Natchez2015 dm o by Journal Communications, Inc.

natchez Livability.com/ms/natchez

Adams County, MISSISSIPPI

Spin the bottle Distillery tops off beverage scene

Happy 300th!

City commemorates history, sets stage for future

NATCHEZ

Livability.com/ms/n atchez

ADAMS COU

NTY, MISSISS IPPI

SPIN THE BOTTLE

Distillery tops beverage sceneoff

Happy 300th!

City comm emorates histor sets stage y, for future

2015-16 | SPONSOR

ED BY NATCHEZ -ADAMS COUNTY CHAMBER

OF COMMERC

read onli

2015-16 | sponsored by Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce

2015-16 edition

volume 2

16 WILD TURKEY LN. | NATCHEZ, MS

This classic Greek Revival Planters Cottage is a must see! The main house and four other small buildings all original to the property are fully restored, equipped with modern conveniences and surrounded by 60 secluded acres. The heated swimming pool overlooks beautiful woodlands, a pond and well-kept pasture land. Front and rear covered galleries are well suited for relaxing or entertaining family and friends. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 Call SUE STEDMAN at 601-442-2286 Crye-Leike Stedman Realtors | 114 Main St. | Natchez, MS www.suestedman.crye-leike.com

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Livability: Natchez-Adams County, MS is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce 211 Main Street • Natchez, 39120 Phone: 601-445-4611 • Fax: 601-445-9361 natchezchamber.com Visit Livability: Natchez-Adams County, MS online at Livability.com/ms/natchez ©Copyright 2015 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Ste. 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member Member

The Association of Magazine Media Custom Content Council

Member Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce

CONTENTS

2015-16 edition

volume 2

Natchez adams county, mississippi

5 Welcome to Natchez

Adams County

An introduction to the community

Living 6 Community Happy 300th, Natchez!

City commemorates rich history, sets stage for even brighter future

8 Education 9 Health

11 Community Profile

Things to Do

14 Local Flavor 15 Sports & Recreation

the camp: Stephen Flowers, Quapaw Outings: Allyson Elliott, Isle of Capri Casino, balloon race: Natchez CVB, Tableaux: Rogelio V. Solis

16 Arts & Culture

Business

17 Business Overview 18 Local Products Spin the Bottle

City becomes smallest in U.S. with distillery, winery and brewery

21 Economic Profile

15 On The Cover Fireworks over the Natchez Bridge Photo by Allen Laird

L i va b i l i t y. c o m /m s / n at c h e z

At A Glance

Natchez-Adams County, Mississippi Few places are as inherently connected to a geographical feature as are Natchez and Adams County to the mighty Mississippi River. The oldest permanent European settlement on the river, Natchez owes its founding and early business growth, present day tourism and much of its bright economic future to the river. “Natchez is a progressive city that respects the traditions of the past but is poised for the exciting opportunities of the future,” says Natchez Mayor Larry L. “Butch” Brown. “All the attractions of a great small city can be found here: renowned restaurants, a state-of-the-art convention center and spacious meeting venues, shopping, nightlife and gaming, a safe, walkable downtown, and a rich cultural scene.” first impressions A morning stroll through the streets of downtown Natchez reveals its historical depth. A long gaze across the broad river to Louisiana evokes visions of these riverbanks at their busiest. A quick stop by a coffeehouse for a jamslathered biscuit quickly leads to making new friends. Pre-Civil War architecture, breathtaking bluff views, a blossoming economy and warm, Southern hospitality add up to residents having much to celebrate as the city marks its tricentennial in 2016. Sustained success Natchez, a Preserve America Community and a Main Street Community, also made Conde Nast Traveler’s “Friendliest Cities” list. National Geographic included it in listing “50 Places of a Lifetime,” while Life magazine says its “100 Places to See in Your Lifetime.” Speaking of lifetimes, you may want to stay forever. Lucky for you, this is also a Certified Retirement Community.

425

Ferriday Vidalia

LOUISIANA

129

Mississippi Riv er

A quick, comprehensive overview of what’s great about the community

554

Stanton

Natchez

CONCORDIA ADAMS

MISSISSIPPI

Sibley 15

reek

ne C

theri

t Ca

Sain

Location Natchez is located on a bluff more than 200 feet above the Mississippi River in the southwestern part of the state, adjacent to Concordia Parish across the river in Louisiana.

