Mississippi: Meridian, Family Vacations - Country Music, Carousel Horses, and a Waterfall. 
Sometimes it’s the simple things that make all of the difference like hearing an old tune or finding the perfect hard candy. In Meridian you can do both with your kids and more. Ride a vintage carousel or learn to yodel. Canoe on the Chucky or meet an emu. Hike to Dunn’s Falls and take time to enjoy a moon pie. It’s about doing the fun stuff.
Select your favorite horse or giraffe. Located at Highland Park, the artful Dentzel Carousel was crafted between 1892 and 1899. Sculptural art in motion, the carousel is reported to be one of three two-row antique stationary Dentzel menagerie carousels in existence. Its remarkable beauty has made it a National Historic Landmark. Original paintings have been carefully restored and the animals have been meticulously repaired to make the carousel a functional work of art and history. For 25 cents visitors may enjoy a nostalgic ride.
Bonus points: As if paying homage to Dentzell himself, creatively painted carousel horses have been placed around the city of Meridian. (Dentzel Menagerie Carousel and Carousel House 1720 Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Dr. Meridian, MS. 485-1904, 485 1802 or
www.meridianms.org)
Remember the "Blue Yodeler"? Meridian is the home of Jimmie Rogers considered to be "The Father of Country Music" and his country music legacy is showcased at the none other than the Jimmie Rogers Museum. Jimmie Rodgers was the first country music artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the museum features his original guitar, and other memorabilia of his life, career, original music and steam engine era railroad equipment. The museum building looks like an old railroad depot – the perfect backdrop for the story of Jimmie Rogers a.k.a. “The Singing Brakeman” known for writing and performing more than 100 songs including "T for Texas", "Mississippi Delta Blues", and "Standin' on the Corner”.
Bonus points: Meridian is also home to Peavey Electronics, the world's largest maker of guitars, amplifiers, and keyboards.
Need to know: The Jimmie Rodgers Country Music Festival takes place every May, and the Delta Blues and Heritage Festival is held in Greenville each September. (Jimmie Rogers Museum. 1725 Jimmie Rodgers Drive Meridian, MS (601) 485-1808 or
www.jimmierodgers.com)
Hear the thunder of the falls. 
A Stetson hat is uniquely American signature accessory but did you know that Dunn’s Falls in Enterprise is the first location where J.B. Stetson made his now famous hats? The 65-foot waterfall once powered a gristmill which supplied power to his factory. Hats are no longer made on site but the historic Carroll Richardson Gristmill is open for visitors. The park surrounding the mill is a haven for wildlife and provides visitors with access to a picnic area with barbecue grills, the gristmill pond, hiking trails and swimming areas.
Bonus points: Primitive camping is available and there is a cabin onsite available to rent for about $70.00 per night for a maximum of four. (Dunn’s Falls 6890 Dunn's Falls Rd., Enterprise, MS. (601) 655-8550) or
www.waterparkin.com)
Enjoy the Chunky River from a canoe. Chunky River is designated a Scenic River by the Mississippi Legislature – only one of only three in the state. Rent a canoe or bring your own and simply launch and glide. The central Mississippi area is wooded and hilly so the Chunky flows around the hills as it moves east. Most of the shoreline is undeveloped making the journey naturally rewarding. Sand or gravel bars punctuate some of the wider sections of the river creating places to stop, refresh and enjoy the moment. (Stucky Bridge Canoe Rental. 6122 Stucky Bridge Road, Enterprise (601) 481-4210 or 527-3595.)
Go for the art. The Meridian Museum of Art is located in what was once a Carnegie Library built in 1912-13. The building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a Mississippi Landmark. Today the museum remains the regions' premier public art museum featuring rotating exhibitions which include the finest artists in Mississippi and Alabama. Exhibits are designed to support and promote the artists of the region while also entertaining and educating visitors.
Need to know: Each June the museum hosts “Blues and Barbecue,” a festival featuring live blues, dancing, mouth-watering barbecue, refreshments, and a wealth of children’s activities including face painting, hands-on art, a children’s art show, storytelling, videos, and the Youth BBQ Olympics. (The Meridian Museum of Art. 628 25th Ave. Meridian, MS. (601) 693-1501 or
www.MeridianMuseum.org)
Sample hoop cheese or eat a moon pie. 
A stop at Causeyville General Store is a chance to step back in time. Constructed in 1895 the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The general store includes a gristmill where stone-ground corn meal is produced. It’s the place to sample red-rind hoop cheese; buy a moon pie; drink IBC root beer or try a cream soda. Peanuts are roasted daily in a vintage and fresh popped popcorn is often available. There are plenty of used books to browse and 1950s movie posters to inspect. The store also features a mechanical music room with assorted player pianos including a 1912 Wurlitzer, parlor pump organ and an old Victrola. Bonus points: Some say the place is haunted by a friendly sneezing ghost.
Need to know: For now there’s a junk store next door filled with treasures to be rescued and in the future the space will become a Christmas place. (Causeyville General Store. Causeyville Rd., Hwy 19 South Meridian, MS. (601) 644-3102 or
www.visitmeridian.com)
Meet a big bird. Part of the charm of vacationing in Mississippi is discovering the uncommon. At Bamboo Emu Farm south of Meridian visitors are invited to tour the farm and observe the animals and even walk through the hatchery. The farm has a gift shop with emu products for sale. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m admission is free but its best to call and confirm. Tours are available by appointment. (Bamboo Emu Farm. 3280 Lakeview Golf Course Road. (601) 693-1108.)
Hear the thunder of the falls. A Stetson hat is uniquely American signature accessory but did you know that Dunn’s Falls in Enterprise is the first location where J.B. Stetson made his now famous hats? The 65-foot waterfall once powered a gristmill which supplied power to his factory. Hats are no longer made on site but the historic Carroll Richardson Gristmill is open for visitors. The park surrounding the mill is a haven for wildlife and provides visitors with access to a picnic area with barbecue grills, the gristmill pond, hiking trails and swimming areas. (Dunn’s Falls 6890 Dunn's Falls Rd., Enterprise, MS. (601) 655-8550)
See two Civil War beauties. Merrehope is a stately 20-room Victorian mansion, restored and elegantly furnished to convey the late 1860s in the American South. Part of the home was used as headquarters for Confederate General Polk and fortunately was spared by Union General Sherman. Merrehope is adjacent to the historic the Queen Anne Frank W. Williams house built as a wedding gift for his wife. Need to know: Children younger than three admitted free. (Frank W. William’s Houses. 905 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dr. Meridian, MS (601) 483-8439 or
www.merehope.com)
