By Gwyn Goodrow
Grab some ice-cold lemonade and pull up a seat because I’ve got a Southern secret to spill: Tupelo, Mississippi, is the getaway destination that surprises and keeps you wanting more. I realize it might not be on your travel radar, so let’s set the record straight. Picture a weekend fueled by Southern charm and indulgence, tailor-made for girlfriends to relax and connect like never before.
This quintessential Southern city’s welcoming hospitality, vibrance, and warmth create a fantastic weekend getaway and an epic get-together destination. From Elvis Presley’s birthplace to the Relics Antiques Mall to the Natchez Trace Parkway, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. But if you’re looking for a shopaholic’s paradise, the Marketplace at Sweet Tea & Biscuits is the place. It’s only an hour’s drive from Starkville or Oxford or a comfortable road trip from Huntsville, Nashville, or Memphis.
My recent visit to Tupelo was filled with fun exploration, superb dining, and relaxation. But I must say the Marketplace at Sweet Tea & Biscuits Marketplace was undoubtedly a highlight of my trip.
The large industrial warehouse building conceals the expanse of treasures within. This marketplace has dozens of vendor booths, and the offerings include:
- Custom handcrafted jewelry and artistic items.
- Well-loved antiques.
- Chic and modern farmhouse selections.
- Eclectic showpieces.
The clothing stalls are well-stocked with unique vintage and modern fashions and accessories, perfect for even the most selective shoppers.
The Chatelaine booth near the entry carries an intriguing selection of antiques and rare finds. While the inventory is ever-changing, the shop’s vibe is upscale and eclectic. If you’re in the market for a 4′ birdcage, exquisite European style décor pieces, or some freshly harvested lavender, this is the place.
What is a chatelaine? In the Victorian era, a chatelaine was a woman’s accessory made of precious metals like silver or gold. Chatelaines were distinctive and symbolized the woman’s role as the household manager. It featured a chain or belt attached to a waistband with dangling ornaments at various lengths. Each attachment served a practical purpose. Essential items like scissors, thimbles, keys, notebooks, silver vinaigrette perfume carriers, or watches dangled from the woman’s belt.
Today, a chatelaine is an antique collectible treasured for its craftsmanship, versatility, and timeless nostalgic charm. During my visit with Michael Young at Chatelaine in the Sweet Tea and Biscuits Marketplace, it’s clear that his boutique shop is aptly named.
The specialty home accessory booths are well-stocked with trend-forward items. Other booths featured handcrafted pottery and personalized home decor items.
Shopping bags in hand, I discovered a culinary masterpiece – the Sweet Tea & Biscuits Cafe, tucked away at the rear of the building. I scanned the chalkboard menu of daily delights as my taste buds eagerly anticipated my choice. I chose a made-from-scratch quiche boasting tender roasted chicken, fresh asparagus, and a generous layer of Swiss cheese that could satisfy even the most discerning food critic. But wait, there’s more. The side dish was a strawberry, apple slices, watermelon, and grapes medley. The real showstopper? A biscuit so buttery and fluffy, it was a star on its own. Tupelo, you sure know how to treat a foodie right. As a native Mississippian, I can vouch for their famous sweet tea- a tasty delight!
After shopping, make a beeline to the nearby Queen’s Reward Meadery. It was my first mead-tasting experience. I dove into the selection of mead variations, from dry to super-sweet, and each sip was a revelation. And then, there was the peach-flavored slushie – a refreshing, not-too-sweet delight that’s the ultimate refresher on a hot Mississippi day. Part smoothie, part cocktail, this slushie is the perfect indulgence while relaxing at the end of the day. The Queen’s Reward Meadery offers a stunning charcuterie board. However, bringing a take-out dinner from local restaurants is perfectly acceptable.
Savor the unexpected allure of Tupelo, Mississippi, a Southern escape that weaves charm and indulgence into an unforgettable adventure. Discover the captivating Marketplace at Sweet Tea & Biscuits. Roam boutique vendor booths, savor sumptuous Southern cuisine at the Café, and toast your experience at Queen’s Reward Meadery. Explore Tupelo, Mississippi, where an easy getaway transforms into precious memories.
If You Go:
Sweet Tea and Biscuits Café and The Marketplace at Sweet Tea and Biscuits
Website: http://sweetteaandb.com/
Address: 2025 McCullough Blvd Tupelo, MS 662-322-7322 or 662-269-3909
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetTeaBiscuitsCafe
Chatelaine
Located inside the Sweet Tea and Biscuits Café and Marketplace
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chatelaine74/
Queen’s Reward Meadery
Website: https://queensreward.com/
Address: 1719 McCullough Blvd, Tupelo, MS, United States, Mississippi
1 comment
Great piece, Gwyn. Beautiful photos. MaryGo
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