Natchez

county POPULATION

31,737

Time zone Central

Distances to three major cities nearby Baton Rouge, LA: 90 miles Jackson, MS: 115 miles New Orleans, LA: 172 miles

annual rainfall

61”

National Average: 30”

For More Information

Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce 211 Main Street Natchez, MS 39120 Phone: 601-445-4611 Fax: 601-445-9361 natchezchamber.com

Accolade Natchez is among “100 Places to See in Your Lifetime” - Life magazine

L i va b i l i t y. c o m /m s / n at c h e z

Things To Do

Happy

300th,

Natchez! by Teree caruthers

City commemorates rich history, sets stage for even brighter future 6

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n 2016, Natchez celebrates 300 years as the oldest continuous European settlement on the Mississippi River. In fact, Natchez is two years older than New Orleans and a year older than the entire state of Mississippi, so the community is well positioned at the forefront of southeastern history.

The tricentennial is as important an anniversary for the region as it is for Natchez, says Jennifer Ogden Combs, Tricentennial Commission executive director. “We really have looked at this as our mission to bring the community together, to create economic opportunities and growth for the entire region by doing three things: commemorating the past, which we feel is very important because it’s a long 300 years of history that stretches from the Natchez Indian tribe through the French, the Spanish and British rule until we became a part of the U.S; celebrating the present, which is celebrating all the things that we are today that have been created over the years; and then looking at creating a better future.” Commemorating the Past Heritage tourism is a major part of the Natchez economy and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the region, the country and around the globe. Combs says the city plans to use the tricentennial year to redefine heritage tourism by exploring even more of its rich history and incorporating that history into current and new attractions. For example, the Historic Natchez Tableaux, a multimedia experience that recounts the birth and progress of Natchez through music, storytelling and dance, and part of the annual Spring Pilgrimage of Antebellum Homes tour, was rewritten in honor of the tricentennial.

“This was the first time we updated the Tableaux to include slavery, and we plan on adding to our story every year,” says Regina Charboneau, chef at Twin Oaks Bed & Breakfast – a stop on the pilgrimage tour. Combs says the tricentennial is an opportunity to embrace and celebrate the contributions made by all of the city’s settlers. “We have a very strong African and African-American heritage,” Combs says, “But we also have a rich Jewish heritage. The Jewish community came into Natchez and really created the whole merchant [side of] downtown. We also have a very strong Italian heritage and Scottish and Irish history, as well as a strong Asian and Hispanic community. What we’re looking to do with this tricentennial is to make that rich history more meaningful and relevant to today’s tourist, but also to our local community, to the people who have worked really hard over many years to keep Natchez going.” Celebrating the Present While 20 percent of Adams County residents work in a tourism-related industry, Combs says the tricentennial creates more opportunities to grow this important part of the city’s economy. One such opportunity is the Americana Music Triangle – a series of driving trails stretching from Nashville to New Orleans and back up to Memphis with stops along the way exploring the nine different genres of music that originated in the region. Combs says the city is also collaborating

with the National Park Service to add to its collection of historic homes. The city is also partnering with the park service to enact the Natchez History Minute – a series of recorded moments in history, recorded by various residents. Creating a Better Future Combs says the tricentennial also offers opportunities to plan legacy projects that will strengthen the community years from now. For example, the city is working with the Mississippi River Association to develop a sustainability plan to protect the waterways. The city of Natchez has been actively implementing revitalization projects along the historic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., including building more affordable housing. The tricentennial celebration has also gained the attention of outside investors, such as Viking Cruise Lines. More recently, the Clinton Foundation in partnership with Humana invited Natchez and Adams County to be part of a five-year initiative to improve the physical health and well-being of the community by addressing everything from fitness to nutrition to access to health care and recreational opportunities. “The whole focus and fundamental goal is to create a positive path for the future by bringing the community together using our 300th anniversary as a catalyst for positive change going forward,” Combs says. For more information and current event listings, visit natchezms300.com and visitnatchez.org.

celebrates n 2016, Natchez oldest continuous 300 years as the on the Mississippi European settlement is two years older than River. In fact, Natchez and a year older than New Orleans so the of Mississippi, the entire state at the well positioned community is n history. forefront of southeaster

