Chart a course for one the U.S.’s best-kept secrets that passes through none other than Itawamba County: The Great Loop.
The Great Loop has been called “the last great adventure in North America” and consists of an approximately 6,000 mile nautical journey from the top of the United States’ east coast to the bottom of Florida and back again. There are multiple routes one can take going through many bodies of water, including the Atlantic and Gulf Intercoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, the Erie Canal, the Canadian Heritage Canals, the Mississippi River and, of course, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway that’ll lead sailors to the heart of Itawamba County. The trip can take up to a year for most Loopers, leading many to take extended stays along the way. Whether you’re cruising on down as a Looper or just want to soak in the sights, Itawamba County has more than enough on offer for visitors that love to put wind in their sails.
No matter what way you take, all rivers of adventure will lead to Itawamba County’s Midway Marina. For those on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway or traveling out from its banks, the marina is the place to be. Boaters are free to dock and take a load off, either overnight or for long-term stays, and there are enough accommodations to keep you comfortable with on-site lodging, laundromats and showers. After you’ve hitched up – or if you came to marvel the boats and want a piece of the action – there are boats, canoes, paddle boards and more all available to rent, not to mention sunny swimming areas, relaxing fishing piers and pristine driving ranges for everyone to enjoy.
Anyone who wants to spend a little more time on land has a whole host of opportunities. Guy’s Place is right on the water and offers good, old fashioned Southern cuisine that will keep you coming back for more. You’ll also find Pier 394 Pointe, a local event venue that hosts everything from weddings to live music.
For Loopers, visitors and anyone else in-between, it’s worth dropping an anchor and staying a while in Itawamba County, where we’re Welcoming by Nature.