Explore Crystal Springs, Mississippi

Small towns are often big on charm, and Crystal Springs is no exception.

This quaint community lies approximately 30 miles south of Jackson and has earned the nickname ‘Tomatopolis of the World’ over the years, thanks to its annual festival and rich farming heritage. Whether you want to comb the historic downtown streets – lined with gift and antiques stores, churches and other small businesses – or spend a weekend soaking up the unique Crystal Springs Tomato Festival, there’s plenty to savor in this quaint Southern town.

Where Roots Run Deep

Crystal Springs may be tiny with a population of fewer than 5,000, but it boasts a rich history rooted in agriculture, music and the great outdoors. While you can easily spot the historic character of the buildings downtown and in the myriad of older homes in the surrounding areas, it also manifests in just about every cultural attraction.

In the heart of Crystal Springs, you’ll find the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation. Mississippi-born Robert Johnson developed a notable reputation around the world as an American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter.

The museum celebrates Johnson’s life and music, featuring an impressive collection of his instruments, full albums and iconic memorabilia.

Just down the street from the museum sits the Wisteria Inn Bed and Breakfast. This breathtaking Victorian-era home makes a wonderful destination for families and couples who want to enjoy a leisurely weekend getaway.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located in the Crystal Springs Historic District, Wisteria Inn was built in the late 1800s by the Huber family. It has since belonged to several different owners and undergone historic restorations. Along the way, there has remained a dedication to using the highest-quality materials and decor, ensuring longevity and preservation. From the sprawling garden roses to the beckoning porch swings, this beloved icon is a must-visit.

If you happen to be traveling with young children or simply fancy an afternoon break from sightseeing, you can easily stroll through downtown to the J.T. Biggs, Jr. Memorial Library. Filled with books and small-town charm, this is an excellent pit stop for avid readers and booklovers.

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A Walk in the Park

Perhaps one of the finest attractions in Crystal Springs is Chautauqua Park. Originally established as a campground in 1872, the park served as a religious retreat for a time, thanks to the Brookhaven District of the United Methodist Church. The grounds were renamed just before the turn of the century by the Chautauqua Assembly.

Situated on 74 acres, this soul-soothing refuge boasts rolling hills, bubbling springs and a 35-acre lake. With ample bridges, trails and gazebos throughout the park, Chautauqua is an ideal spot to pass a pleasant afternoon in the fresh air. Field guides are available for purchase at the Visitors Center and contain abundant information about the flowers and fauna you will discover while you visit.

Crystal Springs Tomato Festival

Perhaps most vital to the character of Crystal Springs is the annual Crystal Springs Tomato Festival. Each year, on the last weekend in June, the town celebrates the illustrious red fruit that helped put their name on the map. There were once so many tomatoes planted, harvested and shipped from this small agricultural community that it garnered quite the reputation as being the tomato capital of the world – “Tomatopolis,” to be specific.

The town’s claim to fame has inspired quite a spectacular recurring summer event. Parades, bands, picnics and a slew of unique tomato-based dishes abound at this fun-filled, family-friendly festival. Contests invite participants to vie for prizes in categories like ugliest, prettiest and most delicious tasting tomatoes.

Even if you’re not in town during the festival weekend, you can still experience all things tomato at the Crystal Springs Tomato Museum in the Chautauqua Park Visitors Center. This free museum is open throughout the year and displays many historic photos, memorabilia and even the tools used to harvest and can the tomatoes that made Crystal Springs famous.

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