Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Grenada, MS

  • Published 2023/04/03

The title “The City That Smiles” refers to Grenada, a city in Grenada County, Mississippi.

Grenada is awash with natural resources, providing a wealth of lovely locations for leisurely outdoor pursuits.

For locals and tourists who enjoy engaging in outdoor activities, it is unquestionably a must-visit tourist destination with a variety of lodging options.

Grenada also has the most outstanding cuisine, whether you’re in the mood for delectable soul food, delicious steak, fantastic seafood, tasty snacks, or exceptional coffee.

Don’t skip the famous Grenada Lake, Downtown Square, Lee Tartt Nature Preserve, and Chakchiuma Swamp.

Here are the best things to do in Grenada, MS:

Engage in Water Activities at Grenada Lake

The waters of Grenada Lake

Bill Golladay, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Grenada Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Mississippi.

With just a visit to Grenada Lake, you’ll get everything you’re looking for in a lakefront vacation.

Featuring 36,000 acres, including 15 boat ramps, Grenada Lake is an excellent place to spend at least a day on the water.

Grab your tube and skis to Grenada Lake for a fun and unforgettable adventure with friends and family.

Clay stone shore of Grenada Lake

jlbennett / Shutterstock.com

There are also some hiking routes around the lake that reach 300 feet, presenting breathtaking views of the Yalobusha River and lake.

Granada Lake is in the state’s north-central region has a diverse terrain and warm temperatures year-round.

Grenada Lake is close to numerous cities for short getaways and unplanned weekends.

Come to Grenada Lake and enjoy the various water activities and breathtaking views!

Wooden bridge leading to Grenada Lake

Fredlyfish4 / Shutterstock.com

Stop by the Grenada Lake Visitor’s Center

Your tour to Grenada Lake should begin at the Grenada Lake Visitor Center.

You’ll find a theater and displays that explain the lake and its natural resources when you enter the facility.

It’s a great site to learn about the fascinating past and many cultures that have shaped and affected this part of Mississippi.

The visitor center also offers details on the recreational opportunities available at Grenada Lake, among other points of interest.

They will also tell you about an overlook offering a comprehensive view of the 36,000-acre Grenada Lake.

Stop by Grenada Lake Visitor Center and arrange your itinerary at Grenada’s tourist destinations for an enjoyable and unforgettable trip.

Have a Dinner Party at Carmella’s Ristorante

Carmella’s Ristorante provides a family-friendly dining experience.

Ashley and Carpenter Richardson create homestyle cuisine with Italian influences in Grenada, Mississippi.

You can find a magnificent setting for any event at Carmella’s Atrium, a multipurpose dining area.

Enjoy dinner while taking in the atmosphere created by the fountains.

The spacious area can hold events of different kinds, from small dinner parties to sizable groups.

With two dining rooms that can host events of all sorts, from small dinner parties to elaborate weddings, they also provide on- and off-site event catering.

You may get great Italian food at Carmella’s Ristorante in Grenada, Mississippi.

Indulge in their delectable pasta, pizza, calzones, Italian desserts, and more.

Explore the Streets of Downtown Square

Buildings along Downtown Square

Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you looking for a place to explore, discover and experience Grenada?

The Grenada Downtown Innovation District redefines Downtown Square as a hub for entrepreneurship, technology, and the arts.

In recent years, new establishments have popped up in the downtown area, including a variety of stores, eateries, and bed and breakfasts.

You can find all of these within close walking distance of the Square.

View of the confederate monument at Downtown Square

Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Restaurants at Downtown Square serve delicious food and drinks in a cozy, family-friendly setting specializing in sweet desserts and beverages.

The renowned Spain’s Supermarket, famous for its livestock nationwide, is located a block from the Square.

Walk around Downtown Square to find a variety of activities and restaurants to explore, or stroll around the streets to take in the delights of this popular tourist destination.

