Booneville

Spend a little time in Booneville. Take a morning walk around town. Stop and talk to the folks who say "good morning" on the sidewalk. It won't be long before you notice something - Booneville is not really a small town. It's one big neighborhood.

No matter where you need to be in the area, you can be there in 15 minutes. And along the way, you'll see plenty of familiar faces like the friends and neighbors, who point out hidden fishing holes and check on things while you're away.

It's this genuine friendliness that prompted Mississippi to name Booneville its first "City of Hospitality."

The entire community shares in the good times during the Hospitality Fall Festival each October. And everybody shows up to dote on the local youngsters marching in the Annual Fourth of July Parade before heading out to the Prentiss County Agri-Center for the fireworks extravaganza.

Northeast Mississippi Community College brings much more than book smarts to the area. The school stirs up local creative juices with its Art Exhibit, Northeast Mississippi Writers Forum and Creative Writing Conference. Musically inclined students strap on their best ten-gallon hats and perform Campus Country Shows for local residents.
    
Of course, the school also holds classes - on subjects ranging from ancient history to computer science. And tuition is waived for students 65 and older.

Crow's Neck Environmental Education Center combines the pursuit of knowledge with the outdoors. Bird-watching and other nature excursions give residents and visitors, alike, a greater appreciation for Booneville's wonderful natural surroundings.

You don't need to take a class to enjoy the nearby Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway or 8,000-acre Bay Springs Lake. Both are excellent for a little swimming, boating or just a lazy day on the water.

And with its sweet fishing holes and great campsites, the Piney Grove Campground is perfect for anglers who don't stop baiting hooks just because the sun goes down.

The Natchez Trace is also an excellent way to enjoy nature. Lace up your hiking shoes and take a stroll along its pristine trails. But don't forget to pack some chicken and a little potato salad - the Trace is home to some of the finest picnic spots in the world.

The preservation of local history is also very important in booneville. You'll feel right at home in our Historic Downtown area, which boasts many different retail service businesses. The Historic Depot has been newly renovated and is worth a visit. In addition, the renovated GM&O Caboose and the Cunningham House are also part of the total package. Legend tells that the Cunningham House is where General Nathan Bedford Forrest planned the Battle of Brice's Crossroads during the Civil War.)

Several other aspects of Booneville's history are constantly being researched and new displays will be added to the new Booneville/Prentiss County museum, which will be housed in the depot.

Read about what people like yourself have to say about Booneville:

Joseph and Kitty Stansifer decided to leave Georgia and make their home in Booneville a few months ago.

Mississippi Living: How did you make the big "where to retire" decision?

The Stansifers: Kitty grew up in Mississippi and never stopped talking about the state after she left - so I'd heard my fair share of great things about this place. We also spent many vacations down here visiting with her family. Mississippi already felt like home, so it really wasn't a tough decision at all.

Mississippi Living: What do you like most about living in Mississippi?

The Stansifers: Well, with Kitty's family here, we really already had a home in Mississippi. But we've also made plenty of new friends, and we feel like we belong to the community.

Mississippi Living: How do you take part in the Booneville community?

The Stansifers: We experienced such a gracious welcome when we moved to Booneville, that we always try to return the favor and give something back to the community. We're very active in the church, the Chamber of Commerce and the Pilot Club.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Booneville Area Chamber of Commerce
100 West Church Street
P.O. Box 927
Booneville, MS 38829

Phone: 662-728-4130
1-800-300-9302
Fax: 662-728-4134
Website: www.boonevillemississippi.org
Email: chamber@boonevillemississippi.org

.