Meridian, A Carousel of Art and Entertainment

For everyone remembering the famous Weidmann's Restaurant located in Meridian, it is no more. The building has been completely gutted and refinished in a post-modern loft style. The old staff have retired. The famous menu has been abandoned for a New American style of cuisine (ie no black bottom pie). The restaurant is open for dinner only. Lots of travelers are disappointed to find out that Meridian's signature restaurant is no more.

Now for the good news. The food is great and the refurbished restaurant is patronized. It looks like the Weidmann's name will continue to grace a restaurant in our town, and hopefully the new management will continue to create a restaurant that can gain fame in its own right.

The City of Meridian is the home of a restored, rare Dentzel Carousel within an original Dentzel Carousel House. This fine machine is located at Highland Park. Because of this carousel and its famous horses, a group of individuals created "Around Town Carousels Abound" as an art project and fundraiser benefiting Actress Sela Ward's "Hope Village For Children".

Famous artists from across the state were asked to decorate these horses, which were sponsored by area businesses and individuals. This self-guided driving tour will guide you to each horse and tell you about the artist and theme of each fantastic animal.

The Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival is a salute to our Meridian native who is honored as the "Father of Country Music". Various country music artists perform in concert at the Temple Theater during the month of May. A talent contest is held at Highland Park for country music performers hoping to catch their big break. Elvis Presley performed at the festival in 1954, before he had sold a single record.

A museum displaying various items from Jimmie Rodgers is usually open to the public. Open year-round Monday thru Saturday, 10am until 4pm; Sunday, 1pm until 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's day. Admission is $5 for general admission and $4 for groups of 20 or more. I would call 601-485-1808 to make sure the museum is open.