Fielder’s Choice - Barry Burleson


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Fielder’s Choice
By Barry Burleson

Showing off Holly Springs

Tourism continues to be big business for Holly Springs.

This week some guests from the state level will get a chance to see up close and personal what our city has to offer. The 2012 Mississippi Tourism Association Legislative FAM Tour was scheduled to arrive in Holly Springs, “the Antebellum Capitol of Mississippi,” Tuesday morning.

Lakisha Buffington, with the Holly Springs Tourism and Recreation Bureau, is serving as hostess. And there’s a lot on the agenda for two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) of showcasing the city.

The scheduled stops make you realize why Holly Springs is getting the attention. Sometimes we take things for granted – since they’re right here in our own hometown.

The stops include Annie’s Restaurant, the Institute for Community Services (ICS), the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum & Cultural Center of African American History, Phillips Grocery, Graceland Too, Strawberry Plains Audubon Center and Davis Home, Rust College, a guided driving tour of 25 historical homes, the Behind the Big House Tour, Hill Crest Cemetery, JB’s on the Square, the Marshall County Historical Museum, the Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery and Burton Place.

At Annie’s, there’s a hearty meal and sweet serenade by the owner herself.

ICS, headquartered in Holly Springs, provides Head Start services in 13 counties.

Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum honors the life and legacy of an internationally-known crusader for justice. Leona Harris is curator.

Phillips Grocery is recognized by USA Today as one of the top three burger joints in the United States.

Graceland Too is a one-of-a-kind, wall-to-wall tribute to Elvis. It was voted the Best Offbeat Destination in Mississippi.

The stunning grounds of Strawberry Plains was the site of a reception for the guests Tuesday night. The historic Davis Home was built in 1839.

Rust College, a historically black, senior liberal arts college near downtown Holly Springs, was founded in 1866.

The Behind the Big House Tour gives tourists a better understanding of the contributions of slaves who lived and worked on the beautiful antebellum mansion properties in the city.

Historic Hill Crest Cemetery is the resting place of Hiram Revels, Civil War generals, unknown soldiers from the Battle of Shiloh and many others.

JB’s on the Square features a rustic setting and a warm meal, as well as Johnny’s famous homemade ice cream.

The Marshall County Historical Museum, noted as a “jewel in our crown,” is the keeper of the county’s treasures. Hostess is Lois Swaney-Shipp, curator and a true Southern belle.

Kate Freeman Clark, who left Holly Springs for New York in the early 1890s, bequeathed as a part of her estate, hundreds of paintings and sketches to the people of her hometown.

Burton Place, built in 1848, has undergone total restoration. Sam Houston was a frequent visitor.

And there could be more stops, but the group did not have time to see them all.

We will have photos and more on the FAM Tour in a later edition of The South Reporter.

Thanks to all for rolling out the welcome mat.

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