here’s no waffling over the delicious hot waffles that are part of Comfort Inn’s complimentary hot breakfast—everyone agrees they’re terrific.  The complimentary breakfast starts your day and begins the list of great amenities you’ll enjoy at the Magee Comfort Inn, like free coffee in the lobby, free local calls and a free weekday newspaper.  Families and business travelers alike appreciate cable television in every room, plus irons and ironing boards to look fresh, along with a seasonal outdoor pool to stay refreshed.  Business travelers can also rely on computer hookups and access to fax and copy services.  Some rooms are furnished with microwaves, refrigerators and hair dryers, with coin-operated laundry facilities located on the premises for added guest convenience.

http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-magee-mississippi-MS098

5441 Simpson Hwy, 28W Magee, MS 39111 , 601.849.2300

or more than a half century, the Holiday Inn name has stood for a great night’s stay, and that tradition continues with the brand new Magee addition to the Holiday Inn Express Hotels and Suites.  Holiday Inn Express puts you on the way, and in the swim, with a convenient Highway 49 location and terrific amenities like a heated indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center and complimentary hot breakfast bar.  Business travelers like the meeting space for up to 25 people, as well as the business center with services that include a fax machine, copier, printer and free high-speed, wireless Internet access.  Holiday Inn Express has also become a fast favorite for families with comfy rooms and other great amenities including cable television and free local and long-distance calling.

http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/magee/mgems/hoteldetail

1591 Simpson Hwy 49 Magee, MS 39111, 601.849.6977

elcome to an inviting paradox:  Step inside the foyer of this captivating contemporary, and the space feels immediately immense.  The vaulted ceiling stretches up 18 feet, into the 30’ by 30’ living room where a Yule-log sized fireplace connects the area to an equally large garden room with retractable skylight and grand piano; an abundance of glass opens the rooms to the outdoors and the back gardens that extend a quarter acre.  Yet for all its spaciousness, the atmosphere is intimate and warm, like the home setting it is—roughly one half of the 7,000-square-foot residence of Marcus and Ina Magee.  A former executive chef, Ina Magee has equipped the kitchen for professional use, including china and crystal appropriate for entertaining.  (Catering can be provided by Twenty-Nine Palms, or clients may provide their own.)

A guest suite is also available.  Inside, Twenty-Nine Palms can host 250 comfortably, 500 using the whole property.

http://www.twentyninepalmsevents.com

212 2nd Ave. SW, Magee, MS 39111, 601.849.3409

allyhoo?  More like Bally Who:  The names are the ones you want to know and collect, like well known Mississippi names like Good Earth Pottery, Terri Warnock Pottery, Jennifer Thames and Kitzi Jewelry, Art by Susan and Melissa Goff and Gail Pittman Pottery.  Other notable brands include Vera Bradley, Trollbeads, Hobo International, Tyler and Swan Creek Candles.  And while Ballyhoo is stocked by a wide variety of names and brands, they all reflect a refreshingly single-minded focus on quality, whether that means fun and funky or totally traditional.  The shop offers bridal and baby registries, and an irresistibly bright and cheerful tween section.

http://www.ballyhoogifts.com

106 Zion Hill Road, Mendenhall, MS 39114, 601.847.7246

lthough owner Beverly Slover is not a hairdresser, she knew some excellent stylists, and realized the need for a workspace to fit their talents.  Another need:  more fashion choices for women of all ages.  Thus, the dual solution of BB’s Salon and Boutique, where four hair stylists and one nail technician work their magic in the salon, while at the boutique shoppers find the rest of a great look in high-end brands like Karli, Judith March, KLO Signature as well as value-conscious choices like Fifth Culture and Va-Va.  Denim brands include Big Star, Miss Me and Rock Revival.  Although boutique and salon hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., both will open for special appointments.  Everything you need for a great style—BB’s makes it easy.

