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In August of this year, I’m visiting Mississippi, USA, for three weeks.
Why? Good question. Short answer: my wife is American. Her parents and brother share a large house in Olive Branch, MS.
I can’t wait to go - it’s less than a month away now, and I’m getting excited!
I’ve visited the States on many occasions, including Boston, DC, Virginia, Atlanta and various parts of Tennessee. Olive Branch is right on the border of Mississippi, and is actually less than five miles from Memphis. I’ve been there, too.
But I know nothing at all about Mississippi itself, beyond the stuff of legend. You know, the river, steam boats, Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer and mean old Injun Joe. Is that all there is?
This is why I need your help.
Specifically, I need to know the right places to go. Sure, I can read the recommendations of guide books and random stuff on the Internets but it’s not quite the same as the personal touch. Additionally, my wife’s folks are new in town, too, so it’s a learning curve for us all.
So, if you’ve visited Mississippi, or particularly if you live there, and especially if you know the Olive Branch/Memphis area well, you can help me out a lot.
What I’d like to know is:
- Where are good places to eat? - And I don’t mean fancy restaurants. I don’t go to the States to eat well - I go to eat junk! When in Rome, and all that. I like to eat very healthily 80 per cent of the time, using that other 20 per cent to pig out - a three-week holiday is less than 6 per cent of the year, so it’s chow time. I’ll still be running - it’s all good! For the sake of example, previous eating establishments I’ve enjoyed before are Waffle House, Wendy’s, Krystal, IHOP, Taco Bell, Sonic, Chi-Chi’s, and so on. I’ve never been to a Dairy Queen or many of the other major chains. Care to recommend some? Also, feel free to suggest actual restaurants - I just don’t really care to eat at really expensive places, having to feed, and pay for, a family of five.
- Recommend a bar - Where’s a good place to enjoy a brew? I’m thinking less Road House, and more somewhere I can take the wife.
- Where are good places to shop? - Where are the best malls? Are there any good running or triathlon shops in the area, or any major sporting good stores?
- Casinos - I didn’t even realise Mississippi had casinos. If I had to visit just one, which one would it be?
- What are the ‘must sees’? - I mean, obviously I’m going to do the steam boat/raft thing up the river. But where are good places to visit with the family? Are there any zoos or aquariums in the area (I think there’s one in Memphis)?
- What about the great outdoors? - Are there any great hiking areas? Where are places to go for breathtaking scenic views? Are there any ‘extreme adventure’ hotspots? What about kayaking? Are there any lakes that you can swim in? Can you swim in the River!?
- Where are the good running trails? - It would be great if there were some measured trails within Olive Branch, but somehow I don’t see myself being that lucky. Where’s a good place to run in the immediate MS/Memphis area?
- Is there a good/cheap gym in Olive Branch? - I’d be looking for a temporary membership, of course.
- Professional sports teams - Am I right in thinking there are no professional sport teams in Mississippi? Memphis has the Grizzlies, but it’s off-season. Where’s the nearest place to catch pro sport, given the time of year? Baseball in Atlanta? What about college basketball?
Assume, quite rightly, that I know nothing. In fact, assume I know less than that. All advice and recommendations are greatly appreciated. And please look at this from the perspective of someone who is less interested in museums and art and more interested in eating trash, sports, physical fitness, bars and wondrous scenic views.
Thanks!
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