WHY VENTURE INTO COASTAL MISSISSIPPI?
Experience the Unique & Interesting
By Lisa Evans, author of “100 Things to Do In Coastal Mississippi Before You Die!”
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Travel writer Lisa Evans, author of “100 Things to Do In Coastal Mississippi Before You Die!,” talks about what you can experience in vibrant Coastal Mississippi. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on PodBean.
Many times, since I relocated to Coastal Mississippi, I have been asked this question. Most times, it is from a person that has not visited this area and judges it too quickly based on erroneous information from other disheartened souls. Or because of something they have seen or read which could quite possibly be severely biased and one-sided. I would like to take this opportunity to offer you some insight into the allure that is Coastal Mississippi.
As the author of the book “100 Things To Do In Coastal Mississippi Before You Die,” my research and information gathering presented me with a wonderful opportunity to learn and explore many aspects of my adopted home. From food and beverage, music and entertainment, sports and recreation, culture and history, to finally shopping and fashion. What I found was the realization this area is abundant with unique and interesting – for locals and tourists alike. Let me share just a few.
Food and Beverage
Did you know that Biloxi was once known as the seafood capital of the world? Our fishing and marine industries are woven deep into the history of the area. The upside to this is of course the fact that Coastal Mississippi boasts some of the absolute best seafood restaurants in the country.
We have restaurants that are family owned and operated for decades. Perhaps you’ve heard of some of the celebrities or presidents that have casually dined at Mary Mahoney’s alongside all the other patrons there for the night. We have establishments that are new and trendy, which serve fabulous food, and have been nominated for many James Beard Foundation awards. We have many beachside, casual restaurants that serve you tasty treats with a stunning view of our coastline.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find a place to satisfy that hunger in Coastal Mississippi.
Music and Entertainment
Being home to numerous casino hotels and resorts all along our coast gives our area the advantage of offering high-quality, Las Vegas-style gaming with perfect views. Each casino is individual, offering access to not only slots, sportsbooks, and table games, but many other amenities as well.
We have other sources of music and entertainment as well. The Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center hosts some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The newly opened Ground Zero Biloxi Blues Club brings the heart and soul of blues music to downtown Biloxi. In keeping with the blues music theme, we have several trial markers on the Mississippi Blues Trail on the coast.
Many of the coastal cities have vibrant downtown areas and some host gatherings multiple times a year. We are also well known for our festivals. We host the biggest block party in the country – Cruisin’ the Coast, with thousands and thousands of classic cars. Mardi Gras is another big celebration and festival in our area, as well as the Hummingbird Festival, Seafood Festival, and Crawfish Festival.
Back Porch Inside Ground Zero Biloxi ©Lisa Evans
Sports and Recreation
While we have many indoor activities for one to enjoy in our area, with our proximity to the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico, we are an outdoor destination. Whatever excursion you want to experience on or near the water, we can accommodate. Fishing, sailing, playing, and relaxing on the beach – all can be done for most of the year, due to our temperate climate. While you may not be able to take the ferry out to Ship Island twelve months a year, it’s close. Go on a dolphin cruise or a sunset cruise.
Take sail on a schooner ship and feel the exhilaration as you glide over the water. Visit the Mississippi Aquarium, Gulf Islands Water Park, Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, or the INFINITY Space Center. Perhaps you’d like to see some wildlife at the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch or the Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge. Better yet, go on the Mystic Ghost Boat and Walking Tour and feel the ancient spirits all around. So much to do, so little time! There is always an adventure awaiting you.
Culture and History
History breathes to you through the walls of a place like 100 Men Hall or one of the historic homes in our area. Perhaps the Lapointe-Krebs House, dating back to 1757. If Civil War history intrigues you, go no further than Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home, and Presidential Library. Or climb to the top of the Biloxi Lighthouse situated in the median of current day Highway 90, circa 1848. Be enthralled by the stories the area can tell you.
We are also a very artsy community. Explore the life and work of the ‘Mad Potter of Biloxi’ George Ohr at the beautiful and unique Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. Roam through the Walter Anderson Museum of Art which showcases the brilliance of Walter Anderson. Visit the Anderson compound and visit Shearwater Pottery, started by another famous Anderson brother – Peter. Interested in learning all about the season of Mardi Gras and viewing some grand costumes? Visit the Mardi Gras Museum in Biloxi or head down to Bay St. Louis and view their Mardi Gras Museum. Here you will also learn about the fascinating Alice Mosely.
Shopping and Fashion
Many people want to take something home to commemorate their visit. Stop by the huge souvenir shop where not only can your find hundreds of items, but you can also have your picture taken inside the mouth of a pink shark! Visit Sharkheads on the beach. Head to the museum gift shops for a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or a friend. Grab a book from one of our local bookshops. A soy candle from Waveland Candles; some olive oils from Pass Christian Olive Oils and Vinegar; a framed treasure from Negrottos. In Coastal Mississippi, we not only have malls and brand name stores, but we also have the unique and individual. Isn’t that how you wish to remember us?
Visit Coastal Mississippi and discover for yourself all it has to offer. My book “100 Things To Do In Coastal Mississippi Before You Die” will serve as a roadmap and place to start. Explore away!
Lisa Evans is the author of “100 Things To Do In Coastal Mississippi Before You Die.” She enjoys writing about her local area of Coastal Mississippi and sharing it with everyone. She is also a freelance travel journalist and photographer, having stories published in multiple outlets. She has always enjoyed the outdoors and nature and often includes them in her writing and photography. History is another passion. Every place has a story to tell if only you find it. Lisa is a member of TravMedia, IFWTWA, and Travel Writer’s Café. Her website can be found at www.writerlisa.com and she can be found on social media @mygypsytravel