Hang Out with Friends at Molly’s Place

In the center of Grenada, Mississippi, Molly’s Place serves delicious meals, handcrafted beer, exquisite wines, and vintage cocktails.

The owner Deborah Bailey says her mother, Molly, inspired her to start a local gathering place in the city.

Molly herself flew in World War II with the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots.

Customers at Molly’s Place would be transported back to a more laid-back era when people took the leisure to hang out and go to eateries.

Go outside to the Courtyard for outdoor sitting and occasionally live music, or grab a table inside and enjoy some of their incredible handcrafted food.

Enjoy a beverage, beer, or glass of wine at the bar at Molly’s Place!

Admire the Stunning View at Lofts on the Square

In the middle of the 1880s, Lofts on the Square opened.

The rooms have distinctive names that reflect Grenada’s historical significance.

Each upstairs room has a king-sized bed, a television, a cozy desk, comfy chairs, WiFi, and a private bath with a spacious shower.

Every morning, guests have a continental breakfast created from beloved family recipes, including a delectable array of quiches and breakfast casseroles.

To enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast, feel free to socialize in the early morning hours and breathe fresh air.

Visitors can also enjoy a peaceful, tranquil retreat with a view of Grenada’s garden clubs.

Additionally, they have a gathering place with cozy chairs for interactions, visits, and making new friends.

Lofts on the Square is near businesses, eateries, entertainment venues, government institutions, and libraries.

Stay at the Baymont by Wyndham Grenada

Are you seeking a fantastic hotel during your trip to Grenada?

Dining establishments and central Grenada’s historic area are conveniently located nearby.

The Baymont Inn & Suites rooms are spacious and furnished with pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen televisions, microwaves, and mini-fridges.

With their complimentary breakfast and free WiFi, you can start your day right.

Guests can also work out in the fitness facility or de-stress in their outdoor pool.

There is no better location to experience southern hospitality than the popular Baymont Grenada hotel.

Experience the Beauty of Lee Tartt Nature Preserve and Chakchiuma Swamp

Boardwalk observation platform at Lee Tartt Nature Preserve

Fredlyfish4 / Shutterstock.com

Have you heard of Lee Tartt Nature Preserve, a well-known tourist attraction in Grenada?

Kayaking, canoeing, bird viewing, hiking paths, and a rare variety of flora and animals are available at the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve on the outskirts of Grenada.

Lee Tartt Nature Preserve is a public green area and urban forest in the heart of Grenada that helps visitors reconnect with the natural world.

Chakchiuma swamp at Lee Tartt Nature Preserve

Fredlyfish4 / Shutterstock.com

Lee Tartt was a Grenada hero whose efforts improved numerous people’s lives.

He died in the line of duty in 2016 while working for the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

Inside the preserve, you’ll find the Chakchiuma Swamp, a series of bottomland hardwood forests, oxbow lakes, and open meadows next to the Yalobusha River.

It’s also a recreational boat port and is the area’s most prominent feature.

Visit and take in the marvels of Lee Tartt Nature Preserve and Chakchiuma Swamp.

Nature trail at Lee Tartt Nature Preserve

Fredlyfish4 / Shutterstock.com

Dine at Applebee’s Grill + Bar

Your neighborhood bar and grill is Applebee’s, which has served delicious cuisine and warm smiles to the Grenada community since 1980.

Applebee’s provides dining selections you’ll enjoy, whether you’re seeking inexpensive lunch specials to share with coworkers or in the mood for a tasty dinner with family.

Satisfy your thirst with their large assortment of drinks, beers, cocktails, and drink specials.

You will always feel welcome at Applebee’s Grill + Bar, where you can enjoy delectable food in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service and a great deal.

Everyone is guaranteed to find something they love on their extensive menu of tasty comfort cuisine.

Enjoy a Game of Golf at Dogwoods Golf Course

Hugh White State Park’s Dogwoods Golf Course makes the most of the scenic surroundings of Grenada Lake.

