Corinth, Mississippi: 5 Great Reasons to Take a Short Detour off of Highway 72

Corinth, Mississippi is SO MUCH MORE than a convenient pit stop between North Alabama and Memphis. Yes, Highway 72 has numerous fast food chains and gas stations, but this fun Southern town has a great deal more to offer if you’ll give it a few hours (or a day or two) of your time. For that matter, you could even make it your actual destination and have a wonderful time.

CIVIL WAR HISTORY

Corinth and its immediate surroundings are steeped in significance related to the Civil War. I strongly recommend a tour of the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center at 501 W. Linden Street. There you’ll find a modern, 15,000 ft. facility with exhibits, a video about the Battle of Corinth and a very impressive water feature.

The Verandah Curless House, 705 Jackson Street, is Corinth’s only historic house museum and was the headquarters for several generals during the war. The plan for the Confederate attack on Union troops at Shiloh was set into motion at this house.

Corinth Contraband Camp at 902 N. Parkway was the site where newly-freed ex-slaves were given refuge. The American Missionary Association assisted in this effort. Sculptures on the property evoke an emotional response.

Shiloh National Military Park is a short drive away at 1055 Pittsburg Landing Road, in Shiloh, Tennessee. It is a must-see if you have a serious interest in the Civil War. Seeing the terrain and conditions firsthand add to your understanding of who and why the circumstances happened as they did.

SLUGBURGERS and Lots of Great Food

Borroum’s Drug Store on the courthouse square at 604 E. Waldron Street, has the distinction of being the oldest drug store in the State of Mississippi still under continuous operation. But, in addition to a chance to see artifacts and relics from Native Americans and the Civil War, you can have a soda or a milkshake at their vintage soda fountain or try their signature Slugburger.

Nickels used to be called “slugs,” and these burgers were originally sold for a nickel. They were made from ground pork and beef that had been stretched with flour (during the Depression) and then deep fried. The accepted way to serve them is with a slice of onion, some pickles and mustard. The price is $1.75 now. Actually everything on the menu is very reasonably priced. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped WAY back in time.

Other restaurants and eateries that I heartily recommend in Corinth include smith. (yes, it begins with a lowercase s), Abe’s Grill (go at breakfast time and try their chocolate gravy), Pizza Grocery (housed in a wholesale grocery warehouse built in 1920), Joe’s Diner (another popular breakfast spot), tamales at Dilworth’s (strictly a drive-through) and Vicari (an upscale restaurant downtown). There are plenty of chains in Corinth, but, as always, I urge you to try the locally-owned places.

FUN SHOPS

Corinth has a surprising number of unique shops for clothing, gifts, home decor, accessories and more. Some to keep in mind are Carli & Co, Lipchic Boutique, Baxter & Me, Rowan House, Hoochies Gifts and Accessories, Taylor Wick & Co and T. Feazell. I want to return soon and spend more time in each of these.

Two I explored and found a couple of things that “had my name written all over them” were Shirley Dawg’s and Sanctuary. Shirley Dawg’s has clothing for men and women, mostly casual and mostly sports-oriented but also high quality. Sanctuary is a beautiful shop of antiques, collectibles and art. They also have signature-scented candles, one of which is sitting on my desk as I type. The business is housed in a former Episcopal church building constructed around 1904. You’ll enjoy looking for evidences that this was once indeed a sanctuary for worship.

VINTAGE MOTORCYCLES

Possibly the most unexpected place I found in Corinth was the motorcycle museum inside Lake Hill Motors right on Highway 72. It is sometimes called the bike museum and displays many of the ones Dwayne McLemore has been collecting for more than 30 years. You’ll be amazed at the variety.

Visit from 8:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday or from 8:00-3:00 on Saturday.

CORINTH COCA-COLA MUSEUM

Corinth didn’t invent Coca-Cola, of course, but its bottling company in the town has been in existence for more than 100 years. The museum showcases more than 1000 pieces of authentic Coca-Cola memorabilia. Admission is free. The hours are 8:00 to 4:45 Monday through Friday, but you’ll probably want to email museum@corinthcoke.com to schedule a group tour. I suspect you’ll be treated to a refreshing Coke float while you’re there.

I hope these photos and suggestions have convinced you to plan a day or two to explore Corinth, Mississippi. It’s a fascinating town, loaded with attractions, food and history.