They say a picture is worth a thousand words. These murals certainly tell a story. They speak of a town—its culture, its history, and what makes it special. A history rich in agriculture; peanuts, cotton, cattle, and citrus. One mural is described as a “love letter to Jackson County”, another introduces you to the “City of Southern Charm”, and yet another rises from the ashes of a devastating category 5 hurricane. So, join us on a trip through Marianna Florida and beyond. See what makes this place tick, discover the warmth and charm of Southern hospitality. Take pictures. Visit the local shops. Swap stories with the folks you meet and don’t be surprised if you fall head over heels for Jackson County, we sure have!
Magnolias and More
This mural located on the Milton Insurance building perfectly captures a Southern view. Magnolias? Check! Spanish moss? Check! A live oak draped in Spanish moss? Absolutely! A beautiful and fitting welcome to Marianna as the “City of Southern Charm”. These murals—along with the efforts of many hardworking people—are helping to renew downtown Marianna. As one Instagram user (@serenole) cleverly put it, the transformation is truly “magnolia-nificent!”
- Just down the road from this mural, you’ll find McCoy’s Outdoors—a true staple. Whether you’re gearing up for a fishing or hunting trip, they’ve got you covered. And if outdoor gear isn’t what you’re after, inside you will find Mustard Seed, a charming boutique tucked within the store, offering Southern-inspired gifts and fashion.
- If you’re looking for an escape into nature, the Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area is the perfect spot. Just south of Marianna, this 226-acre park offers a scenic four-mile loop trail that winds past caves, sinkholes, and bluffs along the Chipola River. It’s a favorite for hikers, paddlers, and birdwatchers looking to unwind and explore the outdoors. With picnic areas, river access, and plenty of shaded paths, it’s also an ideal place for a quiet afternoon with family or a solo adventure.
Go Bulldogs
Painted on the corner of Lafayette and Madison Street, our second stop displays a 20 foot bulldog mascot proudly supporting the local school that was founded in 1927. As a town with strong school spirit you will see bulldog emblems frequently throughout Marianna. Continuing the school spirit theme, our state is painted in the same school color and highlights peanuts and our waterways, all styled to resemble a vintage postcard. Peanuts are a vital crop here, with generations of farmers growing them in the area’s sandy soils. Alongside the town’s farming strengths are its natural treasures—Marianna is surrounded by scenic waterways, offering kayaking, fishing, and a peaceful backdrop to a community.
- Explore this mural on a Saturday and while you are there visit the Marianna City Farmer’s Market. Look for the best farm-to-table produce, local honey and jams, and crafts.
- In the summer months let the kids splash, play, and get some energy out at the splash-pad at Madison Street Park. It is conveniently right across from the farmer’s market.
Lafayette Landing
In October 2018, Hurricane Michael hit as a category 5 hurricane causing major damage to Marianna and Jackson County. It was a devastating loss of homes, buildings, trees, and crops. But from the rubble rose a strengthened community. A community that would come together to rebuild their town. And from that comes the story of the Purity Bottling Works mural. Painted sometime between 1905-1919 and featuring an ad for Wrigley’s Double-mint gum this artwork was hidden from view until Hurricane Michael crumpled the surrounding structure at Lafayette Landing revealing this piece of lost history.
Coca-Cola
Not much is known about the vintage Coca-Cola sign on Lafayette Street. In 1907 the local bottling company signed a contract to bottle Coca-Cola so it could possibly be around this time that the mural was painted. We do know that it is visible in photos from the Satsuma Festival held in 1928. Locals say that as a far as they remember it has always been there!
- As you explore these two historical sites, don’t miss the chance to dive deeper into the past with the Battle of Marianna Walking Tour. The tour begins at Ely Corner (the fountain at the Russ House) but close to these murals you can find the Battle of Marianna Monument placed in the 1920s and the Courthouse Square where hand to hand fighting took place. For more information on the tour click the link above or pop into the Visitor Center in the historic Russ House during business hours.
- If you are looking for a place to eat nearby Bistro Palms has wood-fired pizzas, Gazebo (open for breakfast and lunch) has soups and sandwiches and if you are looking for finer dining Salt Block is the place to be.
