SUMMARY: Starkville, Mississippi, nestled in Oktibbeha County, was named the No. 1 Small Town to Visit in the South by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Known for its vibrant college-town energy, local shops, farm-to-table lifestyle, and natural beauty like the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, Starkville offers a unique blend of hospitality and charm. The award reflects nationwide votes praising its welcoming atmosphere and genuine Southern feel. Year-round events such as unWINE Downtown and Bulldog Bash energize the town, while quieter moments capture its warmth. With under 30,000 residents, Starkville stands out as a memorable Southern destination.

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SUMMARY: National Ice Cream Day, established by President Reagan in 1984, is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in July to honor ice cream’s popularity and the dairy industry. Americans consume about 9.1 gallons of ice cream each year, with vanilla ranked the top flavor nationwide—and in Mississippi. Mississippi also celebrates regional favorites like Mississippi Mud and Muscadine Ripple. Beloved local shops include Creole Creamery, Quakes Ice Creamery, Delta Dairy, and Sweet Magnolia Ice Cream Co. The Dairy Alliance supports the holiday with recipes, such as a strawberry milkshake topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and fresh strawberries, perfect for celebrating at home.

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SUMMARY: The Hattiesburg Zoo has launched three new animal experiences: the Anteater Feeding Experience, the South America Yard Experience, and the Giraffe Experience. Guests can interact with anteaters, capybaras, alpacas, and giraffes while learning about their behaviors and habitats from zookeepers. Experiences last 30–50 minutes, are available to small groups, and range in cost from $25 to $50, excluding zoo admission. Participants also receive a 10% discount in the gift shop. Each experience runs on weekends and has age requirements. A separate Sloth Experience is also available and can be booked online. All new experiences begin July 19.

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