HAPPY

, 300th ez! Natch

by TEREE CARUTHERS

HISTORY, MORATES RICH ER FUTURE CITY COMME EVEN BRIGHT SETS STAGE FOR

also collaborating says the city is Park Service to with the National of historic add to its collectionalso partnering is homes. The city to enact the with the park service Minute – a series Natchez History in history, of recorded momentsresidents. recorded by various BETTER FUTURE CREATING A tricentennial Combs says the to plan also offers opportunities that will strengthen For legacy projects years from now. the community is working with example, the city tricentennial. River Association first time we is as “This was the the Mississippi plan to The tricentennial to include for the to develop a sustainability updated the Tableauxon adding to The city of important an anniversary says the waterways. and we plan for Natchez, is it protect as slavery, region actively year,” says Regina Combs, Natchez has been our story every at Twin Oaks Jennifer Ogden revitalization Commission implementing Charboneau, chef a stop on the Tricentennial the historic Dr. – projects along executive director. looked at this as Bed & Breakfast King Jr. Blvd., Martin Luther pilgrimage tour. tricentennial is “We really have the more affordable bring Combs says the including building our mission to to embrace and to create housing. The tricentennial an opportunity made community together, also gained the and celebration has such celebrate the contributions economic opportunities investors, by settlers. entire region attention of outside by all of the city’s strong African growth for the Lines. More “We have a very as Viking Cruise doing three things: past, which we Foundation in can heritage,” g the recently, the Clinton and African-Ameriwe also have a commemoratin Humana invited because it’s a partnership with Combs says, “But feel is very important County to be The Jewish of history that Natchez and Adams rich Jewish heritage. long 300 years initiative to into Natchez and the Natchez Indian part of a five-year community came whole merchant stretches from health and the the French, the a improve the physical really created tribe through We also have community by rule until we well-being of the [side of] downtown.heritage and from fitness Spanish and British U.S; of the addressing everything care very strong Italianhistory, as well became a part is access to health present, which to nutrition to Scottish and Irish and Hispanic celebrating the we opportunities. the things that and recreational as a strong Asian we’re looking to celebrating all and created focus have been “The whole community. What at is to are today that is to create a and then looking fundamental goal future by do with this tricentennial over the years; the history more future.” positive path for make that rich together creating a better relevant to today’s a bringing the community meaningful and our local anniversary as to ATING THE PAST COMMEMOR tourist, but also people who have using our 300th change going is a major the catalyst for positive Heritage tourism economy and community, to says. hard over many forward,” Combs worked really and part of the Natchezof thousands going.” For more information years to keep Natchez attracts hundreds listings, visit across the current event of visitors from THE PRESENT and around 0.com and CELEBRATING natchezms30 region, the countrysays the city of Adams org. While 20 percent in a visitnatchez. the globe. Combs work tricentennial residents County Combs plans to use the heritage tourism tourism-related industry, I year to redefine more of its creates more even says the tricentennial this by exploring to grow incorporating rich history and current and new opportunities of the city’s is important part that history into such opportunity example, the HAPPY economy. One –a attractions. For Tableaux, a Music Triangle 300th,! the Americana Historic Natchez Natchez that trails stretching series of driving New Orleans and multimedia experience to birth and progress from Nashville recounts the with stops music, DIGITAL MAGAZINE back up to Memphis nine and of Natchez through exploring the dance, and part or on your tablet along the way Read it online storytelling and of music that articles with friends. Spring Pilgrimage different genres quickly share of the annual region. Combs Homes tour, was originated in the of Antebellum at c h e z of the c o m /m s / N L i va b i L i t y. rewritten in honor

