Grenada, MS Guide: What to Do, Where to Eat, & Where to Stay
Are you planning on visiting Grenada, Mississippi? This guide will tell you what you need to know when planning your trip!
Grenada is well known for its crappie fishing on Lake Grenada which brings many visitors to the area but did you know that the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve is great for kayaking?
The downtown area is also going through a major revitalization with nice restaurants and boutiques popping up.
If you love the outdoors, then you’ll love Grenada. Great camping options and the Dogwoods Golf Course are other popular things here.
When I visited Grenada, I was lucky enough to do many of these activities, eat at some of the fantastic restaurants, and see a few of the popular places to stay in town.
So I’ve put this guide together to try and help you plan your own trip to Grenada!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going! I was hosted by Visit Grenada, MS for my time in town. All opinions are my own.
History of Grenada, Mississippi
Grenada, MS is a town with an interesting history. It was purchased from the Choctaw Nation in 1830 and two separate towns, Pittsburgh and Tullahoma, were founded.
However, in 1836 these two towns were merged to form Grenada. When two major railroads were built through the town in the late 1800s, local businesses boomed and the economy flourished.
This period of economic growth resulted in a flurry of development throughout the city from the late 1800s to the early 1900s when many of the town’s historic buildings were constructed.
In 1870, Grenada was named the county seat of the newly-formed Grenada County.
In the early 1900s, Grenada County was largely agricultural but in the mid to late 20th century, it shifted to industrial work. These days, manufacturing work is still a large part of the economy in Grenada.
Things to Do in Grenada
There are plenty of fun things to do in Grenada, Mississippi – especially if you love the outdoors! Here are a few ideas to get you started planning. See the link above for a full list.
Go fishing on Grenada Lake
Grenada Lake is THE place to go crappie fishing in the US. I went with Grenada Lake Charters and had the best experience. Even though it was a little late in the day to be out fishing, my guide Ben put us on the fish and we were able to catch quite a few.
You can book lodging and fishing combo packages with them or just fishing packages. If you’re visiting the area and unfamiliar with the lake, then this is the fastest and easiest way to get fish in the boat.
The lake is especially popular among trophy anglers, as people are known to regularly catch three pound crappie and even up to four pounds.
The best time to visit for crappie fishing is in the spring or fall. Summer is very hot and in the winter they drain the lake so water levels are down significantly.
Take a Kayak Out in the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve
Kayaking through the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve is one of the most peaceful and serene experiences you can have.
The Preserve is home to a gorgeous swamp that provides a beautiful backdrop for your kayaking trip. There are also a couple of hiking trails that run through hardwood forests on property.
You can rent kayaks from the Friends of Chakchiuma organization for an affordable price and they even offer tours if you would feel more comfortable with a guide. You just need to call them in advance to set up a time.
Best of all, this wonderful preserve is only five minutes away from downtown, so you can enjoy its beauty without spending too much time traveling.
This preserve is named after Agent Lee Tartt of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics who died in the line of duty in 2016. He was a Grenada native.
Play Golf at Dogwoods Golf Course
Dogwoods Golf Course is nestled away in Hugh White State Park and is perfect for the golfers in your family. The course winds its way through the forest, providing a challenging and picturesque golfing experience.
During your round, you can expect to find views of the lake peeking through the trees on a few holes – especially during wintertime.
While there are some complaints about funding for maintenance, this is an extremely affordable course and many people feel it’s a hidden gem in the golfing world.
Hike the Lost Bluff Trail
The Lost Bluff Trail near Grenada Lake is a great choice for hikers who want to get their exercise in. The trail has a few short but steep sections that will get your heart racing, as well as some steep staircases.
There are a couple of overlooks along the trail as well as a Confederate Redoubt which is an earth-type fort.
Restaurants in Grenada, MS
There are many great restaurants in Grenada and it’s hard to choose favorites but here are a few of the top places to eat in town.
Read the full article (linked above) for all my recommendations.
Spencer’s Dairy Kream
Spencer’s Dairy Kream is the perfect spot for families (or kids at heart) because of the fun, retro atmosphere and large playground out back.
It has been around since the 1950s and is still going strong – its popularity only increased over the years! Not only do they serve delicious burgers, but their shakes are some of the best around.
Whether you’re looking for a classic ice cream sundae or something more creative like their coolers or winter breezes, they have whatever you’re craving.
Ju-Ju’s Market
Ju-Ju’s Market is a popular spot where the locals gather for lunch. Located just outside of downtown Grenada, it’s attached to a produce stand, and they serve up fresh salads and sandwiches. They also have daily specials that are typically Southern comfort foods.
Don’t miss the desserts! They are to die for and you won’t regret those calories. At least, I don’t.
If you’re looking for a relaxed and casual lunch spot then this is the place for you.
Molly’s Place
Molly’s Place is a wonderful spot to meet up with friends for dinner or have a date night. They’ll have live music in their courtyard from time to time and they have a great selection of wine, beers, and cocktails.
There’s always something going on there, and the atmosphere is great. Let’s not forget about the amazing food either. I ordered the pork chop and it was absolutely massive!
The prices are very reasonable for the food that you get.
Orleans Bistro
Another downtown restaurant, Orleans serves many New Orleans-inspired dishes as well as steak, seafood, and chicken & pasta. Their gumbo comes highly recommended as the best around!
The staff here is incredibly nice and service was very quick for me. This would be perfect for couples or families!
Where to Stay in Grenada
There are a few good hotel choices in Grenada and a couple of very nice vacation rentals to choose from. Grenada also has many great camping options!
Hampton Inn & Suites
I stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites for my trip to Grenada and you won’t find a better hotel in town. The location is convenient to both Grenada Lake and downtown, making it easy to explore the area.
The rooms are always clean and my suite was massive – I highly recommend going for the suite if you’re staying more than a couple of days. The staff was also incredibly friendly and accommodating.
Hampton Inn is always my go-to hotel because they are consistent, provide exactly what you need, and at a great price point.
This is definitely one of the best hotels in Grenada, MS!
👉🏻 Check availability here. 👈🏻
Lofts on the Square
Lofts on the Square is a boutique hotel/bed & breakfast located right in the center of downtown Grenada.
The quaint building has 5 distinct rooms, all designed to capture the cozy feeling of home while also providing modern amenities and comfort.
To top it off, Lofts on the Square offers a continental breakfast each morning to get you ready for a day of exploring.
With its convenient location, comfortable accommodations, and delicious breakfast, and kind owner, Lofts on the Square is a great option for your stay in Grenada.
👉🏻 Check reviews on TripAdvisor here. 👈🏻
Postmaster’s Quarters
The Postmaster’s Quarters in Grenada would be perfect for a girl’s getaway or to split between a few couples as it sleeps 7 guests.
Also located in downtown Grenada, the building itself is an old post office attached to a bridal boutique and has been wonderfully preserved and decorated. Originally built in 1914, you’ll find many original features – especially upstairs.
The rental itself offers plenty of spacious shared spaces, including the living room, kitchen, and another common space upstairs, while also providing cozy private bedrooms and bathrooms.
The historical aspects of this rental really give it some unique flair and character!
👉🏻 Check availability here. 👈🏻
Wrap Up: Grenada, Mississippi Guide
As you can see, Grenada, Mississippi is a perfect destination for those looking to get away and enjoy the outdoors but still be near great restaurants and other things to do.
It’s the ideal place for outdoorsy people who love exploring nature and fishing the lakes and rivers. Don’t miss the great restaurants in town either!
I really enjoyed my trip to Grenada, MS and can’t wait to go back!
