A Historic City Forging a Vibrant Future

Blending Deep Heritage with Modern Progress for an Unrivaled Community Lifestyle

 

Greenwood, Mississippi, has long since been regarded as a primary example of effective municipal stewardship within the Mississippi Delta.

Recognized as the “food capital of Mississippi,” this charming city seamlessly blends its profound historical legacy with robust modern amenities, resulting in a high quality of life that directly fuels its economic vitality.

Despite its already lively environment, Greenwood’s leadership continues to proactively pursue growth opportunities in every area possible.

Currently, the city is addressing its housing shortage to attract new residents and undertaking significant public infrastructure investments like the ambitious renovation of its historic downtown fire station.

The aim here is to create an organic solution to the housing gap by bolstering the city’s appeal and potential for prosperity.

Even so, Greenwood’s prosperity relative to other cities does not fall short, as its economy is deeply embedded with rich tourism and strong commercial activity.

The city’s unique cultural attractions, such as the globally renowned Viking Range cooking classes, which consistently book out years in advance and serve as a massive draw, generate substantial visitor revenue.

This direct economic impact is further magnified by its status as Mississippi’s second-busiest Amtrak stop, channeling diners to its celebrated restaurants, such as Fan & Johnny’s, Serio’s and Giardina’s.

The city’s continuous investment in infrastructure has enhanced both its accessibility and aesthetic appeal, directly benefiting its local businesses.

With a diverse industrial and manufacturing base, featuring major players like Milwaukee Tools and the John Richard Collection, Greenwood showcases how fostering a dynamic business environment, alongside a thriving community spirit, translates into a city where every investment yields visible returns.

With so much to offer, a key question emerges: How exactly has this city managed to set such a remarkable precedent for urban affluence?

It’s time to discover the masterful strategies Greenwood’s leadership uses to convert unique heritage and community spirit into tangible economic gains.

A City of Fun Festivals, Friendliness, and Great Food

Greenwood, Mississippi, is a city that is rich in culture, opportunity, and charm.

The city’s iconic location, nestled along the beautiful Yazoo River, encapsulates a unique charisma that captivates visitors and residents alike with its warm embrace and lively atmosphere.

Greenwood embodies a management philosophy that honors its past, owns its present, and builds for the future.

The city’s historic downtown, vibrant festivals, and culinary delights serve a genuinely caring and fun-loving community.

“The spirit of Greenwood has always been about our festivals, our downtown, and our people. They’re kind, caring people, and they love to entertain and welcome others into our community,” says Mayor Carolyn McAdams.

One event that many feel captures the essence of Greenwood is the “Que on the Yazoo,” a major barbecue festival held on the city’s namesake river. The festival attracts over 34 competitive teams from across the United States, all of whom are eager to have their dishes judged by certified professionals.

Additionally, with the city’s Christmas parade being one of the largest in the state, it draws participants and spectators from a 100-mile radius.

Summer brings the Music Between the Bridges festival as well as weekly Friday night music at the Farmers Market on the Rail Spike Park, a beautifully landscaped walking path with exercise equipment and public art.

The city also hosts the Blues, Bikes, and Bayous bike ride, a 96-mile annual event attracting approximately 1,200 participants from across the globe, many of whom are repeat visitors.

These gatherings highlight the city’s passion for entertainment and its enthusiasm for welcoming visitors. In fact, it’s fair to say that, within Greenwood’s downtown area, lies a well-known symbol of the city’s hospitality, the Alluvian Hotel.

“The Alluvian brings in lots of people from everywhere. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, it features live music and a happy hour, and I can’t tell you how many people come from all around to enjoy it. Of course, many also stay at the hotel for other reasons. But we’re a great tourism city,” Mayor McAdams says.

Greenwood’s deep historical roots, particularly its connection to the Civil Rights Movement and music history are another reason it’s such a significant tourism destination.

It’s also important to note that the Rail Spike Park is home to the only Emmett Till statue in the United States.

This historical aura, combined with the community’s charismatic nature, ensures that everyone, from long-time residents to first-time visitors, feels embraced.

And if that’s not enough, the city’s constantly progressing recreational amenities offer alternative experiences. For example, a newly installed boat dock on the Yazoo River, capable of housing about six boats, was recently celebrated with a ribbon-cutting.