THINGS TO DO

THINGS

TO DO

by TEREE

CARUTHERS

RICH HISTORY, FUTURE BRIGHTER CITY COMMEMORATES FOR EVEN SETS STAGE

N at c

collaborating city is alsoPark Service to says the National with the collection of historic add to its city is also partnering the The to enact celebrates homes. park service – a series continuous Minute with the n 2016, Natchez History in history, Mississippi as the oldest Natchez moments 300 years settlement on the residents. of recorded years older by various European Natchez is two recorded than FUTURE fact, year older A BETTER River. In Orleans and a tricentennial CREATING so the says the to plan Combs than New state of Mississippi, at the opportunities strengthen also offers that will now. For the entire is well positioned legacy projects years from with history. community southeastern is working the community the city of example, River Association forefront plan to we the Mississippi tricentennial.the first time a sustainability city of to develop waterways. The “This was Tableaux to includeto is as the the adding actively for the protect updated plan on The tricentennial has been Regina and we an anniversary says Natchez revitalizationDr. slavery, every year,” says Oaks important it is for Natchez, implementing the historic our story chef at Twinon the along region as Combs, Jr. Blvd., Ogden projects Charboneau, – a stop affordable Jennifer Luther King Commission Martin building more Bed & Breakfast is Tricentennial director. at this as pilgrimage tour.the tricentennial including The tricentennial the executive and says have looked housing. has also gained such Combs to embrace made “We reallyto bring the celebrationof outside investors, create an opportunity our mission together, to More the contributions attention Cruise Lines. in and celebrate city’s settlers. African communityopportunities the by as Viking Clinton Foundation by all of invited a very strong the economic the entire region heritage,” recently, “We have for with Humana to be growth have a things: which we and African-American partnership Adams Countyto we also the past, doing three it’s a says, “But The Jewishand Natchez and initiative and because Combs heritage. five-year commemorating health important that part of a rich Jewish came into Natchez by physical feel is veryyears of history Indian merchant a improve the community the whole of the community fitness have long 300 from the Natchez the We also well-being everything from care really created stretches downtown.heritage and the French, until we addressing to access to health [side of] Italian tribe through British rule as well opportunities. and to nutrition very strong Irish history, Spanish part of the U.S; and and recreational a which is focus and Scottish Asian and Hispanic to a became looking the present, that we “The wholegoal is to create as a strong What we’re by celebrating all the things is to created fundamental for the future community. tricentennial together path celebratingthat have been at this positive the community do with rich history more today’s as a then looking are today to years; and bringing 300th anniversarygoing make that and relevant over the better future.” our a meaningful also to our localwho have using for positive change creating but THE PAST catalyst Combs says. tourist, and to the people forward,” is a majorand community, hard over many information COMMEMORATING tourism really For more listings, visit going.” economy worked Heritage event and keep Natchez the Natchezof thousands current years to part of hundreds the THE PRESENT natchezms300.com attracts from across of Adams around CELEBRATING visitnatchez.org. percent in a of visitors country and city While 20 the work says the region, Combs residents Combs County industry, more the globe. the tricentennial creates tourism use tourism-related heritage plans to tricentennial this redefine more of its says the to grow year to even city’s opportunities is by exploringand incorporating part of the and new important One such opportunity– a rich history into current the economy. Music Triangle that history For example, a the Americana trails stretchingand Tableaux, attractions. driving Orleans Natchez that series of MAGAZINE to New stops Historic tablet and experience progress DIGITAL with from Nashville and or on your friends. multimedia to Memphis the nine online the birth with back up way exploring Read it recounts through music, part that share articles and along the of music quickly of Natchez and dance, genres chez Combs s / N at different in the region. co m /m storytelling Spring Pilgrimage i L i t y. L i va b tour, was originated of the annual Homes of the of Antebellum in honor rewritten

hez

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digital magazine Read it online or on your tablet and quickly share articles with friends. L i va b i l i t y. c o m /m s / n at c h e z

LIVING

Education Strong schools inspire homeowners to spend locally, attract new residents, lure companies dependent on a skilled workforce, and can enhance the local entertainment scene with arts programming. Here’s an overview of quality schools in Natchez-Adams County: Private Schools

Higher Education

Faith-based instruction

ALcorn & CO-LIn

Parents in Adams County who prefer private education have many choices. Adams County Christian School has a curriculum for pre-K through high school with dual college-high school enrollment and teams in all major sports – including golf and tennis. Cathedral School and Holy Family Early Learning Center offer their respective students a traditional Catholic education with programs and activities designed to foster spiritual growth, while Trinity Episcopal Day School provides instruction for pre-kindergarten through high school students and encourages programs such as studying abroad and communityservice activities.

The Alcorn State University-Natchez campus houses the ASU Graduate School of Business MBA and Executive MBA programs as well as the School of Nursing that confers associate, bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Alcorn State’s main campus is in nearby Lorman. Copiah-Lincoln Community College, or Co-Lin, is in Natchez and serves students from Adams County and surrounding areas, providing academic courses for the first two years of four-year degree programs, as well as technical and career curriculums.

Find out more about why Natchez is a great place to learn at livability.com/ms/ natchez/education.

