Columbia, Mississippi, is a charming town on the banks of the Pearl River. It is famous for the white squirrels that were introduced to the area by former Mississippi Governor and Columbia native, Hugh L. White.

They are still common in Columbia City Park.

Governor White’s home still stands today, a stately reminder of a historic architecture.

Columbia is also home of Walter Payton, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and former running back for the Chicago Bears, who as nicknamed “Sweetness.”

A popular visitor attraction is Red Bluff, one of the state’s best-kept secrets that is also known as the “Grand Canyon of Mississippi.”

The geological formation created by millions of years of erosion from the west bank of the Pearl River is one of the most beautiful places in Mississippi.

For more restaurants, shopping and entertainment, Hattiesburg is less than an hour’s drive away.

This busy town is also home to the University of Southern Mississippi and all its sports and cultural offerings.