Things To Do
in Starkville
Starkville is a vibrant college town in eastern Mississippi anchored by Mississippi State University. The city blends university energy with a compact, walkable downtown filled with eateries, shops, and live music. It's surrounded by farmland and lakes, offering outdoor recreation and Southern hospitality within easy reach of the Golden Triangle.
Visitors will find a welcoming community, seasonal events, and a growing scene of local eateries and breweries.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a visit to the Starkville Community Market, where you can enjoy fresh produce and artisanal goods. Afterward, take a stroll through the beautiful Mississippi State University campus and appreciate its historic architecture. Don't forget to capture some photos at the iconic Lee Hall.
Head to The Cotton District for lunch, where local eateries serve everything from southern comfort food to gourmet burgers. Spend some time browsing the unique shops filled with handmade crafts and local art. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the Mississippi Entomological Museum, which offers a fascinating look at the world of insects.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at one of Starkville’s popular restaurants featuring farm-to-table cuisine. Afterward, indulge in a sweet treat from one of the local ice cream shops. If you're in the mood for entertainment, check out a live music show or an event at the historic Starkville Theater.
Begin your day with a relaxing walk or bike ride at the beautiful Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. This serene environment is perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of Mississippi. Don't forget to pack a light breakfast to enjoy amid nature.
Visit the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum to dive into the region's rich history, filled with intriguing exhibits. After your museum exploration, head to a nearby cafe for lunch, soaking in the local vibes. Then, explore the vibrant arts scene at the Starkville Arts Council with rotating exhibits and community events.
For dinner, choose a cozy bistro that highlights local ingredients in its dishes. Afterward, stroll around downtown Starkville to get a feel for the friendly atmosphere and perhaps enjoy some live music at a nearby venue. End your day with a nightcap at a local bar with a casual ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Mid-range restaurant meal | $12-22 |
| 🏠One-bedroom apartment (city center) | $900-1200/mo |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $2.50-4.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- University-driven energy and events
- Walkable downtown and campus core
- Strong local barbecue and seafood scene
- Accessible parks and outdoor spaces
- Hot, humid summers and occasional storms
- Smaller city with fewer big-city amenities
- Limited public transit outside campus shuttles
- Dependence on MSU schedules for nightlife and events
Places to Visit in Starkville
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic campus landscape with historic buildings, expansive greens, and seasonal events that create classic photo backdrops.
Colorful brick streets, vintage houses, and murals provide vibrant architectural photography opportunities.
Bustling street scenes with storefronts, night lights, and local charm ideal for candid and street photography.
Water reflections and sunset silhouettes offer serene composition, especially around campus ponds and nearby lakes.
Food in Starkville
Starkville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy fried catfish served on a crusty roll with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade.
Must-Try!
Golden-fried catfish with hush puppies and tangy slaw.
Smoked pork with savory sauce and classic sides like baked beans and slaw.
A quintessential Southern dessert commonly found in bakeries and diners.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market featuring local produce, baked goods, and crafts, typically open on Saturdays.
Seasonal pop-ups offering regional flavors around downtown during market days and events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite handshakes plus warm, friendly conversation reflect Southern hospitality; address adults with Mr./Ms. and last name unless invited to use first names.
Queue patiently, wait to be seated in some venues, and say please/thank you; tipping is customary for good service.
Safety
Tipping in Starkville
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping 15-20% of the total bill before tax is standard; tips for bar staff, taxi/rideshare drivers, and hotel staff are customary.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms; stay hydrated, seek shade, and enjoy outdoor events in the cooler mornings or evenings.
Milder temperatures and vibrant fall color; perfect for campus walks, outdoor dining, and harvest events.
Typically mild with occasional cold snaps; occasional rain; layering is advised.
Wetter and warmer, with blooming flora and frequent outdoor festivals; great for hiking and photography.
Starkville at Night
Hiking in Starkville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple easy trails with birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Scenic loop trails around the lake with shaded paths and picnic areas.
Airports
How to reach Starkville by plane.
Located near Columbus, MS, about 25-35 miles from Starkville; offers regional flights and car rental access.
A major hub in Memphis, about 90-120 miles from Starkville; accessible by car or air travel connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large, active student population plus university staff and faculty.
Seasoned residents who live in Oktibbeha County and surrounding areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Mississippi State Bulldogs football is a major community event, with games at Davis Wade Stadium drawing fans weekly in season.
MSU teams and local leagues provide seasonal games and community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Starkville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most spots offer vegetarian options; look for veggie burgers, salads, and sides like veggies, mac and cheese, or battered tofu—ask staff to tailor dishes if needed.