SUMMARY: A Mondly survey asked 3,012 people which town best represents their state’s cultural identity—not the biggest or most famous, but the one that *feels* like home. In Mississippi, the top choice was Laurel, known for its Southern charm and strong traditions. Cleveland ranked second for its blues heritage and porch-swing storytelling. McComb came third, blending railroads, gospel roots, and family pride. Other standout “spirit towns” included Bayonne, NJ; Brooksville, FL; Bluefield, WV; and Cookeville, TN. These towns, often overlooked, capture their states’ essence through food, accents, values, and everyday life—not performance, but lived culture.

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SUMMARY: A fully dressed, pressed po-boy is a Gulf Coast classic, distinct from subs or hoagies found elsewhere. The fried shrimp po-boy is iconic, especially on the Mississippi Coast, where pressing the sandwich likely began at Biloxi’s famed Rosetti’s. There, the “Vancleave special” was born—crab cake with cheese—named for a hurried customer. Po-boy variations abound, with personal preferences sparking lively debates, especially over the best bread. Favorites include fried oyster, pot roast beef (stewed, not sliced), and the Italian, packed with meats, cheese, and zesty dressing. Ideal sides include potato salad or coleslaw. Above all, a true po-boy must be pressed and dressed.

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SUMMARY: Pete Taggard revitalized his health and lost over 100 pounds by returning to skateboarding after a Type 2 Diabetes warning. Inspired, he co-founded the Picayune Skatepark Project to build Mississippi’s Gulf Coast’s first permanent public skatepark, approved recently in Picayune. Alongside him, the Gulf Coast Skatepark Association is transforming community spaces in Biloxi and beyond through DIY skateparks and events promoting safe, inclusive areas for youth. Skateparks serve as vital “third places” offering exercise, belonging, and emotional support, especially to underserved kids. Their efforts aim to build more facilities, acknowledging skateboarding’s physical and mental health benefits and fostering vibrant local communities.

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