Southern Craft Creamery
The latest mural painted in downtown Marianna, is on the side of the Southern Craft Creamery building. Painted by Curtis Glover of Knoxville TN this incredible painting shows two friendly looking dairy cows front and center surrounded by cotton, oranges, and peanuts. Southern Craft Creamery uses their own milk from Cindale farms, a second-generation dairy farm to create their delicious handcrafted ice cream. We highly recommend their ice-cream sandwiches or homemade waffle cones!
While you are there be sure to pop next door to the Southern Craft Market for locally made items, and farm-to-table products. If you are there at the right time you can actually see the milk being bottled in the next room.
A Fun Floral Mural
After grabbing your ice cream or coffee at Southern Craft Creamery head down the road to the fun floral wings painted on the Acentria Insurance building. Its a perfect backdrop for a fun photo!
Blue Collar Feed Co.
Before leaving this part of town head to Blue Collar Feed Store which features a colorful mural with a black show pig against bright sunshine and waves. It’s rural meets playful!
The Haute Knot Beauty Bar
Right next door to the feed store be sure to check out the fun, girly, and all-shades of pink mural painted on the side of The Haute Knot Beauty Bar salon.
Crosshairs
These two murals in Marianna make a bold statement and reflect the area’s strong ties to the outdoors and local culture. The black-and-white mural on the left welcomes visitors to Marianna with a hunting scene—deer, birds, and woods that capture the essence of Jackson County’s outdoor lifestyle. Just around the corner, the vibrant red, white, and blue mural marks the location of Crosshairs, a local gun and supply store.
- While you are on this side of town be sure to pop by Spears Cafe for mom and pop down-home cooking. For homemade goodies, coffee, AND antique shopping head to Coffee, Crumbs, & Comforts, or to El Rio for delicious chips and salsa.
Your Tomorrow Starts Here
Chipola College, founded in 1947, is known for its fine and performing arts program. So it’s no surprise that the mural on the side of Chipola’s Cultural Center is a bright and bold symbol of the school’s love for art, creativity, and community. Titled “Your Tomorrow Starts Here” it showcases graduates looking towards their future. Painted in watercolor style using the college’s colors of blue and gold with pops of colors this mural is worth seeing!
- While visiting the college, have fun on the pickle-ball courts, catch a seasonal performance by the Chipola College Theater Department, or enjoy a swim in the pool during the summer months.
- After your time on campus, head to Citizen Lodge Park to play a round of disc golf, explore the walking trails, or let the kids enjoy the playground.
- You can also visit Florida Caverns State Park to tour the cave system, hike the trails, or spend time fishing in the peaceful surroundings.
Southern Fields Brewing
Tucked away in Campbellton this mural manages to capture almost everything that is the spirit of Jackson County. It’s a cheerful, artistic tribute to the community, and it lives on the side of Southern Fields Brewing -in an 120 year old building that had once been a bank and then a hardware store before it sat empty for over 50 years. The brewery opened its doors in late 2020 and is the only brewery in the area. The owner, Brian Walker, describes the mural as a ‘love letter to Jackson County’. To fully appreciate it, you really have to see it in person. It includes the springs, watermelon, peanuts, cotton and the historic Russ House, just to name a few details.
- The brewery offers a laid-back atmosphere with a courtyard, live music, and food trucks on weekends. Enjoy a rotating selection of craft beers—from IPAs to seasonal favorites like the citrusy Satsuma Grove IPA.
Graceville
From Campbellton it’s a short drive to the Graceville mural that is a fitting tribute to the town’s farming roots, featuring peanuts on one side and cotton on the other. It’s a simple, eye-catching piece that celebrates tradition- a photo-worthy landmark that reflects the pride and charm of rural Northwest Florida.
- Graceville is a must-visit if you’re craving seafood and Southern comfort food. Enjoy steaks and shrimp at Gary’s Southern Grill, fresh oysters and cold beer at the Oyster Bar of Graceville, or classic favorites like fried chicken, pork chops, and country fried steak at Circle Grill.
- If you love treasure hunting, be sure to check out our blog for the best antique and thrift shopping spots in Graceville.