The Dogwoods, a course for outdoor enthusiasts, was sculpted out of the forest using just a minimal amount of clearance.

Deep trees surround rolling hills and fairways that lead to significant, welcoming greens.

Each hole has a unique appearance and plays due to the variety of tee boxes, which presents a challenge for long hitters while providing a chance for shorter hitters.

You need sharp abilities and precise hitting to conquer the course due to its steep topography.

Every golfer’s favorite course is undoubtedly the Dogwoods Golf Course.

Order Coffee at Square Market

Experience the finest of what North Mississippi offers at Grenada’s Square Market, where they offer their customers locally made delights.

Square Market is the place to enjoy espresso beverages, homemade ice cream, handcrafted lunch, and local artisan goods.

Deborah Bailey, the creator, has built a stunning place that is more than just a coffee shop.

It is a gathering place for Grenada where people can unwind, savor delicious cuisine and appreciate all that is made in Grenada.

Stay for lunch and enjoy tasty sandwiches, salads, expertly brewed coffee, delectable tea or chai latte, or a gorgeous flavored frappe.

Visit Square Market and browse from a selection of foods and beverages, whether you’re there by yourself or with friends and family.

Relax at the Hugh White State Park

The road of Hugh White State Park

Fredlyfish4 / Shutterstock.com

Hugh White State Park, conveniently situated between Memphis, Tennessee, and Jackson, Mississippi, has the best outdoor leisure facilities in the region.

This well-known state park located in Grenada has a breathtaking natural environment.

The best way to experience Granada Lake and its charms are getting close to the water.

Mountain trail at Hugh White State Park

Fredlyfish4 / Shutterstock.com

Grenada Lake has a healthy population of bass, bream, and catfish, but it is best known as a crappie angler’s heaven.

Consider one of the 12 duplex cabins in Hugh White State Park if you’re seeking a cabin for the whole family.

Cabins include a fireplace, a living room space, and a screened-in porch.

Explore Hugh White State Park and appreciate the view of Granada Lake to make the most of your vacation trip in Grenada.

Grab a Sandwich at McAlister’s Deli

In Grenada, McAlister’s Deli serves freshly made salads, giant potatoes, signature sweet tea, and expertly designed sandwiches.

Food is the cornerstone of this Deli.

They firmly believe that they wouldn’t stay in business without their 13-layer McAlister’s Club or their potatoes loaded with your favorite toppings.

McAlister’s Deli is dedicated to offering food made with the best and freshest ingredients from their local produce suppliers.

Its mission is to provide simple, palate-pleasing meals made by hand and delightful sweet tea to every customer.

You won’t find the distinctive McAlister’s touch anyplace else.

Spend the Night at Hampton Inn & Suites

While visiting Grenada, Hampton Inn & Suites is among the most fantastic places to stay the night.

Dogwoods Golf Course and Grenada Country Club are a few kilometers from the Hampton Inn & Suites.

Feel at home with their 82 bedrooms, including refrigerators, microwaves, separate bathrooms, hair dryers, and amenities.

Additionally, they have 32-inch LCD TVs with cable programming available for enjoyment and free wired Internet access to keep you connected.

Enjoy the recreational features, including a fitness center and a seasonally open outdoor pool.

You can also enjoy the business center, easy check-out, free parking, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk.

After a full day of entertaining activities in Grenada, enjoy a relaxing stay at Hampton Inn & Suites.

Snack with Friends at the Sunflower Cafe

Are you seeking a tranquil setting where you can unwind and snack with friends?

Visit Sunflower Cafe in Grenada, offering the Club Sandwich and Philly Fries.

These meals are two of the standout menu items.

The Philly Fries are a serving of fries topped with onions, mushrooms, peppers, mayo, cheese, and your choice of beef or chicken.

You may also include bacon, cheese dip, sour cream, and jalapenos if you choose.

