New Albany: River Trails, Literature and Local History

New Albany in Mississippi combines river landscapes, literary history and unusual discoveries into a diverse destination. Those looking for a holiday apartment can tailor their stay to their own interests: walks by the water, paved trails for bike rides, museums, sculptures and the history of the blues are available as different ways to experience the area.

River Walks and Long Trails

Park Along the River offers almost three miles of walking paths through beautiful groups of trees and across the Tallahatchie River. A pavilion with picnic tables and restrooms complements the park; there is also a stage for concerts and other events. This spot can be included in your plans for a peaceful break in nature as well as for a picnic or an event.

The Tallahatchie Trail runs along the Little Tallahatchie through New Albany’s recreational corridor. The trail allows families to enjoy walks by the river. Those who prefer longer distances will find another dimension in the Tanglefoot Trail: the paved trail is 43.6 miles long and is intended for cyclists, walkers and nature lovers. It follows the route of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad, which was built by Col. William C. Falkner. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether short riverside walks or extended days on the trail should be the focus of your trip.

Faulkner, Museums and Traces of the Past

New Albany is the birthplace of writer William Faulkner. The William Faulkner Literary Garden is a public garden featuring plants and quotations from the Nobel laureate. It is part of Frenchman’s Bend, an outdoor exhibition area of the museum complex. The Union County Heritage Museum houses an extensive collection of exhibitions dedicated to the history of local communities. The permanent exhibitions also include a horned dinosaur tooth excavated from a stream near New Albany.

There are also opportunities for a cultural discovery outside the museum. The Sculpture Trail & Scavenger Hunt covers two blocks around the museum and offers almost 20 sculptures to discover. The William Faulkner Library at the Union County Heritage Museum is a public reference library. A historic venue in the center is the Magnolia Civic Center & Theater, which is used for performances, receptions and community gatherings.

Music, Downtown and Special Excursions

New Albany also has a notable connection to music history. The entry on Mosley and Johnson on the Mississippi Blues Trail documents a creative partnership that began in 1967 and lasted 31 years. Sam Mosley and Bob Johnson worked in New Albany as musicians, producers and songwriters. Another entry commemorates Roma Wilson and Leon Pinson, gospel musicians whose music appealed to blues and folk audiences.

On the streets of downtown, you will find boutiques, antique shops, jewelry stores and specialty shops. A mural depicts the local wildlife. Those interested in the history of earlier settlements can put the Ingomar Mound Site on their list of excursions. It is located approximately six miles south of New Albany and is considered the oldest known human-built site in Union County.

Events and Choosing Your Accommodation

The annual Tallahatchie Riverfest in New Albany expands the range of activities with open-air concerts, arts and crafts, food vendors and family-friendly entertainment. For families and groups wanting to combine different interests, the festival period can be a trip idea in its own right; those who prefer to combine nature and culture will also find various opportunities outside the festival.

A holiday apartment in New Albany is particularly well suited to your plans if you want to organize your days flexibly between river trails, literature, local history and music. When searching, first decide which experiences should shape your trip: a walk along the Tallahatchie, a longer tour on the Tanglefoot Trail, museum visits, or events and shopping downtown.

For the higher-level travel overview: Union County.