For a state that’s produced several of our country’s more noteable writers, it’s a little surprising it doesn’t make more lists. It can be dull, too many pine trees and too much red clay, but there are pockets of incredible beauty and history. If nothing else, it’s worth driving out int he middle of nowhere at night and listening to the bullfrogs and crickets and looking at the stars.

The best part about Mississippi is the interesting cast of characters that live there, both past and present.