It’s hard to believe we’re midway through the year – but as you find yourself in Starkville this weekend make sure to check out these five things to do while enjoying your stay and experience in Mississippi’s College Town.
#1 EXPLORE UNITY PARK
Located on Douglas L. Conner Drive, Starkville Unity Park was inspired by citizens who wanted to honor those who have improved race relations in Oktibbeha County and the state of Mississippi. The park was created so all people could come together to celebrate peace, harmony, and unity in the community. In addition to plaques honoring Douglas L. Conner, Martin Luther King Jr., Governor William Winter, Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer, a historic timeline of civil rights events, including the March 15, 1963 Game of Change, can be found at Unity Park.
#2 SHOP THE STARKVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET
With all the fresh produce, honey, coffee, and other food and handmade products, the Starkville Community Market is sure to have something you’d love to have. Please be mindful of our COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and come out to support our local vendors from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.
#3 CAMPUS TREE TRAIL
The MSU Campus Tree Trail showcases the university’s vast landscaping efforts. MSU is home to more than 10,000 tree species and varieties, with 80 to 100 new trees planted each year. Many have informative tree tags. These trees include the special Moon Sycamore, found in the Junction, grown from a seed taken to the moon during the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. MSU has been honored for its commitment to environmental stewardship with the Arbor Day Foundations Tree Campus USA designation. The trail currently consists of twenty tree species and includes specimens of special interest to Mississippians such as the Moon Sycamore and the Melting Gingkos. A map of the trail can be found at http://map.msstate.edu in the “Tours” tab.
#4 VISIT THE SOLACE OF SANCTUARY
Finished in 1966 and in the midst of the campus, the Mississippi State Chapel of Memories is a beautiful combination of gothic design with a modern twist. Small colored glass windows provide colorfully diffused light, inviting relaxation, reflection and recollection. All are invited to enter and enjoy the perfection of this simple, quiet space. Please contact MSU for hours of operation.
#5 TUNE IN TO STARKVILLE AREA ARTS COUNCIL’S STAY AT HOME FEST
During these unprecedented times, learn a new art skill, join a live Q&A, or listen to live music over your electronics in the luxury of your living room with Stay at Home Fest MS. A Q&A with the filmmakers of The In-Between and a Q&A with the director of The Evening Hour, Braden King, will both be live this weekend for anyone wanting to view them. Please visit @StayAtHomeFestMS on Facebook for more information on these events.
