Crystal Springs celebrates tomatoes and local charm
Crystal Springs, a community established in the 1800s, is known for its farming roots and tomato production. The area was called the "Tomato Capital of the World" in the early 20th century. And locals still celebrate the community's history. The city holds an annual Tomato Festival in the summer. Charming street decor of the bright red fruits are placed throughout downtown. The city's name references a gurgling spring that once provided drinking water to locals. Today, the natural spout is next to the Chautauqua Lake reservoir. Crystal Springs has participated in the EPA's Brownfield Program, which has provided funding in recent years to develop a new bicycle and pedestrian path connecting the lake to the community.
Historic homes, wooded lots and new builds across town
Crystal Springs offers a mix of older homes, a newer housing development and dwellings on wooded lots. Historic homes are in and around downtown. The residential streets contain Queen Annes from the late 1800s, Craftsman-style bungalows and cottages. There are also several midcentury ranch-style houses throughout the community. Farther from the town center are larger lots with farmhouses and barns. The Shiloh Estates subdivision holds some of the area's newest residences. The market includes large parcels of land suitable for hunting and building homesteads. A fixer-upper can cost between $45,000 and $85,000. Move-in ready homes typically range from $90,000 to around $240,000.
The area is at risk of severe storms, flash floods and tornadoes, which can impact homes.
Downtown shops and restaurants reflect the area's local character
The city center is a part of the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown businesses such as thrift shops and restaurants occupy longstanding buildings. The Main Street Crystal Springs organization hosts Saturdays at the Shed, a seasonal open-air market offering local produce sold underneath a wooden structure. Brando's Steakhouse and Buffet, next door, is a new addition to the dining scene. The establishment stands in an old brick building with a mural of "Tomatopolis" written in cursive. The local Shivers Creek Fish House was featured on Food Network in 2025. Residents can shop at Ramey's grocery store, off Marion Avenue. Many residents visit Byram, about 15 miles away, for more retail and restaurants.
Chautauqua Park offers trails, fishing and a museum
The small city has public recreational spaces like McPherson Park and the Crystal Springs Sports Complex. However, Chautauqua Park is the leading outdoor attraction. The grounds are the site of the original natural springs from which the area was named. Visitors can view the spot while traversing along the dirt pathways of the Tree Top Trails. The park also features a lake for fishing, a disc golf course and the Tomato Museum.
Celebrating the red fruit and blues music
The Tomato Festival features parades and tomato contests. The categories for the competitions include the prettiest, ugliest and largest tomatoes. The Taste of the Blues event presents an afternoon of live music performances along the downtown streets. The family-friendly gathering includes bounce houses and a petting zoo.
Students stay in Crystal Springs for school
Crystal Springs Elementary accepts students in prekindergarten to fourth grade; the school has a C-plus rating on Niche. Crystal Springs Middle and Crystal Springs High have C ratings. During homecoming week, the school holds a parade the day before the big football game.
Drivers rely on highways and I-55 to reach nearby cities
Crystal Springs is a car-dependent area. Locals travel on Highway 51 and 27 to get to nearby cities. Interstate 55 stretches across the western side of the area. Copiah County Medical Center is about 10 miles south, in Hazlehurst. Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is roughly 30 miles north. Drivers can expect some traffic when heading through Jackson.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
