Meridian Things to Do

the meridian municipal building (city hall) was built in 1915. the municipal buliding was designed by architect p. s. krouse in the beaux arts style. the meridian municipal bulding is currently under a 17 million dollar restoration which is due for completion in 2011. the meridian municipal building is listed on the national register of historic places. for those interested in architecture the municipal building is worth a look when in downtown meridian.

the threefoot building was built by abraham threefoot and sons in 1929. this art deco building is 16 stories tall and is the tallest building in meridian. the threefoot building is now vacant and is under renovation. the threefoot building is listed on the national register of historic places.

the hamasa shrine temple was built in 1924 in the moorish revival design. the interior of the theater has a byzantine motif with marble fountains and bronze chandeliers. the temple was turned into a theater in 1928 and originally showed silent films. for those interested in architecture the hamasa shrine temple theater is an interesting place to visit in downtown meridian. the temple theater is listed on the national register of historic places.

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jimmie rodgers also known as "the singing brakeman" is considered the "father of country music". the jimmie rodgers museum is located in highland park near downtown meridian. jimmie rodgers is best known for his yodeling and is member of the country music hall of fame. the jimmie rodgers museum has displays and artifacts from his life and career. for country music fans this is a must see site when in meridian. for admission and times see the attached web site.

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the original merrehope house was built by richard lemore in 1858. the house was confederate general joseph e. johnson's headquarters in 1863. during the burning of meridian in 1864 merrehope was occupied by union troops. merrehope is one of only six homes in downtown meridian to survive the civil war. the house you see today was extensively remodeled in 1904. merrehope mansion is listed on the national register of historic places and is open to the public. see the attached web site for admission and times.

Located only seven miles northwest of Meridian, MS on Okatibbee Creek, Okatibbee Lake is an important feature in the development of the Pascagoula River Basin.

Today, the beautiful waters of the lake and the surrounding forests provide excellent recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, camping, hunting, and enjoying the parks.

I have many fond memories of Bonita Lakes. There's a huge population of ducks and geese that take up residence there. They're used to being fed, which means that they will either ignore you on a busy day or mob you on a slow day. The path around the bottom is usually busy in the early morning and early evening with joggers and walkers, but it's still quite a peaceful place for a stroll. I love the nature trail around the lake (the one off of the road that goes into the woods, not the pathway next to the road). It's not the easiest place to use a stroller, since most of the trail is gravel, but it is worth it. There are serveral places for a picnic.

the lauderdale county civil war memorial is located next to the lauderdale county courthouse. the memorial is a standing soldier motif which is common in the south.