203 Main Avenue North Magee, MS 39111-3535, 601.849.2682

hen Jonathan Grantham opened J. Grant, he had one simple goal:  to make quality menswear available right here in Simpson County.  Today his drive for excellence means less driving for those in the area seeking high caliber menswear.  Custom-made shirts and suits, plus premier brands like Columbia, Vineyard, Southern Marsh, Lucky and IZOD have attracted a diverse group of shoppers, from high school students to retirees.  While the selection is popular, the personal service is a particular draw.  Whether it’s matching a tie, building a wardrobe or creating a signature look, J. Grant has become the go-to resource.  Coming in the future: a J. Grant product line; the J. Grant tees are already a hit.  Open Monday through Friday, 9 to 5; Saturdays 9 to 4.

218 Main St N., Mendenhall, MS 39114, 601.847.9212

o how is it that M G & G has been featured in no less than five editions of “Mississippi Magazine” as well as the Mississippi Travel Guide and the Louisiana “Country Roads” travel magazine—and even been the subject of a “Looking Around Mississippi” episode with Walt Grayson?  Well, first of all, there’s the irresistibly nostalgic atmosphere, with hand-crank cash register, circa 1919, and original display cases and fixtures from the first Mendenhall Grocery and Grain opened in 1928.  But the Mississippi-made products are also real stars:  gourmet foods, handmade jewelry, wind chimes, pottery, purses, cigar box guitars and more—gifts for all ages, all tastes. Experience this landmark attraction Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 to 5:00 and Saturdays from 9:30 to 2:00.

http://www.mendenhallgandggifts.com

102 Main Street S, Mendenhall, MS 39114, 601.847.3277

t’s all in how you look at it:  Artist/framer Leann Emrich’s custom framing helps show off artwork to its best advantage, while her art classes help her students visualize the world more clearly through painting as well as to see their own artistic abilities.  Her shop is a great source for artwork (her own and that of other artists) as well as framing.  Emrich hand paints some of her custom frames with faux finishes, and she shows the same care and artistry in teaching, which is gracious, sociable and accessible.  Held on the third Thursday evening of the month, her popular classes are about the art of enjoyment as much as the enjoyment of art.

http://www.mainframesandart.com

228 Main Street N, Mendenhall, MS 39114, 601.847.5100

here’s something about browsing a really great antique store that’s satisfying on every level—it’s not just the beauty and the character of those fine old pieces; it’s also knowing there’s a fascinating story behind each of them.  And then, of course, there’s the thrill of the hunt.  Visitors will want to block out some time for a visit to the Ole’ Country Place, because while it doesn’t take long to get here (it’s only four miles south of Magee at the corner of New Hope Road) this treasure-packed emporium begs lingering. Three thousand square feet filled with first-quality antiques including furniture and glass ware collectibles, along with original paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic.  Great pieces, great stories, great hunting.

http://olecountryplace.com/

517 Simpson Hwy 49 S, Magee, MS 39111, 601.797.4393

here’s a long tradition of pharmacies incorporating gift shops (indeed, this charming emporium opened along with Polk’s Pharmacy a half century ago) but the wide variety in stock at Polk’s Gifts is something else again.  Make that a lot of something else’s:  House beautiful selections in china, flatware, crystal, Peter’s Pottery, Arthur’s Court pewter; fashion items like jewelry, purses, caps and sunglasses, including high-style Costa Del Mar shades; babies clothing and children’s books; bath and body products and candles; specialty books, including cookbooks.  Open 9 to 5 Monday through Friday, Saturday 9 to 4; however, should a need arise, employees will graciously open anytime during regular pharmacy hours.  All that and free gift wrapping.  Just what the doctor ordered.