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Programs

Public Schools

Youth Leadership

natchez & adams COUNTY

The Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee organizes an annual Youth Leadership Natchez series for 20 selected juniors, representing all schools. The program is a seven-month course that equips the students with community knowledge with the goal of inspiring local leadership. The students meet once a month to engage in team-building projects and field trips around the area.

Natchez-Adams School District offers programs like Natchez Freshman Academy, which helps ninth-graders transition to high school. All middle schools have programs to increase student performance in math, science and language arts, and select sixthgraders can attend Robert Lewis Magnet School, which offers project-based learning focused on S.T.E.M. academic disciplines. Fallin Career and Tech Center provides students with work-ready skills in technology.

living

Health & Wellness Access to quality health care is a key component to a truly livable community. Well-equipped medical facilities with highly trained staff ensure residents get the best possible treatment when they need it. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an overview of Natchezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health-care options. Elder Care

Hospitals

Home Health

nursing homes & Assisted Living

merit health

comforting care

Merit Health Natchez and Merit Health Natchez Community Campus together serve five Mississippi counties and two Louisiana parishes. Merit Health Natchez comprises 179 beds and will be the home of the recently merged facilities. Merit Health Natchez will undergo significant renovations to more than 34,000 square feet of its facility to modernize the facility, expand access and increase patient comfort.

There are six hospice organizations and almost twice as many home health providers serving Natchez and Adams County. Local providers include Sta-Home Health & Hospice, Deaconess HomeCare and Hospice Services, Compassionate Care Hospice, Advantage Hospice Compassus, Camelia Home Health and Heart2Heart Homecare Services.

Natchez has several quality nursing homes, including Adams County Nursing Center, named among the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best nursing homes in 2014 by U.S. News & World Report; Glenburney Nursing Home and Crown Health & Rehab. Magnolia Village offers an assisted-living environment for those who no longer feel comfortable living independently in their own homes.

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Community profile White

Hispanic

$26,041

Black

Other

Median Household Income

$81,800

ethnicity 21%

16%

63%

Median Home Price

$590

38%

AGE

Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

53%

17 and Under

cost of living

18-64 65 and Over (percentages based on the total = 32,090)

(percentages based on the total = 32,090)

Temperature

Transportation Median Travel Time to Work

January Average Low

July Average High

91°

12 minutes 76°

Closest International Airport Alexandria International Airport

37° 31° January Low National Low

July High

70 miles

National High

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Things To Do Natchez-Adams Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must-do attractions, activities and dining

Tops for Tour Options

History

Drinks

Shopping

Attractions

MARVEL AT MANORS

MAKE A TOAST

go antiquing

SAIL AWAY

Get a glimpse of life in the Old South by visiting historic Natchez homes. Built in 1858, Stanton Hall, above, is a restored antebellum mansion. Longwood, another pre-Civil War era manor, is a National Historic Landmark. Both are open for tours.

Raise a glass of your favorite beverage in the Under-the-Hill district, which became infamous in the 19th century for its rowdy bars and gambling halls. Today, betterbehaved entertainment spots include Isle of Capri, Magnolia Grill, The Camp and Underthe-Hill Saloon.

Find that unique little knick-knack or ornate piece of furniture at several Franklin Street stores, including Live Oak Antiques, Lower Lodge Antiques, and Mrs. Holderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Antiques. Also stop at Audubon Gallery for Civil War collectibles.

Book a cruise along the Mississippi River aboard the American Queen, the largest steamboat ever constructed. Onboard amenities include food and live music, and the company plans to add two more luxury steamboats to its lineup in 2017.

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Sail Away, marvel at manors, Giddyup: Courtesy of the Natchez CVB, make a toast: Stephen Flowers

Sit back and see the sights of Natchez by way of several different tour experiences. With Southern Carriage Tours, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the city from 10 a.m. to dark. Natchez Pilgrimage offers special tours, as does Downtown Karla Brown. Get more information at the visitor center or visitnatchez.org.

Things To Do

Honor Heritage

attend a pow wow, experience history, stroll the trail: Courtesy of the Natchez CVB

Learn about a part of the area’s rich culture at the Natchez Museum of African American History. Exhibits focus on historic sites, citizens, events and African art, and the Main Street museum is open every Tuesday-Saturday.

