Turkey and Twists: A Gonzo Journey through Mississippi's Thanksgiving Wonders

In the heart of Dixie, where time tends to flow as languorously as molasses in winter, there lies a certain state that brims with an irrepressible spirit Mississippi. As the autumn leaves pirouette down onto its patchwork quilt of fields, streets, and forgotten crossroads, we embark on a sojourn into this land's most eclectic and downright odd Thanksgiving traditions.

Start your exploration (as any true Southern odyssey should) with hospitality that could thaw even the frostiest Yankee veneer at The Carriage House Restaurant (401 High St., Natchez, MS 39120). Here you'll find turkey served up not just for Thanksgiving but year-round because why limit gratitude to one day? Revel in their special holiday spin on soul food; each bite suffused with history thicker than their legendary gravy. This ain't mere eating; it’s communing with ancestors while silverware clinks out bluesy rhythms against china plates.

Venture forth into Tupelo (306 E Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804), birthplace of Elvis Presley himself. At Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen you might ask yourself what The King would have done to prepare for Turkey Day: probably something involving peanut butter-banana sandwiches rather than pumpkin pie. KOK adds riffs on local produce that are anything but traditional think persimmon puddings or honeysuckle sorbets that dance across your palate like sunlight off the Tombigbee River.

Onward then! To Oxford (City Grocery - 152 Courthouse Square Oxford, MS 38655), home of Ole Miss and William Faulkner who once said "To understand the world you must first understand a place like Mississippi". Here stands City Grocery high upon its perch over the Square - within thrifts haunt whispers both literary and culinary genius mix amidst shelves stocked with delectables strange yet familiar twists taste buds never even knew they craved until now smoked catfish dip anyone?

Dare if you will to wander Clarksdale's Delta avenues where Robert Johnson allegedly bartered his soul away for guitar prowess unmatched beneath neon signs advertising hot tamales instead pies or stuffing here Deep Blues festival-goers congregate yearly feasting upon music food equally rich surely some voodoo-infused recipe exists amongst booths meld old new ways celebrating harvest times yore current alike...

Amble past Gulfport shores where shrimp boats bob lazily marinas offering bounty sea alongside traditional fixin’s feast eyes stomachs Holiday Tour homes lit up fairy-tale splendor showcasing genteel Southern living alongside funky artistic flares hidden nooks corners betwixt sprawling oaks Spanish moss...

Wrap up this curiously delightful excursion Greenwood Leflore County seat whose tale spans Native American nations cotton empires civil war reconstruction melting pot cultures blending seamlessly together each adding own flavor communal table Turnrow Books Coffeehouse offers respite weary travelers sip dark roasted coffees peruse pages filled stories ghosts legends long since gone perhaps discover secret perfect pecan pie meantime...

Let us depart from our journey hardened arteries widened perspectives grateful vibrant tapestry character resilience stitches every corner Magnolia State making pilgrimage far beyond simple holiday gathering speaking volumes about human condition itself connects those willing listen laugh indulge peculiarities life offers including indeed especially during season thanks giving.

Address List:

- The Carriage House Restaurant (401 High St., Natchez, MS 39120)

- Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen (124 W Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804)

- City Grocery (152 Courthouse Square Oxford,,MS38655)

- Ground Zero Blues Club(Clarksdale)(0 Blues Alley Ln.Clarksdale ,MS38614 )

-Turnrow Book Co(304 Howard Street.Greenwood.MS38930)

Website/Twitter Handles Reference:

- @VisitMS

- http://visitmississippi.org/

- @Southern_Living

-http://www.southernliving.com/

-CityGroceryOnline.com (@CityGroceryOxfd)

-KermitsOutlawKitchen.com (@KOK_Tupelo)