This eagerly anticipated addition provides commercial fishermen and recreational boaters, including pontoon and jet ski enthusiasts, with easy access to the river, allowing them to dock and enjoy downtown amenities without having to trailer their vessels.

A Tapestry of Economic Catalysts and Community Hotspots

Greenwood’s economic landscape is dynamically shaped by cornerstone businesses and innovative attractions that drive employment and tourism.

As the food capital of Mississippi, it goes without saying that Greenwood’s restaurants are a core part of both its visitor appeal and economic momentum.

“Our restaurants are key. We have one called Fan and Johnny’s, and their Chef is Taylor Ricketts, and she was a James Beard nominee. So, her food is superb… I mean, you don’t get the everyday blue plate special hanging at Johnny’s. You get different, unique dishes that are delicious. And so people come from everywhere to eat at Fan and Johnny’s,” Mayor McAdams explains.

In addition to Fan and Johnny’s, Mayor McAdams speaks on several other notable eateries, like the renowned steak and seafood at Giardina’s, a third-generation restaurant located in the Alluvian Hotel, and the authentic Italian cuisine at Serio’s.

However, numerous other businesses within Greenwood’s business ecosystem contribute to its overall success.

A monumental presence is the Viking Range Corporation, whose headquarters and manufacturing plants are located right in Greenwood.

Viking’s impact also extends beyond manufacturing; its world-renowned cooking class is so popular that slots are booked years in advance, drawing visitors from across the globe.

“Those classes are usually closed in a matter of seconds. People always call me and ask ‘Hey, can you get me into the Viking cooking class, and I always say ‘Look, I’m sorry, I might be the mayor, but I couldn’t get Jesus into a Viking cooking class,” Mayor McAdams jokingly expresses.

The Viking Spa and Cooking store, adjacent to the Viking-owned Alluvian Hotel, further enhances the city’s appeal as a high-end destination.

In addition to Viking, other significant industries contribute to Greenwood’s economy. For example, Staplcotn, one of only four cotton marketing cooperatives In the nation, maintains its corporate headquarters and a  very large cotton warehousing facility here.

The city also maintains a well-kept industrial park, recently welcoming Saylor Wheel, a new business renovating a building to produce metal steel wheels.

And then, there is the highly anticipated return of TurnRow Book Co., a historic bookstore with an art exhibit and café, that further promises to boost tourism upon its reopening.

Enhanced Infrastructure and Greenwood’s Future Horizon

Greenwood investments in infrastructure manage to honor modern functionality while preserving the significance of its past.

“We just finished a streetscape on one of our major downtown streets, which offers new pavement and new historical lighting in ADA accessible sidewalks with concrete and brick inserts; they’re beautiful,” Mayor McAdams explains.

The mayor also notes that a similar renovation is slated for Walthall Street, which will connect a main downtown bridge to the highway, promising a complete overhaul to complete the city’s downtown area with a cohesive and updated look.

Looking ahead, the city plans to apply for a grant to construct a fishing pier near its new dock, further catering to fishermen and ensuring easy access to the river.

Over the next two to five years, several ambitious initiatives are set to further enhance the city’s appeal and functionality.

A top priority involves a significant renovation of Greenwood’s primary fire station, strategically located beside City Hall.

“We still want to keep the historic look of that fire department, but we just want to make it more comfortable and modernistic,” Mayor McAdams says, explaining that it will enhance conditions for the firefighters who are stationed there 24/7.

Additionally, central to Greenwood’s future vision is the critical expansion of its housing opportunities.

Recognizing a current shortage, the city is dedicated to “buffing up” its housing stock, actively seeking to facilitate new developments that will offer attractive property options for families and retirees alike.

Beyond infrastructure and economy, Greenwood is passionately investing in its community’s well-being and education.

Efforts are underway to continuously improve the local school systems, including support for specialized academies like Delta Streets Academy, which not only provides college-preparatory curricula but also instills crucial life lessons in its male students.

These initiatives, driven by a deep focus on both historical preservation and modern advancement, are set to secure Greenwood’s position as a thriving and desirable place to live, work, and visit for generations to come.

AT A GLANCE

Who: The City of Greenwood, Mississippi

What: A historic Delta city seamlessly blending rich cultural heritage with forward-thinking community and economic development.

Where: Located along the Yazoo River in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.

Website: www.greenwoodms.com