explore art as transformation as we visit the Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art. We talk with Jackson watercolor artist Darryl Anderson who has turned his life around through painting. We revisit Berry Creek Bowls in Amite County. Then we head up to north MS to Mid South Ornamental Concrete where artists and craftsmen take ordinary concrete and turn it into backyard ornaments.
We visit Cedar Hill Cemetery in Vicksburg, one of the country's oldest and largest cemeteries still in use. We travel down Highway 61 to Natchez to hear stories from that city's historic cemetery. Then we head up to Friendship Cemetery in Columbus where our national Memorial Day holiday has its roots. We'll also explore the haunting story behind the grave of Henry Vick at Chapel of the Cross.
We head up to Delta State University in Cleveland to check out some exciting developments with music education there. Then we drop in on a reunion of college station DJs from WMSV in Starkville. We look at a story we did on famed blues artist R.L. Burnside, then travel to Sciple's Mill in Kemper County. Finally we enjoy the music of Delta performer Gus Mohammed.
We're in Canton where the film business is booming. We visit with homegrown filmmakers in West Point who are making quite a name for themselves. We take a look at a production of one of Willie Morris's favorite works, Good Ole Boy, filmed in Yazoo City in 1987. We revisit some coast filmmakers and their epic re-creation of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," a project started 30 years ago.
We’re in Oxford where an operatic version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet had its world premiere. Then we’ll look in the rearview mirror at a story we did on about Oxford’s iconic and much-beloved watering hole, The Hoka, which closed in 1996. We’ll visit with vinyl record enthusiasts from Oxford, Hattiesburg, and Meridian.
We’re at Belhaven University which has distinguished itself as a leader in programs in arts, music, and dance. We visit Joel Bomgar, a tech entrepreneur who’s making an international name for himself. We also head over to Vicksburg to revisit the long-running, family-friendly melodrama “Gold in the Hills.” Then we travel with abstract expressionist and Baldwyn native George Wardlaw.
We take a look at some of the Ocean Spring’s natural and cultural wonders. We attend the Mississippi Songwriter’s Festival held here each fall. Then, we visit with some sea kayak enthusiasts who like to explore our barrier islands. Finally, we get a taste of what it’s like to keep bees right in your own backyard.
Walt takes a walk around the Chahta Immi Cultural Center in Neshoba County, we explore Mississippi's Mound Trail, in the Rearview Mirror Walt reminisces of his time around the Winterville Mounds and we get a look at Choctaw Fresh Produce based in Neshoba County.
It's a recycling of sorts as Walt takes a tour of the Jackson Midtown area. Features chainsaw artists Dayton and Kenny Scoggins of Heidelberg, General Recycling in Flowood and The New Roxy in Clarksdale.
Walt tours Flowood's Winner's Circle Park. We take a ropes course in Florence. The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race takes place in Natchez. Some young BMX bike racers take to the track in Ridgeland. We look back at a story about Quapaw Canoe Company in Clarksdale.
Walt talks about some Jackson area restaurants. Weidmann's in Meridian is nearing its 150th year of business. We take a look in the Rearview Mirror at Peggy's in Philadelphia. Tailgating is a way of life during football season. BTC Grocery in Water Valley keeps it local.
Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, Martin and Sue King Railroad Heritage Museum, Graceland Too, International Checkers Hall of Fame, Po' Monkey's Lounge.
Art Across Mississippi brings the Mississippi Museum of Art’s special exhibitions to twelve host venues around the state; featuring artwork by regionally acclaimed artists - past and present. We visit the Ohr- O’Keefe Museum in Biloxi to view their programs and exhibits. We visit with artist and teacher Rick Anderson of Clinton; he shows us it takes more than just talent to paint.
Felder Rushing’s famous Garden-Truck was uprooted and trashed but Holmes Community College helped him bring it back to life. We browse Norris Bookbinding in Greenville, the largest book restoration and Bible repair service in the nation. We take flight with the the Mississippi Wing of the Commemorative Air Force; an all-volunteer organization dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation.
