It’s December 10th, and not only does that mean Christmas is a mere two weeks away, it also means it’s Mississippi’s 199th birthday. In honor of such an important event, we decided to reflect on the amazing state we call home. So, without further ado, here are 17 reasons Mississippi is the best state in the country.

  1. Known as the “Hospitality State,” Mississippi is home to some of the friendliest people around.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

  1. There’s plenty of room to stretch your legs.

Patrick Emerson/Flickr

  1. The sunrises are incredible.

James Joel Harris

  1. And the sunsets aren’t half bad either.

Brant Kelly/Flickr

  1. Beautiful scenery is just a part of everyday life.

Parminder Vig

  1. The food can’t be beat.

Fuzzy Gerdes/Flickr

  1. Neither can the tea.

jadepalmer/Flickr

  1. Charming small towns where “everybody knows everybody” actually exist here.

Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi

  1. And that means plenty of small town fun.

Jeff Baldock/Creative Visions

  1. There are tons of amazing places to explore.

Beau Thomas Wall/Instagram

  1. A tropical paradise is never too far away.

Southern NatureShots/Facebook

  1. Neither is a secluded retreat.

French Camp Bed & Breakfast Inn/Facebook Part of the French Camp Historic District, this bed and breakfast is constructed from two log cabins that were originally built between 1840 and 1870!

  1. Life moves at a slower pace, which means there’s more time to enjoy it.

Carl R. Jr./Flickr

  1. Amazing farmer’s markets are the norm.

Natalie Maynor/Flickr

  1. Re-visiting the past is a possibility here.

Robert Barnette/Flickr

  1. Swings aren’t just for kids.

Ryan McFarland/Flickr

  1. Great food can be found just about anywhere, from roadside vendors to gas stations.

wiremommy/Flickr

This list could easily go on and on! What do you think makes Mississippi the best state in the nation?

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Patrick Emerson/Flickr

James Joel Harris

Brant Kelly/Flickr

Parminder Vig

Fuzzy Gerdes/Flickr

jadepalmer/Flickr

Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Jeff Baldock/Creative Visions

Beau Thomas Wall/Instagram

Southern NatureShots/Facebook

French Camp Bed & Breakfast Inn/Facebook

Part of the French Camp Historic District, this bed and breakfast is constructed from two log cabins that were originally built between 1840 and 1870!

Carl R. Jr./Flickr

Natalie Maynor/Flickr

Robert Barnette/Flickr

Ryan McFarland/Flickr

wiremommy/Flickr

If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “Every True Mississippian Has Had These 11 Bizarre Experiences At Least Once.”

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