It’s never been easier to escape to Mississippi for college game days, dining, museums, and other attractions in the states Golden Triangle region. Right now, affordable nonstop flights from Dallas to Starkville, Columbus, and other cities in Mississippi’s Golden Triangle and Hill Country regions, with flight times of less than two hours – just a short hop for a long weekend of good times.
Search FlightsStarkville, or “Stark Vegas” as the locals affectionately call it, is home to Mississippi State University and, of course, home to Davis Wade Stadium, Humphrey Coliseum, and Dudy Noble Field. Before or after the big game, be sure to explore the city’s lively downtown with great restaurants, local breweries, and shops. Don’t miss the Cotton District and the surrounding downtown area for nightlife, hotels, and other attractions.
If you love golf, you’ll love West Point, home to two of Mississippi’s most celebrated golf courses. Old Waverly Golf Club channels the spirit of the Scottish Highlands within a classic Southern setting, with lakeside holes, storied tournament pedigree, and convenient stay-and-play villas and cottages. Just across the road, Mossy Oak, featuring Gil Hanse’s acclaimed “Nature’s Golf” design, offers a firm, fast, minimalist layout that feels timeless. Together, the courses create one of the South’s premier golf getaways.
Columbus Lake is located in Northeast, Mississippi, next to the city of Columbus. It’s the largest reservoir on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, but not one of the best known of the state’s fishing lakes – which means more bass for you. Three-pound catches are common. Other common gamefish in the lake include catfish, redear sunfish, crappie, and bream.
While in Starkville, plan a visit to L’uva Wine Room to enjoy wines from renowned vineyards and boutique wineries. L’uva, which is located near the Cotton District, also offers a diverse selection of charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and more to complement your wine selections.
As the name suggests, Two Brothers Smoked Meats specializes in serving a variety of meats cooked low and slow over the restaurant’s pecan-fueled outdoor smoker. Barton Dinkins, the restaurant’s managing partner and chef, serves up street tacos, sandwiches, and burgers guaranteed to satisfy the most ravenous carnivore. It’s not hard to find them in Starkville’s Cotton District. Just look for the building with the two-story bright blue and purple mural.
Despite his name, the great American playwright, Thomas “Tennessee” Williams, was born in Columbus, Mississippi and first lived in a colorful Victorian-style home that now serves as the Columbus Welcome Center. (Fun Fact: The house, circa 1875, is not in its original location. It was moved to Main Street in 1993 and restored there.) The home is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday and staffed with helpful people who can help you make the most of your visit to the area.
The Guest Room was heralded as one of the 19 best hidden bars in the country in a 2018 Men’s Journal article. Although it’s located on Starkville’s Main Street under the popular Restaurant Tyler, you’ll have to walk down an unnamed alley and through a nondescript door to enter. But once you’ve found it, you’ll be glad you did. The Guest Room has a cozy, old-world style, with crafted cocktails and a full dinner menu from the restaurant above.
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