Kara's Sights and Bites: Cool off at Dunn's Falls, then enjoy a world-famous dessert

By: Kara Kimbrough

Dunn's Falls Water Park in Enterprise, MS, is one of the most scenic (and coolest!) places to visit during the summer. 

No matter how positively you (or the weatherman) spin it, there’s only one way to describe the south this time of year…it's hot. If you’re looking for an escape route from the omnipresent heat, picture a place shaded by massive trees swaying in cool breezes and plenty of cold water. Forget a long plane trip to a tropical island and instead, journey to a much closer haven- Dunn’s Falls Water Park in east Mississippi.

The bluffs of the eastern bank of the Chunky River in Lauderdale County extend to amazing heights from which a natural majestic waterfall flows. In short, there’s no shortage of ice-cold water in which to wade or swim; a brisk wind whistling through the trees and up above, a 65-foot waterfall. Does anything sound cooler and dare I say it…more heavenly?

Created in the mid-1850's by Irish immigrant John Dunn, today the scenic waterfall powering an old waterwheel and the adjacent park draw visitors who are amazed by the contrast of powerful flowing water with the otherwise peaceful, tranquil area.

Being able to climb down winding steps on the steep embankment next to the falls to view the majestic sight of thousands of gallons of clear water rushing down from above is one of the park's major draws.

Once visitors have cooled off in or near the water, exploring the scenic park is always a good idea. You won't want to miss the historic Carroll-Richardson Gristmill. Dating back to the 1800's, the historic building was moved from Cave Springs, Georgia and reconstructed on the site of Dunn's original mill. Other sites are a rustic homestead, mill pond filled with fish and ducks and picnic area.

Additionally, the crystal-clear river offers swimming, fishing, canoeing and paddle boating. Nearby, nature trails wind through the woods and are home to wild turkey, deer, squirrels and other wildlife on display for hikers. Primitive camping sites are available for those who don’t mind roughing it in exchange for an unforgettable outdoor experience. There are nominal fees to enter the park and to fish and camp.

If, after enjoying the sights and experiences at the park, the desire exists for more adventures and a memorable meal, make the 15-mile drive in to Meridian, where the state’s oldest restaurant awaits.

No visit to Meridian is complete without a stop at Weidmann's, which can easily be classified as destination dining at its finest. Opened in 1870 by Swiss chef Felix Weidmann, the historic, yet comfortable restaurant is famous for individual crocks of peanut butter at each table and its signature black bottom pie.

Before sitting down to a leisurely meal, here are a few can’t-miss attractions spread throughout Meridian. First, seeing (and riding, if you’d like) the world’s only two-row stationary Dentzel Menagerie Carousel in Highland Park should be on every visitor’s itinerary, regardless of age. Colorful carousel horses are also spread throughout the city (a map can be obtained online from visitmeridian.com).

Meridian is also home to several museums, including one dedicated to the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers. Other popular attractions are The Max-Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience showcasing the state’s strong arts/entertainment history; tours of historic Temple Theatre and Merrehope, a Victorian estate and walking tours of Meridian’s downtown.

After working up an appetite, walk through the heavy doors of Weidmann’s in historic downtown Meridian and be transported back in time courtesy of white-clothed tables, exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and vintage photos.

Once seated in either in the well-appointed main dining room or on the upstairs balcony overlooking downtown, dip a cracker into creamy peanut butter, a staple since 1940’s. During World War II, butter was short, so the owner substituted peanut butter in earthenware crocks. It was popular addition, ne that remains part of the Weidmann’s experience.

Weidmann’s serves brunch on the weekend as well as lunch and dinner throughout the week. Entrees include steak, seafood, chicken and pasta dishes, but perhaps none is as popular as one of Weidmann’s specialties, shrimp and grits. Stone ground grits are slow cooked with butter and cheddar, then topped with fresh shrimp, ham, tomatoes, peppers, onion and a light cream sauce.

The menu also includes soups, salads and appetizers. Felix’s Special pays homage to the founder by pairing his favorite shrimp remoulade salad with a grilled pimento cheese and applewood bacon sandwich on sour dough bread.

After a Weidmann’s meal, it’s hard to imagine ordering dessert. However, you can’t leave without sampling Weidmann’s famous black bottom pie. I’m not sure about the modern-day version, but a vintage online recipe contains gingersnaps, scalded milk, layers of custard and chocolate, a dash or two or whiskey and a crown of meringue scattered with chocolate shavings. Today, Weidmann's version is a decadent, delicious and a must-try ending to a memorable meal.

If You Go:

Dunn’s Falls Water Park

Where: 6890 Dunn's Falls Rd., Enterprise, MS

Hours: Closed on Monday and Tuesday; open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday

Contact: 601-655-8550 to learn about admission fees and other issues; for cabin reservations, call 1-800-748-9403

Weidmann’s

Where: 210 22nd Ave., Meridian

Contact:  601-581-5770 for hours of operations

Website: weidmanns1870.com

Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.