- Where is Ripley, Mississippi?
Ripley is the county seat of Tippah County in northeast Mississippi, approximately 75 miles southeast of Memphis, TN, and 105 miles north of Tupelo, MS. It sits along US Highway 72 and MS Highway 15. - What is Ripley known for?
Ripley is known for its deep roots in Hill Country blues, its lively historic Main Street, and one of the oldest continuously running trade markets in the United States, First Monday Trade Days, established in 1893. The town also holds literary significance as the ancestral hometown of William Faulkner's family, and carries a rich Native American heritage tied to the Chickasaw Nation. - What is First Monday Trade Days?
First Monday Trade Days is a historic outdoor flea market held on the Saturday and Sunday before the first Monday of each month. Established in 1893 on the Ripley Court Square, it has grown to span more than 50 acres and features hundreds of vendors selling antiques, vintage finds, handcrafted goods, tools, home décor, farm items, and local food. It is one of the oldest and longest continually running trade days in the United States. - What is Blues Alley?
Blues Alley is a colorful outdoor art space in the heart of downtown Ripley that celebrates the area's Hill Country blues heritage. Murals honor legendary artists such as Mississippi Fred McDowell, Otha Turner, and T-Model Ford. Guitar installations, string lights, and community seating make it a welcoming destination that blends art, history, and small-town character. The alley also serves as the home venue for the Burnside Music Festival. - What is the Burnside Music Festival?
The Burnside Music Festival is an annual celebration of music, culture, and community held at Blues Alley in downtown Ripley. The festival features live music rooted in the North Mississippi Hill Country blues tradition, a show-n-shine car show on the square, a barbecue rib cookoff, arts and crafts vendors, and food trucks. - What is Ripley's connection to William Faulkner?
Ripley is the hometown of William Clark Falkner, great-grandfather of Nobel Prize–winning author William Faulkner. The elder Falkner was a Civil War colonel, railroad builder, and novelist in his own right. His life and legacy are woven into the fabric of the town and inspired Faulkner's fictional Yoknapatawpha County. The mural "A Tale of Two Fa(u)lkners" on Commerce and Jefferson Streets commemorates this connection. - What is the Tippah County Museum?
The Tippah County Historical Museum, located at 106 N. Siddell Street, houses artifacts, documents, and exhibits chronicling the county's storied past, from its Chickasaw roots and Civil War history to the notable figures and events that shaped the region. Admission is free. - What outdoor activities are available in Ripley?
Ripley offers the Ripley Sportsplex on Smith Park Drive, featuring six baseball fields, softball fields, two soccer fields, a one-mile walking trail, picnic pavilion, and playgrounds, with pickleball and tennis courts coming soon. The Tippah County Veterans Memorial Park spans 185 acres off MS Hwy 4 West and features a memorial wall, decommissioned Army tank, 20-foot aluminum soldier monument, and pavilion. - What events happen in Ripley throughout the year?
Year-round highlights include First Monday Trade Days (monthly, Saturday–Sunday before the first Monday), the Burnside Music Festival (annual, Blues Alley), the Tippah County Fair, and a rotating calendar of Main Street events. - How do I contact the Ripley Visitors Center?
Visit Ripley
111 East Spring Street, Ripley, MS 38663
Phone: 662-512-0226
Website: visitripleyms.com
Facebook & Instagram: @Visitripleyms - How far is Ripley from major cities?
-Memphis, TN, approximately 75 miles (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
-Tupelo, MS, approximately 55 miles (about 1 hour)
- Birmingham, AL, approximately 180 miles (about 2 hours 45 minutes)
-Nashville, TN, approximately 175 miles (about 2 hours 45 minutes)
For media inquiries, high-resolution images, or to schedule a press visit, contact Visit Ripley at visitripleyms.com.
Caption credit for all Visit Ripley photos: Visit Ripley | visitripleyms.com
