Of all the amazing towns in Mississippi, Livingston is definitely one of the most unique. In the early 1830s, it was a thriving commercial center and the county seat of Madison County. Unfortunately, Livingston didn’t flourish for long and was practically deserted by the Civil War. This turn of events may not seem so uncommon – many towns in Mississippi have sort of disappeared over time; however, unlike many of those towns, Livingston is making a comeback. The one-of-a-kind town is quickly becoming one of the most charming in the state. Take a look:
Livingston is an unincorporated community located at the intersection of highways 463 and 22 in Madison County, with nearby towns including Flora, Canton, and Madison.
google.com During its heyday, Livingston served as an important trading center for nearby plantations. The town’s demise began in the 1850s, when it was bypassed by the railroad. By the 1940s, Livingston lost its charter and was demoted from a town to an unincorporated community; however, all hope was not lost for Livingston.
In 2013, land developer and history buff David Landrum saw the area and couldn’t ignore its beauty…or potential. At that moment, Landrum set out to “rebuild the town.”
thetownoflivingston.com Working with architects from Atlanta, Landrum created a design to “put the town back” to how it once was, down to the roads being located where the originals were. The 500-acre development is filled with period buildings that appear to have been built back in the 1830s.
As of today, Livingston features an 1800s-style town square, complete with a barbershop, mercantile store, two restaurants, candy store, florist, and cooking school.
thetownoflivingston.com
One step inside the town’s general store, Livingston Mercantile, and you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to days long gone.
Livingston Mercantile/Facebook
Selling grocery items, hunting and fishing supplies, gardening essentials, pet food, and even gifts, the quaint shop is sure to have what you’re looking for, and if not…
thetownoflivingston.com
…they’ll order it for you – it just doesn’t get more charming than that!
The Town of Livingston/Facebook
The town is also home to Livingston Sweet Shoppe. As sweet as it sounds, the candy store is bound to make you feel like a kid again.
Livingston Sweet Shoppe/Yelp
If you’re looking for a something bit more substantial, The Gathering is a great choice.
The Town of Livingston/Facebook An extension of Livingston Mercantile, the eatery features blue plate specials, Sunday Supper, and live music in a relaxed atmosphere.
The town’s other restaurant, County Seat, is also a great option. Winner of the “2016 Diner’s Choice” award, it serves up a mouthwatering fare which is focused on farm-to-table cuisine and charcuterie.
Greg M./Yelp Even better, all of the restaurant’s ingredients, “from produce to dairy, livestock, free range fowl, and even the wood” (used to fire the grill) are supplied by local farmers.
The Farmer’s Table Cooking School is also a must-visit in Livingston. Centered around fresh, locally grown ingredients, the classes focus on everything from chicken and waffles to French cuisine.
thetownoflivingston.com Aside from a hands-on cooking experience, the classes also include plenty of wine and a discount on merchandise used during the class.
Livingston is also known to host an amazing farmers market.
thetownoflivingston.com The farmers market actually played a huge role in rebuilding Livingston and was used as a way to encourage people to visit the area.
Held on Thursday evenings May through October, the farmers market includes live performances, cooking demonstrations by area chefs, a wine garden…
The Town of Livingston/Facebook
…and plenty of vendors selling fresh, local produce, grass-fed beef, farm eggs, and more.
The Town of Livingston/Facebook
Aside from the farmers market, Livingston holds community-wide events in the Town Square throughout the year, making for a quintessential small town experience.
thetownoflivingston.com
Just as charming as it is unique, Livingston should definitely be on your bucket list! Have you ever visited Livingston? Did you know it existed, or had such an interesting history? Tell us in the comments section.
google.com
During its heyday, Livingston served as an important trading center for nearby plantations. The town’s demise began in the 1850s, when it was bypassed by the railroad. By the 1940s, Livingston lost its charter and was demoted from a town to an unincorporated community; however, all hope was not lost for Livingston.
thetownoflivingston.com
Working with architects from Atlanta, Landrum created a design to “put the town back” to how it once was, down to the roads being located where the originals were. The 500-acre development is filled with period buildings that appear to have been built back in the 1830s.
thetownoflivingston.com
Livingston Mercantile/Facebook
The Town of Livingston/Facebook
Livingston Sweet Shoppe/Yelp
The Town of Livingston/Facebook
An extension of Livingston Mercantile, the eatery features blue plate specials, Sunday Supper, and live music in a relaxed atmosphere.
Greg M./Yelp
Even better, all of the restaurant’s ingredients, “from produce to dairy, livestock, free range fowl, and even the wood” (used to fire the grill) are supplied by local farmers.
Aside from a hands-on cooking experience, the classes also include plenty of wine and a discount on merchandise used during the class.
The farmers market actually played a huge role in rebuilding Livingston and was used as a way to encourage people to visit the area.
Looking for another one-of-a-kind town? Check out “The Little Town In Mississippi That Might Just Be The Most Unique Town In The World.“
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Address: Livingston, MS 39071, USA
