7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Meridian, Butler, Peach Tree, and Dixon Mills, Alabama

1. Day 1: Arrival in Meridian, MS
   2 hours 40 minutes (167 miles) from Downtown DC

   Explore the historic downtown area of Meridian and visit the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. Learn about famous Mississippians such as Elvis Presley and Oprah Winfrey through interactive exhibits and live performances. Grab dinner at Weidmann's, a century-old restaurant serving Southern cuisine.

2. Day 2: Butler, AL
   1 hour 15 minutes (50 miles) from Meridian, MS

   Visit the Choctaw County Historical Museum to learn about the area's Native American and Civil War history. Go fishing or boating at Choctaw County Lake. Grab lunch at Lottie's Diner for delicious Southern comfort food. Finish the day with a hike at the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.

3. Day 3: Peach Tree, AL
   1 hour (40 miles) from Butler, AL

   Visit the Alabama Rural Heritage Center to learn about rural life in the South. See the historic Rosenwald School and learn about the impact it had on African American education. Grab lunch at the Peach Park for some delicious peach ice cream or fried chicken. Finish the day with a visit to the Confederate Memorial Park and learn about Alabama's role in the Civil War.

4. Day 4: Dixon Mills, AL
   30 minutes (20 miles) from Peach Tree, AL

   Visit the Old St. Stephens Historical Park and learn about the first territorial capital of Alabama. Tour the ruins of the courthouse, jail, and other buildings from the early 19th century. Go hiking or birdwatching in the park's natural areas. Grab lunch at the Catfish House for some delicious Southern-style seafood.

5. Day 5: Meridian, MS
   1 hour (45 miles) from Dixon Mills, AL

   Visit the Meridian Museum of Art to view works by regional and national artists. Take a tour of the Merrehope Mansion, a grand antebellum home with beautiful gardens. Grab lunch at Weidmann's and try their famous fried chicken. Finish the day with a visit to Bonita Lakes Park for some fishing, hiking, or kayaking.

6. Day 6: Meridian, MS
   30 minutes (20 miles) from Meridian, MS

   Visit the Dunn's Falls Water Park and hike along the cascading waterfall. Go swimming or have a picnic at the park's swimming hole. Grab lunch at the Rustler Steak House for some delicious Southern-style steak. Finish the day with a visit to the Jimmy Rodgers Museum and learn about the "father of country music."

7. Day 7: Departure from Meridian, MS
   2 hours 40 minutes (167 miles) to Downtown DC

   Before leaving Meridian, stop by the Meridian Railroad Museum and learn about the city's railroad history. Have lunch at Weidmann's for a last taste of Southern cuisine. Depart for DC.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum in Meridian to learn about the city's industrial past. For maximum fun, plan a visit during the Jimmie Rodgers Festival in May to enjoy live music and entertainment. Check out the Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center in Camden for some unique handmade crafts and gifts.

Points of Interest

• Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience
• Choctaw County Historical Museum
• Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
• Alabama Rural Heritage Center
• Confederate Memorial Park
• Old St. Stephens Historical Park
• Merrehope Mansion
• Bonita Lakes Park
• Dunn's Falls Water Park
• Jimmy Rodgers Museum