Mississippi
Southern Living says MS gem one of ‘South’s Most Legendary Restaurants’
Mayflower Cafe named one of USA TODAY’s best restaurants of 2026
Take a look inside Mayflower Cafe in Jackson, Mississippi, named one of USA TODAY’s best restaurants for 2026.
Southern Living released its 2026 list of the most legendary restaurants in the South. These places are longtime favorites that became community icons. They’re fan favorites from breakfast through date night.
“The South’s most legendary restaurants have shaped their cities, hosted generations of celebrations, and perfected the dishes that keep guests coming back,” Southern Living wrote. “From white-tablecloth dining rooms to beloved small-town cafés, these long-standing eateries with decades of history serve up more than just wonderful meals.”
Here’s what we know about the only Mississippi restaurant to make the list.
Southern Living says this Mississippi restaurant is ‘legendary’
City Grocery Restaurant is on the Square in Oxford, Mississippi.
Chef John Currence founded it in 1992 in a converted livery stable. The City Grocery was a 2025 Michelin Guide American South Recommended Restaurant.
“Grounded in a mix of culinary styles and featuring homegrown flavors that define Southern cooking, this spot catalyzed a new interest in North Mississippi restaurants that’s still going strong over three decades later,” Southern Living wrote.
People can grab a drink at the upstairs bar. Or you can experience fine dining downstairs.
Today, the James Beard award nominee runs four restaurants in Oxford:
When to go to City Grocery
City Grocery is open six days a week for lunch and dinner.
Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner hours are 6-10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 6-10:30 p.m. Friday to Saturday.
Bar hours start at 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Reservations are recommended.
Southern Living’s Most Legendary Restaurants in the South
Southern Living names more than 30 restaurants among the most legendary in the South. Only one is from Mississippi.
- The Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia
- The Old Mill and Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida
- Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida
- Angus Barn in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, Florida
- Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta, Georgia
- Poogan’s Porch in Charleston, South Carolina
- Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah, Georgia
- Bottega in Birmingham, Alabama
- The Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
- The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
- Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Captain Anderson’s in Panama City Beach, Florida
- Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky
- Hyman’s Seafood in Charleston, South Carolina
- Michie Tavern in Charlottesville, Virginia
- The Smith House in Dahlonega, Georgia
- Crafted at Boone Tavern in Berea, Kentucky
- 82 Queen in Charleston, South Carolina
- The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
- Sea Captain’s House in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Blue Heaven in Key West, Florida
- The Pirate’s House in Savannah, Georgia
- Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Hugo’s in Fayetteville, Arkansas
- The Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer, Alabama
- Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas
- The Red Fox Inn & Tavern in Middleburg, Virginia
- Jack Fry’s in Louisville, Kentucky
- City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi
- Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Contributing: Vanessa Countryman
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
Mississippi
14-year-old girl arrested for shooting 8-year-old in Mississippi
WARREN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Deputies in Warren County, Mississippi, arrested a 14-year-old girl for allegedly shooting an 8-year-old.
Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said the shooting happened on Abraham Drive just before 4:00 p.m. on April 13, 2026.
According to the sheriff, the female victim was transported to a Jackson hospital for treatment. He said deputies recovered a handgun at the scene.
There’s no motive for the shooting, and the investigation is ongoing.
Mississippi
A potential opportunity to lower car tag costs across Mississippi
A follow-up on high car tag costs in Mississippi shows major differences in what drivers pay depending on where they live, even across the street, according to new data from the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office.The data highlights large price gaps across the metro area, with some residents paying hundreds of dollars more based solely on location and county lines.The State Auditor’s Office data shows that at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, a car tag costs $571.64. At Trails at Northpointe Apartments directly across the street, the same tag rises to $1,490.48.The highest cost in the region is $1,676.30 at Yazoo Estates, while the lowest is $343.30 in the Oakfield neighborhood.Resident Keith Bush said he has experienced the difference firsthand.“When I lived in Hinds County, my car tag started at $1,500,” Bush said. Now living at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, Bush said his cost is significantly lower.Bush said, “I don’t want to tell you the exact price, but it is under $200.”State Rep. Ronnie Crudup Jr. of District 71 says the high costs in Hinds County are an ongoing issue tied to local financial obligations, including school infrastructure.Crudup said, “We all know that we got the highest tags. I think even in Hans County, and uh, you know, a lot of that is due to, I guess, our, our, our population in, in our school building.”He added that part of the cost comes from maintaining unused school buildings in the Jackson Public Schools system.Crudup said, “You know, some of the schools are closed. The schools are still on their books right now, because they’re still responsible for the buildings and the maintenance and all that type of thing. I think as they come off their books. I think there’s a chance then that we’ll be able to reduce the price of the car tags.”Bush said, “That would be great. I think a lot of people will have some ideas of where they want to move.”Lawmakers are considering House Bill 1395, which has already passed both chambers. The bill would speed up the sale of unused school buildings, which supporters say could reduce costs, limit delays, and open the door for redevelopment.In a statement, Jackson Public Schools said, “Jackson Public Schools is committed to the strategic repurposing of surplus properties to strengthen communities and improve the district’s financial position, guided by thoughtful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on long-term impact for our scholars and families.We are also grateful to the Mississippi Legislature, and especially the Hinds County Delegation, for their advocacy and support of this legislative change, which provides school districts with greater flexibility to better serve our scholars and community.”Officials said if the bill is signed into law, it could help reduce long-term costs. For now, the data shows that where you live still plays a major role in how much you pay for a car tag.
