Tupelo
The city was established as a railroad town and named for the tupelo gum trees early settlers used as timber to construct houses. Celebrated native son Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, was born in Tupelo on Jan. 8, 1935. The Natchez Trace Parkway passes through the city on its way to Nashville.
Visitor Centers
Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau 399 E. Main St. Tupelo, MS 38802. Phone:(662)841-6521 or (800)533-0611
Self-guiding Tours
The Elvis Presley Driving Tour includes local sites that figured prominently in the entertainer's early years, including the hardware store where he bought his first guitar and a drive-in restaurant the young Presley frequented with friends. Maps and brochures are available from the visitors bureau.
Shopping
The Mall at Barnes Crossing, US 78 and US 45, has Belk, JCPenney and nearly 100 specialty stores.