A foraging forester identifies edible plants in the deep woods. We taste delicious tamales at the Delta Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville. And we take a road trip to Columbus to discover the scrumptious secret of Twisted Burgers.
We fly south to the Gulf Coast to learn what it takes to protect the habitat of the Least Tern. We take to the skies with volunteers of Pilots and Paws as they help deliver shelter pets to their new homes. It’s a Cat’s Tale as we take a look inside Cedar Hill Animal Sanctuary in Caledonia and see how they provide a safe-haven for exotic animals.
We explore the history of the Biloxi Lighthouse. Built in 1848, it stands as a symbol of perseverance, hope and change. We investigate the mysterious happenings at Rowan Oak when we visit William Faulkner’s former home in Oxford. And we tour the African American Military Museum in Hattiesburg with a group of high school students.
We spend time at a unique camp that teaches kids how to create media projects and become future media producers. We visit with budding artist Ava Prisk and her dad, graphic artist Ben Prisk, about her artwork for a new book. And Girl Scouts delve into the science and technology of robots at the annual FIRST Tech Challenge.
Mississippi Roads delves into pop art on this episode by visiting a nationally-known comic book artist from Mississippi, we explore the fantastic world of a sci-fi and comic book convention, we visit a young entrepreneur who brings pop culture to a Jackson midtown neighborhood and we gaze at some amazing illuminations at the Mississippi LIGHT Festival in downtown Jackson.
The Delta is a complex woven tapestry of race and culture, of poverty and wealth, and the interaction of all of these distinctions played out on a flat table of earth that is just as complex as the society living atop it; with hauntingly beautiful bayous and swamps in contrast with stark plowed fields that stretch to the horizon. Walt Grayson explores his native Delta on Mississippi Roads.
The Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum opened on December 9th, 2017. Walt gives a brief tour of both.
Mississippi Roads goes a little wild in this episode. We paddle through the ancient cypress trees of Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area and learn why these trees are so important to our state. We pick a passel of mushrooms at an agritourism farm in Poplarville. The tortoise is on the slow road to recovery when we visit a turtle rehab facility in Jackson.
We look at some individuals who’ve turned their passion to art. Photographer T. J. Legler is shining bright with his light paintings. Master Knife Maker, Paul LeBatard, gets to the point on how he makes his famous knives in Vancleave and we visit Judy Noble and her collection of Faberge eggs.
Mississippi Roads rosin’s up the bow as we explore the tradition of fiddle bands in Mississippi. We tag along with the Southern Strings Dulcimer Club of Petal at their annual festival. We discuss music with the conductor of the Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Jay Dean.
The Mississippi Art Colony is the oldest artist run organization in the country. We visit The Mississippi School of the Arts in Brookhaven and see how future artists get their start. We tag along with Michael Roy as he leaves his mark on the world with a can of spray paint.
We experience history and honor as we visit the John Ford home in Marion County, one of oldest homes in the state. We explore a lost cemetery brought back to life in Port Gibson, and we walk The Trail of Honor in Jackson, featuring living history demonstrations of every American War.
We investigate what’s behind the Little Lending Libraries popping up around the state. We study Big House Books, the organization that sends books to prisons to promote literacy. The annual Mississippi Book Festival draws a crowd to the city of Jackson.
We go back to the Blues in this episode as we visit Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art in Clarksdale. We visit with one of the youngest and most talented musicians in the country, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. We get a unique perspective on the Mississippi Delta with Delta Bohemian Tours.
We’re going retro as we visit some fun things from our past that are making a comeback. We shop First Monday Trade Days, the state’s largest flea market in Ripley. We get a bite to eat at a Food Truck Mash Up, watch a movie at the state’s last drive-in and go fly a kite on the coast.