A follow-up on high car tag costs in Mississippi shows major differences in what drivers pay depending on where they live, even across the street, according to new data from the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office.
The data highlights large price gaps across the metro area, with some residents paying hundreds of dollars more based solely on location and county lines.
The State Auditor’s Office data shows that at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, a car tag costs $571.64. At Trails at Northpointe Apartments directly across the street, the same tag rises to $1,490.48.
The highest cost in the region is $1,676.30 at Yazoo Estates, while the lowest is $343.30 in the Oakfield neighborhood.
Resident Keith Bush said he has experienced the difference firsthand.
“When I lived in Hinds County, my car tag started at $1,500,” Bush said.
Now living at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, Bush said his cost is significantly lower.
Bush said, “I don’t want to tell you the exact price, but it is under $200.”
State Rep. Ronnie Crudup Jr. of District 71 says the high costs in Hinds County are an ongoing issue tied to local financial obligations, including school infrastructure.
Crudup said, “We all know that we got the highest tags. I think even in Hans County, and uh, you know, a lot of that is due to, I guess, our, our, our population in, in our school building.”
He added that part of the cost comes from maintaining unused school buildings in the Jackson Public Schools system.
Crudup said, “You know, some of the schools are closed. The schools are still on their books right now, because they’re still responsible for the buildings and the maintenance and all that type of thing. I think as they come off their books. I think there’s a chance then that we’ll be able to reduce the price of the car tags.”
Bush said, “That would be great. I think a lot of people will have some ideas of where they want to move.”
Lawmakers are considering House Bill 1395, which has already passed both chambers. The bill would speed up the sale of unused school buildings, which supporters say could reduce costs, limit delays, and open the door for redevelopment.
In a statement, Jackson Public Schools said, “Jackson Public Schools is committed to the strategic repurposing of surplus properties to strengthen communities and improve the district’s financial position, guided by thoughtful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on long-term impact for our scholars and families.
We are also grateful to the Mississippi Legislature, and especially the Hinds County Delegation, for their advocacy and support of this legislative change, which provides school districts with greater flexibility to better serve our scholars and community.”
Officials said if the bill is signed into law, it could help reduce long-term costs. For now, the data shows that where you live still plays a major role in how much you pay for a car tag.
Mississippi
IRS owes Mississippi residents $9.9 million. Are you missing free money?
2026 tax filing dates, forms to use and more tips this tax season
A comprehensive guide to the 2026 tax season, featuring filing deadlines, tax document checklists, and new deduction rules.
Are you missing out on free money? The IRS estimates that 1.3 million Americans are missing out on their 2022 income tax refunds because they haven’t filed their taxes. That totals about $1.2 billion in unclaimed money.
Many taxpayers are missing out on income tax returns because they haven’t filed. Some are years late.
The final deadline to be eligible is April 15. If people miss it, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.
How many people in Mississippi could get a check?
According to the IRS, Mississippi taxpayers are owed about $9.9 million.
Approximately 11,800 people who haven’t filed their 2022 taxes could get a refund. The median amount is $635, so half of refunds could be more than that.
What if I didn’t file my 2022 taxes? When is the deadline?
You have until April 15, 2026, to file back-year returns.
The IRS said you might still be eligible for the check, but only people who have filed their taxes will get one.
If you owe money or haven’t filed for 2023 or 2024 tax years, your check could be held. The money could also be garnished for unpaid child support or federal student loans.
People also have to file their 2025 taxes to get any refunds that might be owed.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY NETWORK. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
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