Mississippi is a state in the southern United States of America. It is located between Louisiana to the west, Arkansas to the north, Tennessee to the northeast, Alabama to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Mississippi is the 32nd state to be admitted to the Union in 1817 and has an area of about 125,000 square kilometers. In this chapter, we will take an in-depth look at the geography, history, and culture of Mississippi. Geography Mississippi is a state crisscrossed by rivers and waterways, characterized primarily by agriculture and forestry. The Mississippi River flows along the western border of the state, while the Tennessee River flows through the northeast. The Pearl River flows through the southern part of the state and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Mississippi also has numerous lakes, including Grenada Lake, Ross Barnett Reservoir, and Sardis Lake. The state has a subtropical climate zone with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer is 32 degrees Celsius, while the average temperature in winter is 7 degrees Celsius. History Mississippi has a rich history dating back to the Native Americans. The first inhabitants of the area were Native American tribes such as the Chickasaw, the Choctaw, and the Natchez. However, over time, French, Spanish and British also came to the region and fought for control of the area. Mississippi was an important source of cotton and other agricultural products during slavery, which led to the state becoming a major economic center. During the Civil War, Mississippi played an important role as a member of the Confederacy, which led to it being shaped later in the decades that followed by Union rebuilding and the civil rights movement. Culture The culture of Mississippi is diverse, ranging from music to art and cuisine. The state is known for its contributions to music, especially blues and jazz. Famed musician Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and Delta blues originated in the Mississippi Delta region. The blues and other genres of music are celebrated throughout the state, especially at the annual Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival in Greenville. Mississippi also has a rich culinary tradition, including traditional Southern cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include fried chicken, barbecue, gumbo, cornbread, and sweet potato pie. Many of these dishes are served at festivals across the state. Finally, Mississippi is also known for its antebellum homes and historic sites. Many of these pre-Civil War properties have been preserved and are now used as museums. These include, for example, the Beauvoir estate, which served as the retirement home of the former President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, and is now a museum. Also worth seeing are the antebellum houses in Natchez, which have been restored to their original form and give a glimpse into the life of the Southern aristocracy before the Civil War.

Practical travel guide to USA: The South featuring points-of-interest structured lists of all sights and off-the-beaten-track treasures, with detailed colour-coded maps, practical details about what to see and to do in USA: The South, how to get there and around, pre-departure information, as well as top time-saving tips, like a visual list of things not to miss in USA: The South, expert author picks and itineraries to help you plan your trip. The Rough Guide to USA: THE SOUTH covers: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas Inside this travel guide you'll find: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER Experiences selected for every kind of trip to USA: The South, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in the Ozarks to family activities in child-friendly places, like Nashville or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Memphis. PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS Essential pre-departure information including USA: The South entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more. TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES Carefully planned routes covering the best of USA: The South give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip. DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options. INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for soaking up the local history, scenic drives and sampling the music scene. HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS Rough Guides' rundown of Little Rock, Memphis, Birmingham, Nashville and Jackson's best sights and top experiences help to make the most of each trip to USA: The South, even in a short time. HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS: Written by Rough Guides' expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, to help to find the best places in USA: The South, matching different needs. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter features fascinating insights into USA: The South, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary. FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Mercer-Williams House and the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway COLOUR-CODED MAPPING Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Charleston, Atlanta and many more locations in USA: The South, reduce need to go online. USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.

The Rough Guide to the USA is the ultimate guide to all fifty star-spangled states. Whether you're planning a mammoth cross-country road-trip, an action-packed whizz around the Rockies, or just a lazy time lounging on the West Coast's best beaches, this fully updated guide will assist you every step of the way. Packed with colour maps, itineraries and route suggestions, The Rough Guide to the USA will help you discover the best the United States has to offer, from New York's galleries and Miami's nightlife, to the lobster shacks of Maine and the vineyards of California. With expert reviews of hotels, restaurants, clubs and bars, plus all the information you'll need on city sights and national parks, you'll make the most of your American adventure with The Rough Guide to the USA.

Illinois, a state that is delightful and welcoming year-round. From spring to winter, this diverse land offers a wealth of experiences and adventures for travelers, and this book takes you on an exciting journey through the seasons. Illinois may be known for its imposing Chicago skyline, but it's also a state with a rich variety of landscapes, activities, and cultures to explore. This nonfiction book takes you on a journey of discovery through Illinois, from the spring blooms in Chicago to the winter wonders in Starved Rock State Park. In the spring, Illinois comes to life, and we'll explore the gardens, parks, and cultural highlights that make this time of year so special. Summer on Lake Michigan promises recreational fun and beach life, while the music festivals and culinary experiences capture the spirit of the state. Fall brings an explosion of color to the woods of Shawnee National Forest, inviting you to wine tasting and exploring the historic sites. In winter, Illinois wraps itself in a magic that ranges from festive Christmas markets to the snowy landscapes of Starved Rock State Park. These seasons are just the beginning of our trip through Illinois. We will explore the rich history, fascinating outdoor activities, culinary delights, and cultural highlights that await you throughout the year. This book is an invitation to experience Illinois in all its diversity and beauty. No matter what time of year you visit, Illinois will enchant you with its charms and surprises. Let's head out together and travel and experience in Illinois all year round.

Welcome to an exciting journey to the state of Tennessee, a place where music is in the air, history comes alive, and natural beauty is unparalleled. Tennessee is a state with a rich cultural tradition and stunning landscapes that attracts visitors from all over the world. In this book, we would like to take you on a fascinating journey through Tennessee to discover the many facets of this state. Tennessee is famous for its musical heritage, from the cradle of the blues in Memphis to the country music capital of Nashville. In Nashville, you can visit the legendary Grand Ole Opry, feel the blues at the bars of Beale Street, and enjoy the diverse culinary scene. Home to Elvis Presley and the Graceland estate, Memphis offers a unique blend of music, history, and culture. The Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee are a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. But Tennessee is also a place with a rich history, from the battlefields of the Civil War to historic sites like Andrew Jackson's Hermitage and the Belle Meade Plantation. Tennessee's diversity also extends to its culinary delights, including Tennessee BBQ and soul food. Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg is a symbol of the Southern whiskey tradition. In this book, we will highlight the sights and activities that make Tennessee a unique destination, as well as explore the state's future in terms of business and educational opportunities. Join us on this journey through Tennessee, a state that proudly preserves its history and culture while keeping a glimpse of the future. We invite you to discover the diverse treasures and experiences Tennessee has to offer.