200 1st Ave S.E. Magee, MS , 601.849.2532

oots from Rockin M are the talk of the region, with an expansive line that walks the walk for men and women of all ages and tastes, from rugged models ready for work to high-fashion boots ready to wow.  Boot brands include Old Gringo, Justin and Luchesi, while jeans brands include Miss Me and Lucky.  And clothes are just the beginning of what’s in store at Rockin M:  home décor choices include an entire wall of western and floral artwork, along with country/contemporary pottery and accessories.  Even kids love this place, with toys like miniature bucking bulls and miniature tractors and trailers, including pink models.  Rockin’ is right.  Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

3154 Simpson Highway 49 Mendenhall, MS 39114 , 601.847.4205

hen Stephens first opened more than 70 years ago, a proper lady wasn’t “dressed” without her hat and gloves.  The world may have changed a lot since then, but one thing hasn’t:  females have always loved beautiful things, and around here, they’ve always turned to Stephens for beautiful accessories and clothing in ladies, junior and women’s sizes.  For beautiful faces, the store has a Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio with Gold Medallion status, and as a member of the National Bridal Service, Stephens is a one-stop source for beautiful bridal gifts, including selected patterns in dinnerware, crystal and china.

210 Main Street N, Mendenhall, MS 39114 , 601.847.1922

ith the restaurant’s plank-sided walls, indoor window boxes and life size trees shading the tables, dining at Berry’s is rustic good fun, like eating an old fashioned meal “in your grandmother’s backyard,” as the third-generation family owners describe it.  The wait staff dress in overalls and straw hats, and the down-home delicious catfish and seafood buffets are country style—which is to say, they stretch for what seems like a country mile.  The sweet-spicy Cajun pickles are a specialty and a treat, served fresh (and free!) from a barrel.

http://www.berrysseafood.com

1616 Hwy 49 North, Magee, MS 39111, 601.849.9313

ake a seat at Fernando’s, and you’ll be greeted with a heaping basket of crisp chips and snappy salsa—just a taste of the delicious fare to come—as you peruse the menu that offers “the whole enchilada” of authentic Mexican choices:  tacos, burritos, chimichangas—and, yes, enchiladas.  And while the fresh, flavorful food brings in hungry diners, the friendly fast service is one more reason everyone leaves happy from Fernando’s.  Hola flavor!  Hola fun!

1670 Highway 49 Magee, MS 39111-5000, 601.849.9377

ransformed from an old grain storage and grocery, M G & G (Mendenhall Grocery and Grain) is a Mississippi institution, noted by travel and food writers around the region.  M G & G Gifts opened first, selling Mississippi-made products, including gourmet foods, which in turn inspired the first delicious creations of the M G & G Deli.  The Deli menu includes salads with homemade dressings, sandwiches, soups and homemade desserts as well as a daily special. Serving times are Tuesday – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. For daily soups and specials and for groups larger than five, call ahead.

102 Main Street S, Mendenhall, MS 39114 , 601.847.3277

t Martha’s Place, it’s all about the right ingredients in uniquely perfect combinations.  Like owner Martha Craft and son Charlie joined together by a passion for food.  Or deliciously fresh lunches served up in a century-old house.  While house specialties include pasta with chicken, chicken salad, fruity chicken salad and Martha’s salad dressing, this mother-son dining duo is partial to cooking up new creations, like oven roasted pulled barbeque chicken or tasty parmesan chicken, so menus change according to daily inspirations.  Open Tuesday – Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.; dine in or take out.

109 2nd Ave. SW, Magee, MS 39111, 601.849.2800

t’s true that the smoked ribs, chicken and pulled pork are sensational house specialties at Smoky Mountain, but the fresh patty hamburger steaks and burgers are just as beloved by regulars in the know.  And as for the fried chicken tenders with the triple threat topping—jalapeno jelly, bacon and cheddar cheese—when it comes to these beauties, diners rave and crave; prepare for addiction.  For large parties, the dining room can accommodate up to 74, but Smoky Mountain will cater to any size group.

3799 Simpson Hwy 49, Mendenhall, MS 39114, 601.847.0340

atter up!  Talk about a home run across home plate:  A Zip’s Burger (an oversize freshly ground burger with all the toppings, including the signature Zip sauce) with an order of battered fries is pretty much unbeatable.  Unless you count those big old-fashioned plate lunches with home-style meats and chicken dishes and a veritable garden array of fresh vegetables.  And then, of course, there are the mountains of morning favorites available at breakfast.  Windham’s is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with lunch beginning at 10:30, but you can enjoy a Zip’s Burger anytime.

401 Pinola Drive, Magee, MS 39111, 601.849.3385