2021 Visit Meridian Visitors Guide

20 21 VISITMERIDIAN.COM Let’s Do Lunch For a light lunch (sandwiches, soups, salads — and desserts, of course), think Cater’s Market (which also has a gourmet food section) or The Daily Grind. Thai choices include Aie’s Taste of Thai (where you can specify the degree of spiciness; be careful) and Ta Krai Thai Cuisine. Meridian also presents lots of good local options for Asian and Mexican food (and margaritas!). The Dish on Dinner Thinking about a nice dinner, maybe on the fancy side? Weidmann’s Restaurant (traditional, with wonderful seafood) and Harvest Grill (more contemporary, with lots of seasonal ingredients) are great choices, especially if you’re taking in a show at the nearby MSU Riley Center or the Temple Theatre for the Performing Arts. And Amore serves excellent Italian cuisine in an elegantly restored Victorian house. We Like the Nightlife OK, it’s the end of the day. Time to unwind and let loose. The Balcony Bar at Weidmann’s or the second-floor bar at Amore will do nicely. Both feature live music on the weekends. At News Restaurant, a longtime favorite for home-style cooking, the Sports Page bar also has live music. Cafe 35 serves soul food with occasional live music and other nighttime events. MAKE IT A WEEKEND See why everybody’s talking about The MAX, an exciting new way to connect with Mississippi’s creative legends. Across the street, shop Crooked Letter for Mississippi- made products. Lunch downtown at The Island for Jamaican delights before visiting the stunning Merrehope, an antebellum showplace. End the day at Sake Sushi, where showman chefs entertain as they cook at your table. Gallop into day two with a downtown walking tour of 15 painted carousel horses in the Around Town Carousels Abound public art project (which has 60-plus horses total). Enjoy a decadent meal and live music at Weidmann’s Sunday Jazz Brunch. Then head out in search of the amazing finds waiting at the Meridian area’s 10 antique, vendor, and flea markets. What’s New in Shopping? Lots! Exciting new shops are continually joining old favorites to help historic downtown Meridian challenge the booming retail hub of north Meridian for shopping supremacy. In both areas, locally owned boutiques offer uniquely selected merchandise: clothes (for women, men, and children), shoes, art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and more. You’ll also want to wander the two big shopping centers: Uptown Mall and Meridian Crossroads, both in southeast Meridian. Downtown, you’ll find ample options to spruce up your and your children’s wardrobes at Bella G, Blue Girl, The Liberty Shop, Loeb’s, and Over the Moon. In north Meridian, The Atrium Mini Mall amounts to a collection of several dozen pocket boutiques. Some feature antiques, some clothing, some art, some gifts and housewares, some furniture — all nicely displayed. For more antiquing opportunities, see VisitMeridian.com. For estate sales, which take place just about every weekend, check EstateSales.net. Fun Ways to Work Out Avoid guilt on your getaway and give yourself a refreshing dose of Mother Nature at the same time: Hit the trails at Bonita Lakes Park. A full loop totals just about five miles, and exercise stations are scattered throughout. Or take a bicycle ride on the paved path around the lower lake. The MAX offers a variety of classes from hula to hip hop and several other options. Several fitness chain affiliates welcome members and offer day passes to visiting guests, among them Snap Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Fitness Depot, and Club4Fitness. Call for details and the possibility of joining spin, Zumba, and other popular classes. Elegance Ballroom Dance and Fitness Studio in downtown Meridian presents a variety of dance classes covering everything from ballroom to hip- hop. Try swing dancing, the tango, the cha-cha, even belly dancing, plus barre exercises, yoga, Pilates, and tai chi. Beginner or expert, you’ll fit right in. Again, call to check schedules and the availability of private sessions. And if you really want a workout, you could always plan your visit around the annual Queen City Triathlon in July. Browse boutiques and specialty shops in our charming downtown area. It’s evolving rapidly as trendy new retailers join classic favorites. Head to north Meridian for a quick lunch at Cater’s Market before visiting The Atrium. The vendor mall’s 40-plus booths feature everything from jewelry to clothes to art. Take a break at a coffee shop, then explore the area’s many cute boutiques, salons, jewelry stores, and consignment shops. End your day at Amore with delicious food downstairs, drinks at the full bar upstairs, and live entertainment on select nights. 1 - DAY STAY