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Sports
Indoor and outdoor venues for tournaments and spectator events, minutes from Memphis.
BankPlus Amphitheater, Southaven
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DeSoto County Convention & Visitors Bureau
About Discover DeSoto
Discover DeSoto is the public destination brand of the DeSoto County Convention & Visitors Bureau. We strive to build a vibrant future known for its hospitality where tourism, entertainment, and diverse culture drive economic vitality, elevate quality of life, and unite communities in partnership. Through leadership in sustainability and innovation, we establish DeSoto County as a premier destination that celebrates its unique character and secures enduring prosperity for residents and visitors alike.
“Building prosperity through culture, entertainment and community.”
Cedar Hill Farm, Hernando
Our mission
Beyond-the-ordinary visits, rooted in place
Our mission is to give every visitor an immersive, beyond-the-ordinary experience by promoting the unique attractions, history, and charm of DeSoto County.
Discover DeSoto is how we present DeSoto County to the world. DeSoto County Convention & Visitors Bureau is the public bureau behind the brand: a Mississippi tourism organization serving residents, partners, and guests.
Our communities
Six towns, one county
Each community has its own rhythm. Explore a town hub for local favorites, then link out to partner sites when you are ready to visit.
Southaven
Live music at Snowden Grove, the Snowden District gateway, and Memphis-metro convenience without leaving Mississippi.
Hernando
County-seat charm with Cedar Hill Farm, the DeSoto County Museum, and courthouse square events.
Olive Branch
Lakeside parks, 1836 BBQ & Grill, and a growing arts scene in Old Towne Olive Branch.
Horn Lake
Latimer Lakes Park, Circle G Ranch, and the American Contract Bridge League Museum.
Walls
Riverfront trails, picnic pavilions, and Mississippi River views at Hernando DeSoto River Park.
Nesbit
Glamping at Blue Haze Farms, cut-your-own trees, and country dining across the Nesbit countryside.
Plan an event
Sports, weddings, corporate, and meetings
From youth tournaments to board retreats and wedding weekends, we help organizers find the right venues, lodging, and visitor information across DeSoto County.
Plan an event
Wedding
Barns, ballrooms, and chapel grounds for intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.
Southern Elegance Events, Southaven
Explore Wedding
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Corporate
Conferences and retreats with lodging, dining, and Memphis airport access nearby.
Holiday Inn, Southaven
Explore Corporate
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Meetings
Welcome remarks, visitor guides, and group help so attendees get the most from DeSoto.
Hernando Public Library
Explore Meetings
Leadership
Bureau leadership
Day-to-day direction for Discover DeSoto and the Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Executive Director
Debbie Mendenhall
- Phone
- (662) 393-8770
Governance
Board of Directors
The DeSoto County Convention and Visitors Bureau Commission was created on May 6, 1996, by the County Board of Supervisors pursuant to Mississippi Senate Bill 3173. The commission has seven members. Five are appointed by the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors. Two at-large members are appointed as members of the DeSoto County Economic Development Council. All members serve four-year terms.
President
Amelia Lovorn
Appointed May 20, 2024
Term expires May 15, 2026
Vice President, District 4 Rep
Michael Lee
Appointed May 20, 2024
Term expires May 15, 2028
District 1 Rep
Lisa Britt
Appointed August 4, 2025
Term expires May 16, 2026
District 2 Rep
Bill Sexton
Appointed October 7, 2024
Term expires May 15, 2027
District 3 Rep
Lee Ellingburg
Appointed October 7, 2024
Term expires May 15, 2027
District 5 Rep
Dr. Jason Coleman
Appointed May 20, 2024
Term expires May 15, 2028
At-Large Rep
Tony Jones
Appointed December 17, 2018
Term expires May 15, 2028
How our assistant works
AI disclaimer
The AI Trip Planner recommends places and events from the curated Discover DeSoto directory and links out to partners. It does not check live availability, take reservations, or process payments. The assistant can be wrong. Always verify critical details with each partner before you visit. Open the Trip Planner. For accessibility support, visit our accessibility page.
Hernando Courthouse Square · DeSoto County Museum, Hernando · Wolf River Brisket
Build your DeSoto day
Search attractions, parks, and museums across six towns, then save ideas in the trip planner.
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