New Albany Southern Living honor appears to be paying tourism dividends

As New Albany continues to win accolades, it may be paying off in terms of increasing tourism.

Most recently, Southern Living Magazine selected New Albany as one of The South’s Best Small Towns 2021 – the only Mississippi city so chosen.

Also, Sugaree’s Bakery is one of The South’s Best Bakeries 2021. Again, no other Mississippi bakery was included.

That exposure had led to a minor explosion of interest in our community.

Community Development Director Billye Jean Stroud

Community Development Director Billye Jean Stroud said that, so far in April, she has received 354 requests for packets about New Albany and the Tanglefoot Trail. Advertising placed in the magazine after the honor was announced place some emphasis on the trail.

Those requests came from 45 different states.

Southern Living’s designation is far from the only honor bestowed on the city.

This past year the city has been named The Best Southern Small Town by USA Today, among the Ten Most Beautiful Cities in the State, named one of the 10 best cities to live in by the Real Estate Association and the number-one fastest growing city and most affordable real estate in the state and 17^th best in the entire country by LendEDU.

Stroud said that Mississippi Development Authority officials will be here in June to determine whether New Albany should be designated a Certified Retirement Community.

The state has 12 so far with those in our area being Aberdeen, Oxford and Tupelo.