Sliced ham and turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and mayonnaise are all included in the club sandwich, served with your choice of side.

On your journey to a new location, trying something new is always a good idea.

Visit Sunflower Café for a snack to satisfy your cravings.

Read a Book at Elizabeth Jones Library

Traveling bookworms can take refuge in the comfortable reading nooks of Elizabeth Jones Library on Fairfield Avenue.

The library holds a great selection of books, which you may need for your reading sessions while in the city.

Resources include books in different genres for kids, teens, and adults, as well as audiobooks, e-books, and many helpful books according to your needs.

Elizabeth Jones Library also hosts Summer Reading Programs for children, Senior Bingo Days, and seasonally puts up a Book Sale.

If you wish to check out a book, you can ask to sign up for a library card with several requirements for county and non-county residents.

Buy Precious Gifts and Souvenirs at Unique Gifts & Crafts LLC

For skincare aficionados and unique gift lovers, the best place to grab one for yourself and your loved ones is Unique Gifts & Crafts LLC.

This charming gift shop creates handmade skincare products, including body butter, sugar scrubs, goat milk soap, mask, body wash, and many more.

There are also handcrafted knitted accessories, as well as hand-poured candles, linen sprays, and wax melts, among others.

All these will make perfect gifts for your friends and family back home.

You can also ask to customize your items for a gift.

Unique Gifts & Crafts LLC is located off Sunset Drive.

Hike the Lost Bluff Hiking Trail

Nature scene at Lost Bluff Hiking Trail

Fredlyfish4 / Shutterstock.com

Featuring a beautiful rugged terrain in a 2.3-mile loop trail, the Lost Bluff Hiking Trail offers easy to challenging hikes for all skill levels.

The hike will take you to an overlook with stunning views of the dam, as well as the Outlet and Original channel of the Yalobusha River.

There are also Civil War sites along the way, which are all worth checking out.

Most of the rest stops also offer terrific views of the river.

The Lost Bluff Hiking Trail is well-marked, sometimes steep, but the wildlife and native plants are a sight to behold!

Steps at Lost Bluff Hiking Trail

Fredlyfish4 / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy Camping at Frog Hollow Camp Ground and RV Park

Camping in Grenada also comes in handy, thanks to Frog Hollow Camp Ground and RV Park.

The campground offers both tent camping and big rig camping with full hook-up sites, a concrete patio, and picnic tables, where you can share a meal with your loved ones.

You can either book nightly, weekly, or monthly camping.

WiFi, laundry, and playing fields are also offered at the campground.

You’ll live with beautiful trees, grassy areas, and a relaxing atmosphere with your friends and loved ones!

Frog Hollow Camp Ground and RV Park is located off Highway 7.

Buy Fresh Produce at Grenada Farmers’ Market

Not only that you get to buy fresh produce and beautifully handcrafted items at Grenada Farmers’ Market—you’re also supporting local farmers and small businesses.

Check out fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, eggs, and homemade products such as jams, cakes, tea, bread, sauces & salsas, and a lot more.

Look out for handcrafted accessories like crochet accessories, beanies, and jewelry, among others.

So, if you’re here between May and September, don’t miss out Grenada Farmers’ Market on Saturdays at Green Street!

Final Thoughts

Grenada has all you need for an unforgettable vacation.

You won’t run out of places to go and things to do.

Enjoy the city’s attractions like Grenada Lake, which is loaded with opportunities for water sports, and restaurants serving delectable food.

Don’t miss a fantastic day at this tourist destination surrounded by nature with your friends and family.

Book your Grenada, MS trip today!

Best Hotels in Grenada

10 hotels in Grenada, United States of America.Great savings on hotels in Grenada, United States of America online. Good availability and great rates. Read hotel reviews and choose the best hotel deal for your stay.c9b35bf29a75cac2f430f80a5d4bc7fd961d21a7 31Booking.com942456

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