Story and photos by Gwyn Goodrow (unless otherwise indicated)
Tupelo is one of Mississippi’s top 10 most populated cities. With a pleasant mix of art, culture, natural beauty, and history, it is no surprise that Tupelo is such a popular tourist destination. We’re going for a short walk today, exploring downtown Tupelo, Mississippi. We’ll use the tour guide flyers available online at tupelo.net or as printed pages from the Tupelo Visitors Center at 399 East Main Street.
Mississippi State Flag Mural at 131 Main Street
The iconic Reed’s Department Store has served customers with trendsetting fashion styles since 1905 and houses storefronts for ladies’, men’s, and children’s clothing within one building that covers most of a city block. For “Off the Wall” mural seekers, this building is well-decorated, with several murals illuminating the perimeter walls. The first mural is a painting of the Mississippi state flag featuring a magnolia flower to symbolize hospitality, surrounded by 20 stars indicating Mississippi was the 20th state to enter the union, and a gold five-point star to reflect Mississippi’s indigenous Native American tribes.
1950s Elvis Mural – 131 Main Street
On the same corner at Main Street look for the larger-than-life mural, “1950s Elvis,” and swoon over young Elvis’s vivid eyes and porcelain complexion. Step inside Reed’s for ladies’ fashions or head to the next corner and turn south towards Reed’s men’s wear department. Inside men’s wear, photos of yesteryear cover the walls. At the entry to the children’s department on the second level, you’ll see a panoramic shot of the Tupelo Garment Center with Gladys Presley in the first row, seated on the ground, while pregnant with her twins.
Gum Tree Bookstore at 111 South Spring Street
Booklovers will enjoy the selection of literary contributions available in this spacious bookstore. There is a section for Elvis-themed books, including The Gospel Side of Elvis by Joe Moscheo or Elvis and the Memphis Mafia written by Alana Nash. To learn more about Elvis’ early years in Tupelo, look for Elvis and Gladys, authored by Elaine Dundy and extensively researched in collaboration with Roy Turner, executive director of the Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation. Other bookstore sections include a play area for children, a gift wrap station, and reading areas.
Unity & Love mural – 108 South Spring Street
These textured Unity & Love murals burst with vivid colors and happiness. A mature tree releases colorful hearts into the breeze in a fun outdoor celebration of life and love. These bright murals are in the alleyway between MLM Clothiers and the Jason Warren Realty Group on South Spring Street.
Caron Art Gallery at 126 West Main Street
Visit the Caron Art Gallery for a broad selection of artistic works by Mississippi artists. The display space is like a bright and upscale museum, but better, with adequate space for each art piece to woo the viewers. The gallery includes paintings in oil, acrylic, and watercolor mediums. The pottery and folk-art selections are likewise impressive, with thoughtful attention to detail in every piece.
Chickasaw Heritage Mural at 216 West Main Street
One of the larger murals in Tupelo is the Chickasaw Heritage mural, also recognized as the 1870s mural. This painting depicts the early years of settlement, with Chickasaw leaders Chief Piominko and Chief Tishominko. The mural honors that the City of Tupelo was established in 1870 with an artistic nod to the railway crossroads and lovely magnolia blossoms.
Lee County Courthouse at 331 N Broadway Street
The copper-domed courthouse with its four clock faces is easy to spot from downtown. As you approach the 1905 building, continue on North Spring Street (east side of the courthouse) to see the historical marker commemorating where Elvis Presley first sang on radio programs.
Revisit the front of the courthouse to pause and consider the angel statue. This was originally part of a public water fountain erected by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union to commemorate statewide prohibition, which took effect on January 1, 1908. Prohibition continued until a 1966 law allowed counties to determine their own alcohol policies, and in 2023, more than 20 counties remain dry, according to the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Crave at 209 Court Street
Hungry yet? Ready for a delightfully decadent dessert destination? Crave is a dessert café and gourmet coffee spot. The daily offers include chocolate chip cast iron skillet cookies (allow about 30 minutes for baking) or a variety of ready-to-serve cakes and cheesecake slices. The red velvet cheesecake is flavorful, from the crumble crust to the mounds of icing. It’s a paradise for satisfying sweet tooth cravings. Although I didn’t sample the gourmet coffees, I thoroughly enjoyed my cold soda in an 8 oz glass bottle, reminiscent of an ice cream parlor. While some guests gravitate towards the Instagram selfie stations, others will appreciate the culinary experience.
Lyric Theater at 201 North Broadway Street
The harmonized sounds of the community theater chorus drifted into the streets as I continued the walking tour. The talent and skill speak volumes about the power of this community. When people interact within a common goal, it’s a beautiful and moving experience. Watch the marquee at the Lyric Theater for live musical production dates. This theater was constructed in 1912 as “The Comus.” The Art Deco style dates to a later renovation. In the aftermath of the devastating 1936 tornado, this building was a gathering place for injured and displaced citizens. As such, it was soon a makeshift hospital and morgue as the community mourned their losses. On a lighter note, rumors prevail that young Elvis Presley stole his first kiss in the balcony at the Lyric Theater.
Shopping on Main Street
Downtown Tupelo is a shopper’s delight. A favorite stop for boutique clothing is L. A. Green at 130 West Main Street, along the walking tour route. Continue along Main Street to shop at the RAW Furniture store. This destination shopping venue, known for handmade furniture, has a vast selection of other handmade items and gifts.
Tupelo Hardware Company at 114 West Main Street
Tupelo Hardware Store in Mississippi embodies the community spirit. This locally owned store has provided quality materials for the DIYer and professionals alike since 1926, with the “helpful hardware store” staff offering friendly advice and assistance. I didn’t need any hardware supplies today but had to stop at Tupelo Hardware Company to see where Elvis’ first guitar was purchased as a birthday gift when he turned eleven years old. It’s right there in the photo, where the X taped to the floor marks the spot.
In less than twelve city blocks, we’ve toured the downtown shopping district in Tupelo, Mississippi. Our trek included history, street art, food, shopping, and fun surprises.
Relics Antique Marketplace at 248 South Green Street
The Tupelo Garment Company building is now the Relics Antique Marketplace, an epicenter for antique and vintage treasures. I arrived shortly before closing time but could have spent most of the day browsing the 100+ vendor booths. My favorite finds were the old Lyric Theater Seats, some early 1900s china pieces, and the booth dedicated to Elvis’s memorabilia. Treasure hunters must see the second-floor booths too. After a quick refreshment at the snack and soda area, head upstairs, and marvel at the collection of 45 rpm vinyl records lining each step. (Approximately .25 miles south of Main Street)
National Park Service – Tupelo National Battlefield Memorial Park
This one-acre memorial space preserves a portion of the battlefield where the Battle of Tupelo occurred in July 1864. The site contains two interpretive markers regarding the battle strategy and the role of the United States Colored Troops in this significant battle. The fight at this location was strategic to the Union army to ensure the continuation of the Union railroads in Tennessee and preserve supply routes.
The Tupelo National Battlefield is a grass-covered park with a flagpole, memorial monument, two cannons, and a few marked gravesites. The area surrounding the park has been developed with houses and businesses. Although the preserved area is small, it is an excellent place to pause and reflect. (Approximately 2 miles from the downtown shopping area). To learn more about civil war history or local military history, visit the Natchez Trace Parkway headquarters office at mile marker 266.
