Discover haunted Vicksburg, MS—where ghostly history meets great food, fun, and Southern charm. Explore dining, tours, and top things to do for a haunting good time.
Something about Vicksburg, Mississippi, lingers with you, like a whispered tale echoing down a quiet corridor. Perhaps it’s the ghost stories that float through antebellum mansions or the spirits said to roam the halls of its Civil War-era homes. But just as memorable as the haunts are the hearty flavors. Vicksburg isn’t just steeped in history—it’s seasoned with soul, Southern hospitality, and some seriously good food.
I came to Vicksburg for the stories but stayed for the shrimp and grits.
Vicksburg and the Mighty Mississippi. Photo courtesy Visit Vicksburg
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Savoring the Flavors of the South
My culinary journey began at Restaurant Anchuca, nestled inside the historic Anchuca Mansion. The antebellum home, dating back to the 1830s, is now one of Mississippi’s finest bed and breakfast inns. I stayed in the Coach House—comfortable and private—but next time I’ll opt for a room inside the main house to soak up even more of the old-world ambiance.
Anchuca Historic Mansion and Inn. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Dinner at Restaurant Anchuca felt like dining inside a genteel Southern novel. I requested a seat in the cozy library dining room, where the flicker of candlelight played against shelves of worn books. The shrimp and grits arrived piping hot, bursting with flavor, and kissed with just enough spice to keep things interesting. It was the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, sip your wine, and savor the stories.
Dining in the library at Anchuca was a highlight of my visit to Vicksburg. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
A Tomato Stand Turned Roadside Icon
For something delightfully different, head south to The Tomato Place. What started as a humble roadside fruit stand has blossomed into one of Vicksburg’s most beloved eateries. The vibe is pure “grandma’s back porch,” complete with weathered wood, hanging plants, and quirky vintage signs.
The Tomato Place. Photo courtesy Visit Vicksburg
Locals, tourists—even TV crews—flock here for iced tea like my Southern-born mother used to make, fried green tomatoes, and po’ boys stuffed to bursting. It’s a laid-back spot where strangers strike up conversations and no one rushes you through your meal. If Vicksburg has a beating heart, The Tomato Place might be it. I opted for the fried green tomato BLT sandwich and enjoyed a fun conversation with two local ladies while I ate my sandwich.
Fried Chicken and Family Legacy
At Walnut Hills, the scent of cayenne-laced fried chicken drifts out onto the front porch, where rocking chairs invite you to sit a spell (and you’ll likely need to, because there’s always a wait for a table). Inside, the hot pepper sauce is served in old whiskey bottles, and the tea is always sweet.
Front porch of Walnut Hill Restaurant in Vicksburg, MS. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
The star of the show is Miss Herdcine Williams, a second-generation cook whose mother, Miss Alma, once made the daily slaws and salads. Miss Herdcine’s fried chicken has earned a cult following—crispy, juicy, and seasoned with love. Her son Xavier continues the tradition, marking three generations of family serving up soul food with heart.
I have to be honest here. My mom was known for her fried chicken. She served up some of the best fried chicken around, and I’m pretty picky about real Southern fried chicken. I was a little skeptical about Walnut Hill. Was it really worth the wait? Would it be yet another disappointing promise of exceptional fried chicken? I can assure you, this is not a hollow promise of extraordinary fried chicken. Miss Williams’ fried chicken would give my mom’s chicken a real test. While I sat and ate my fried chicken lunch (for $14, you get two pieces of chicken, two vegetables, bread, iced tea, and dessert), I kept thinking how much I wish I could sit there with my mom. This was definitely her kind of place and her kind of small-town experience.
Dining With the Departed
Vicksburg’s haunted reputation is well-earned. This riverfront city saw unimaginable suffering during the Civil War, and remnants of that pain still seem to echo in certain corners.
At The Inn at Cedar Grove, where I enjoyed another fine Southern dinner, the romance of the Old South mingles with the whispers of its ghosts. Built in 1840, this mansion has seen weddings, funerals, war, and rebirth. Guests speak of unexplained footsteps, flickering lights, and spirits glimpsed just beyond the edge of vision. Yet nothing interrupted my perfectly prepared meal or the view of the Mississippi River glowing under a dusky sky.
The Inn at Cedar Grove. Photo courtesy Visit Vicksburg
For those craving a deeper connection with Vicksburg’s spectral side, a night tour of the McRaven House is a must.
McRaven House in Vicksburg, MS. Photo courtesy Visit Vicksburg
Known as the “Time Capsule of the South,” this home was built in three distinct periods and has been the site of both Civil War tragedy and paranormal investigations. Walking its creaking halls by lantern light, it’s easy to believe that history hasn’t quite let go.
I heard many bumps and saw far too many shadows as I toured McRaven House after dark. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Museums, Murals, and a Dash of the Unexpected
Between meals and ghost stories, Vicksburg offers plenty to explore. No visit to Vicksburg is complete without exploring the Vicksburg National Military Park, where rolling hills and silent cannons mark the site of one of the Civil War’s most decisive battles. The park tells the powerful story of the siege that changed the course of American history.
A Vicksburg National Military Park tour brought somber stories of a tragic time in US history when brothers often fought against brothers. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
For a bit of light-hearted fun, the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, where Coke was first bottled, is a fun stop for pop culture lovers. The Attic Gallery showcases eclectic Southern folk art. The Vicksburg Riverfront Murals tell the city’s story in bold color along the flood wall.
Downtown Vicksburg is fun and colorful. I enjoyed the murals on the flood walls that protect the city from the Mississippi River. Photo courtesy Visit Vicksburg
But the haunted homes—like Duff Green Mansion, which served as a Civil War hospital and now hosts ghost tours—and the layered legacies of places like the Old Courthouse Museum and Catfish Row Museum that truly bring the city’s soul to life.
Old Courthouse Museum in Vicksburg, MS. Photo courtesy Visit Vicksburg
A City Where Stories Linger
Vicksburg is a city that doesn’t let go. The food is unforgettable, the people are welcoming, and the past walks alongside you. Here, you can feast on fried chicken and fried green tomatoes by day, then trace the footsteps of soldiers and spirits by night.
No matter where you turn, like these trenches inside the military park with the Illinois Memorial in the distance, you feel the weight of history in Vicksburg. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Whether you come for the history, the hauntings, or the hush of magnolia-scented evenings, Vicksburg offers a one-of-a-kind escape. It’s a place where the flavors are bold, the stories are rich, and the ghosts—well, they might just pull up a chair and join you for dinner.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I set out for Vicksburg, but I really enjoyed my visit. I found myself in love with the food, brought to tears over stories, smiling at the incredible artwork, and laughing at the ingenuity of people who learned to survive through incredible odds.
I invite you to explore Wander With Wonder to learn more about our favorite Southern US destinations. Looking for more hauntingly amazing destinations? We have some great haunted destinations to share with you. Where have you traveled that surprised you the most? We’d love to hear from you!
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