How to "Staycation" in Louisville

Photo Courtesy of ltok.com

It's summer, and for many, that means vacation. The word "vacation" usually implies traveling elsewhere to "get away from it all," but, many individuals can't always travel. There may be health issues or family obligations that can prevent lengthy travel plans.

Luckily for those who live around Winston County, there are so many fun things to do right here at home!

PLACES TO GO

Perhaps the most well-known place to go around Louisville is Lake Tiak O'khata on Smyth Road, just off Highway 15. The lake is open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend. The swim area features two slides and a low dive. Kayaks are available for rent, and there are tennis, basketball and volleyball courts to enjoy. The Lake also boasts a fine dining restaurant, which offers a special summer menu including catfish, shrimp and more! To learn more about Lake Tiak O'khata, visit www.ltok.com.

Legion State Park is also a great place to go in Louisville, with cabins for staying, trails for hiking, and a lake for fishing. One reason many are visiting Legion State lately is the addition of a disc golf course to the facility. Entrance into the park is typically less than five dollars. Legion State Park is located off North Columbus Avenue.

The Nanih Waiya Mound is a historical site in the Nanih Waiya community, and it has traditionally been a quiet yet intriguing place for people to visit and learn the history of the Choctaw people. The site was returned to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in 2008, and it is considered a sacred place. There is a cave on the property, but it is closed to the public. A tour of the Mound may be requested by calling 601-663-7532.

PLACES TO EAT

We've mentioned the fabulous menu at the Lake, but Louisville and all of Winston County has wonderful restaurant choices.

In downtown Louisville, The Market Cafe is open all week (with a special Sunday opening on each second Sunday) for a unique food experience. Chef Johnny Wooten brings not only an eclectic menu, but also focuses on food presentation - and you will be pleasantly surprised at just how talented he is in both areas! You can find anything from fish tacos to Southern cuisine at Market Cafe on Main Street in Louisville.

On weekends, Lee's of Louisville, located on Hwy 14 West, offers a wide variety of tasty dishes with a menu that focuses on downhome cooking.

K&J Diners is located in a distinctive yellow building at the corner of Hunt Street and Baremore. From fresh beef hamburgers to fried chicken and fish, K&J offers Southern cuisine that is as fine as it gets. They offer lunch plates as well as menu choices - check them out on Facebook for daily menu information.

Out in the country - in "Four Corners" community, to be exact - is the Four Corners Steak and Seafood restaurant. Some may remember it as "The Rustic Kitchen." It is situated where Highway 25 and Highway 19 intersect. The delicious menu at Four Corners Steak and Seafood include a seafood buffet, steaks, and more!

This is not an exhaustive list of restaurants in Winston County; you can check out the Louisville/Winston Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for more information.

SHOPPING

Louisville has a vibrant downtown with many stores in a short walking distance. From Moody's Furniture and The Silver Goose to Southern Traditions, Something Special, and Becky's Antiques - you will find something unique and special in the Downtown Louisville shopping area.

On the bypass is a unique store - the Louisville Trading Post. They carry vintage items, handmade items, and even hard-to-find items like vintage comics and books.

Just nine short miles south is Noxapater. In recent years, downtown Noxapater has grown, offering food, shopping experiences, and more! Visit Pennys in Wells for handmade items; go next door to Darby's for a special outfit. The 4-Way Noxapater Hardware Store has a little something for everyone. Of course, one cannot visit Noxapater without stopping by Woody's for the best fried chicken in Winston and surrounding counties.

So, you think there's nothing to do in Louisville? Winston County offers so much to its citizens and visitors alike both in the summer and throughout the year!