We go rope climbing and zip lining at Old Mountain Outdoor Adventures in Winona. We pay a visit to a kid’s summer music camp in Poplarville. We also go to Healthworks! Kids Museum in Tupelo, and we see what it takes to be a Rocket builder with some high school students in Amory.
We visit some of the prestigious archives housed in our public universities. De Grummond Children's Literature Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi, The Blues Archives at the University of Mississippi and The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library at Mississippi State University.
It’s a taste of different international cultures brought to Mississippi. Artists from Colombia, South America share their mural painting talents with the city of Clarksdale. We find inner peace at Magnolia Grove Monastery, a Buddhist monastery in Batesville, Mississippi, and we attend Holi Fest at the Hindu Temple Society of Mississippi in Jackson.
We focus on small museums in Mississippi, like the Mississippi Heritage Industrial Museum housed in the historic Soule Steam Works factory in Meridian. We check out the American Contract Bridge League Museum in Horn Lake. We follow the tracks to the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum in Gulfport and we explore a vintage motorcycle museum in Corinth.
We visit the Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX) in Meridian. We attend the GOAT festival and learn about musician Otha Turner from granddaughter, Shardé Thomas of The Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band. We drive down Rockabilly Highway, and rock out at Brookstock in Brookhaven.
We revisit notable wood sculptor Floyd Shaman, we tour a bonsai tree nursery in Olive Branch and we get a lesson in turning wood from a veteran in Wiggins who proves you’re never too old or young to learn a new skill.
We explore the Artifact Shack in the town of Sylvarena. We discover a French Cemetery unearthed by Hurricane Katrina in Biloxi. We dig up relics at a fossil park in the northeast Mississippi community of Frankstown. We reveal the true story of the Old Capitol Museum mummy.
We travel to Tutwiler and discover the rewards of quilting. Weaver Judy Foster shows us the art of the loom and Ruth Miller, embroidery artist and Governor’s Arts Award Winner, reveals how thread is turned into portraits.
We take a visual tour of historic Mississippi churches. We find faith in a downtown Jackson coffee shop. There is more to St. Mary’s Basilica in Natchez than just amazing architecture.
It’s all about horses as Mississippi Roads hitches a ride with Southern Carriage Tours of Natchez. We take a peek into the ancient profession of farriers. We grab a ringside seat at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show.
It’s a different kind of art as Mississippi Roads visits with some artist who have found unique ways of expressing their talents. We visit with a portrait artist who paints on vinyl records. We introduce a tattoo artist who is the great grandson of Walter Anderson. We uncover a new kind of 3D art and shine a light on a stained glass artist.
Mississippi Roads visits one of the oldest restaurants in the state, the Crystal Grill in Greenwood. We sample Tom’s Fried Pies in Richland. We attend the Belhaven Grilled Cheese Festival in Jackson and we make a road trip down Highway 49 to Donna’s #6 Produce stand.
Mississippi Roads visits a wildlife rescue center in Vancleave. We go behind the scenes with the animals and their caretakers at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. We delve into the lack of love for the annoying love bug and we visit a thriving Alpaca Farm in Stringer, Mississippi.
In this episode, Mississippi Roads tours more museums in Mississippi starting with the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi to see how they are progressing after Hurricane Katrina. We visit the Mississippi Music Museum and see how Mississippi musicians have influenced the world. We explore the Wildlife Heritage Museum and the Mississippi Outdoor Hall of Fame.
Mississippi Roads explores the vast collection of art and artists in Mississippi. We paddle along with Robin Whitfield, a nature artist who uses a cypress swamp for inspiration. We discover the art collection at Tougaloo College, visit with artist Rick Anderson and drop by Wolfe studios in Jackson to meet artist Bebe Wolfe.
This episode of Mississippi Roads is all about cars. From antiques to hotrods to restorers and collectors. We go back to the early days of the automobile with the Model T Club. We fire up the engines of custom hot rods at the annual Scraping The Coast car show. We find out who is behind the digital signs on Mississippi’s interstates and take a spin around the car collection of Johnny Morrow.
