Heritage Alliance continues to move forward

Families are looking for the most for their money.

Some will choose to spend that time and money right here in north Mississippi.

But where can you go to get all the information on the local sights and sounds?

It's called Mississippi Hills Heritage Area Alliance.

In short, its a clearing house for local history, events, and local attractions, and that could be especially helpful this travel season.

From civil war remembrances, to local parks, to area festivals and celebrations, north Mississippi is rich in heritage, culture and overall history.

Actually the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area Alliance, which is part of a national organization, as been in place for a little while now.

It's eye catching welcome center is located in the Renasant Center for IDEAs in downtown Tupelo.

"What the National Heritage Area Alliance does is pretty much promote the counties that are within the region and through tourism and economic development," says MHHAA President Kristy White.

Inside this facility you're quickly reminded about how much north Mississippi has played a role in all kinds of history in this country.

But, some of that history can also mean fun for families.

"There are a whole lot of facets to north Mississippi that people are just now discovering," says White.  "And, we encourage them to come on out and see a little bit and maybe learn something in the process."

As Heritage Hills board members met on Tuesday, they learned from State Representative Steve Holland that some needed funds would be available from the legislature to help bring the agency to the next level when it comes to promotion.

Another spokesperson says, "You know so often the money that you get from grants means that you can only do like paper things, brochures. We're going to be able to do brick and mortar. We can make some changes. Change out something, a wonderful home becomes a museum. A wonderful home becomes a visitors center. We can add on. So, those are the new and different things. We're really going to be able to ramp it up a little more and do more for our communities through our heritage areas."