Raleigh is about 50 miles southeast of Jackson, MS. It is a straight shot from I-20 at Brandon (travel Hwy18 E to Raleigh) and from I-20 at Forest (travel Hwy 35 S to Raleigh). Taylorsville, MS, has the closest motel to the Ag Complex, about 16 miles away. For your convenience, we are providing a list of nearby motels. Please check reviews and call individual motels for more info. Mention you are with the Mississippi Gourd Festival in Raleigh and ask for discounts, such as AAA, AARP, senior discount, etc.
Please notify the motel of any problems during your stay and give us honest feedback at the festival about your stay. Name of motel? Which city? Would you stay there again or recommend it? Problems with your stay?
Taylorsville, MS—about 16 miles from the Ag Complex:
Red Carpet Inn, Taylorsville, 601-785-4744. On Hwy 28 W, next door to Huddle House. King $55, Double $60. Plus tax. Discount for AARP and AAA. Refrigerator, microwave, cable TV, free WiFi. No breakfast, no pool.
Magee, MS—about 23 miles from Raleigh:
Best Western Plus, Magee, 601-867-3535. Ask for Nicholas – direct phone number (really helpful) 601-382-7239. King $85.99, Queen $95.99, Family suite $119.00. Plus tax. Discount for AARP and AAA. Mention Mississippi Gourd Festival to get rates quoted above. Refrigerator, microwave, TV, free WiFi, computers, snack area, fitness center, washers and dryers, pool, hot breakfast. Newest motel in Magee.
Holiday Inn Express, Magee, 601-849-6977. King $99, double $109, Suites $119. Must mention Mississippi Gourd Festival to get those rates. Refrigerator, microwave, TV, iron, fitness center, free WiFi, breakfast buffet, pool.
Western Motel, Magee, 601-849-2049. King $54.95, Double $59.95. No discounts. Refrigerator, microwave, TV, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, free Wifi, pool. No breakfast.
Quality Inn, Magee, 601-849-2300. Susan Byra was unable to reach manager.
Relax Inn, Magee, 601-849-5278. King $45, 2 beds in room $50. No discounts. Refrigerator, microwave, free WiFi, no breakfast, no pool. This is the oldest motel in town, so judge accordingly.
Forest, MS—about 23 miles from Raleigh:
Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Forest, 601-469-8288. King $124, 2 Queens, $124 plus tax. Discount for AARP and AAA. Refrigerator, microwave, iron and ironing board, fitness center, business center, free WiFi, hot breakfast, pool.
Econo Lodge and Suites, Forest, 601-469-2100 (phone number change from last year). King or double $66.33 includes tax. Mention Mississippi Gourd Festival. Refrigerator, microwave, iron, hair dryer, coffee machine, free WiFi, breakfast, pool.
Days Inn, Forest, 601-469-2500. $75 King or 2 Doubles. $67.50 with AAA or AARP discount. Microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, free WiFi, pool, and breakfast. Finished remodeling in September 2015.
Bay Springs, MS—about 19 miles from the Ag Complex:
Western Motel, Bay Springs, 601-764-4545. Susan Byra was unable to talk to anyone.
Brandon—about 38 miles from Raleigh:
Check online for numerous motels in the Brandon/Jackson area.
RV Spaces next door to the Ag Complex: Spaces available on premises for dry or self-contained RV camping. There are five 30-amp electrical hookups for RVs in front of the older livestock barn next to the Ag Complex. No sewer or water hookups. Water is available on premises to fill tanks–bring long water hose. $15 per day, payable to the Smith County Livestock Association. Call Mike Thompson at 601-782- 9444 to reserve space.
Prentiss Walker Lake, 4 miles SW of Mize, off Hwy 35. Contact Stan Sullivan at 601-733-2611. http://www.mdwf.com/fishing-boating/state-fishing-lakes/central-region/prentiss-walker-lake.aspx
Roosevelt State Park, Morton, MS 601-732-6316 http://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/ms-state-parks/roosevelt.aspx
