The Visit Carroll Podcast

Celtic Heritage Comes Alive at the Cotesworth Celtic Gathering

At the Cotesworth Celtic Gathering, Carroll County's history, music, athletics, and community spirit come together in a celebration unlike anything else in North Mississippi. This episode of the Carroll County Podcast takes listeners inside the festival, from the power and tradition of the Highland Games to the lively sounds of Irish music, fiddle tunes, local heritage, and stories passed down through generations. Through conversations with organizers, athletes, and musicians, we hear how this growing event connects Celtic roots with Mississippi culture while helping preserve the historic Cotesworth property. It's a day filled with food, vendors, music, education, and community—a reminder that Carroll County's story is still being celebrated, shared, and carried forward.

Cruisin' Cotesworth: Classic Cars, Local History, and a Day Worth the Drive

What happens when classic cars, small-town community, and Mississippi history all come together in one place? In this episode, we spotlight Cruisin' Cotesworth in Carroll County—a one-of-a-kind event that blends antique and collectible cars with the rich story of one of the region's most historic homes. Hear from Kenny Downs, David Jinkins, and Punky Stewart as they share what makes this event so special, from the relaxed atmosphere and unique setting to the heritage demonstrations, family activities, and community support that keep people coming back. Whether you love cars, local history, or simply discovering meaningful events off the beaten path, this episode captures why Cruisin' Cotesworth is more than a car show—it's an experience

When History Speaks Back: Sacred Ground, Spirits, and Stories of Carroll County

Carroll County's history is not just something you learned, but rather something you experience. In this episode, public historian and podcaster Shannon Evans joins paranormal investigators and local storytellers to reveal how cemeteries, historic homes, and landmarks across Carroll County continue to hold memory, meaning, and mystery. From the burial grounds of Mississippi John Hurt and Revolutionary War drummer John Cain to interactive paranormal investigations at the Cotesworth Culture and Heritage Center, this discussion blends documented history with personal encounters that invite curiosity rather than fear. The guests explain how education, respect, and storytelling sit at the heart of Carroll County's paranormal experiences—creating moments that connect past lives to present-day visitors. Whether you're drawn to sacred spaces, historical truth, or unexplained moments that make you pause, this conversation invites you to slow down, listen closely, and consider how history still reaches out in Carroll County.

Painted Places: How Carroll County Turned History Into a Roadside Story

What if a drive through a small Mississippi county could feel like walking through a living museum? In this episode of The Visit Carroll Podcast, we explore how Carroll County's walls, storefronts, and streets have become storytellers—preserving history while inviting new curiosity. You'll hear from a muralist, two mayors, and a local business owner who reveal how faded ghost signs, restored advertisements, and thoughtfully designed murals are shaping identity, sparking nostalgia, and drawing visitors who are willing to slow down and look a little closer. From McCarley's vintage flower mural to North Carrollton's forward-looking public art, this conversation shows how brushstrokes can connect generations, strengthen community pride, and turn quiet corners into meaningful destinations. If you've ever wondered how art can bring the past into the present—and why murals might just make you pull over and stay awhile—this episode is your invitation to see Carroll County with fresh eyes.

Cotesworth: A Stagecoach Inn, A Senator's Legacy, and a Home Frozen in Time

In this episode of The Visit Carroll Podcast, Kenny Downs and Pam Lee guide listeners through the remarkable story of Cotesworth. This historic property began as a bustling 1840s stagecoach inn and later became the residence of Senator J. Z. George. Together, they trace the home's evolution along historic travel routes, its Greek Revival transformation, and the profound personal history woven into its walls. From George's rise as a legal mind and U.S. Senator to the family's enduring connection to the property, this episode highlights the people and moments that shaped Cotesworth's legacy. The conversation covers how the home and the town of Carrollton became living time capsules—capturing the interest of filmmakers, historians, and visitors seeking an authentic window into Mississippi's past.