History

Music

Shopping

History

ATTEND A POW WOW

“get” the blues

unique finds

Visit the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, where Mississippi Native Americans once held their most sacred ceremonies. The site features a reconstructed Indian home and hosts an annual two-day Natchez PowWow every March.

Visit the four historical markers in Natchez that are part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, with each marker offering words and images interpreting the lives of bluesmen and women. Natchez markers are entitled Bud Scott, Ealey Brothers, Papa Lightfoot and Natchez Burning.

Natchez has many locally owned shops that carry unusual and hard-to-find specialty items. Favorite retailers with devoted followings include A Gallerie, Bowie Outfitters, Darby’s, Eccentricities LLC, Mon’ Amie, Soirée Boutique, The Towers Collection, and Old South Trading Post, just to name a few.

Take a Scenic Stroll

Enjoy the city’s natural beauty with a walk along Natchez’s public trail system, which features many markers interpreting local history. The looping paved walk begins and ends on the bluff at Spanish Promenade’s gazebo, where people can savor views of the Mississippi River below.

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Things To Do

Local Flavor One of the quickest, easiest and most enjoyable ways to get to know a city is to find out where and what the locals love to eat. Here’s a sampling: Market Meals

International

FAST & LOCAL

TastebuDS ON TOUR

Looking for a place to grab a quick bite? Try Slick Rick’s Foods, who uses its very own blended spices in sandwiches, wraps and salads. Other options include BB’s Kitchen and Uptown Grocery.

For Mexican fare try La Fiesta Grande or El Potro Restaurant. Italian eats include Pearl Street Pasta and Lil Dago’s. Asian alternatives include Little Tokyo, South China Restaurant and Planet Thailand.

Wine & Dine

Barbecue

Dinner & Drinks ... or Just Drinks

High on the hog

Dinner and drinks can be enjoyed at Bowie’s Tavern, Rolling River Bistro, Andrew’s Tavern and The Castle Restaurant and Pub. Biscuits & Blues serves Cajun-inspired cuisine and has a fully stocked bar. Other bars include The Corner Bar or the historic Under-the-Hill Saloon.

If you’re craving barbecue try Pig Out Inn, with its custom smoker and special rub. The Butt Hut in Vidalia celebrated its first anniversary in summer 2015 and recently added sandwiches to its menu. Historic

tables for time travelers For a taste of both history and fine dining, try eating at one of the many restaurants found inside historic homes, such as The Briars Dining Pavilion, Monmouth’s 1818, Stanton Hall’s The Carriage House, or The Castle Restaurant and Pub at Dunleith. Other alternatives include Steampunk Coffee Roasters or Kings Tavern, the oldest building in Natchez. Other Local Favorites

still hungry? Steak and seafood can be enjoyed at Cotton Alley Cafe, Rolling River Bistro, Breaud’s Seafood and Steak, Jughead’s Fish Fry, Magnolia Grill and Roux 61, which has recently expanded twice. For soups and sandwiches, check out Natchez Coffee Company and Mammy’s Cupboard. Other favorites include The Crawﬁsh Shack, VUE, Fat Mama’s Tamales, DeliciYoso Frozen Yogurt, Taste of Chicago and Southern Blends Homestyle Cooking.

Are you hungry yet? Check out more Natchez at livability.com/ms/ natchez/food.

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Things To Do

Sports & Recreation Recreational amenities like parks, pools, gyms and athletic programs help residents stay active. Here’s a look at some of Natchez’s most popular facilities and activities. Golf

Outdoors

Hunting & Fishing

perfect your putt

nature Parks

cast a line

Right on course in the Adams County region are three golf venues. Duncan Park Golf Course opened in 1928 and offers 18 holes, and just south of Natchez is Beau Pré Country Club that debuted in 1999. A nine-hole Panola Woods Country Club in Ferriday, La. has operated since 1969.

Outdoors lovers enjoy the 192,000-acre Homochitto National Forest as well as Natchez State Park, which offers activities such as boating, fishing, a nature trail and camping. Another option is Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge in Ferriday, La., which features a scenic river and bottomland hardwoods. People also enjoy the nature trail at Historic Jefferson College.

Giles Island is a private hunting reserve that schedules events and outings for hunters, and the Wildlife Management Area in Natchez is also an ideal adventure setting. Fishing is usually excellent on area lakes such as the one in Natchez State Park, while Natchezbased Redneck Adventures schedules events like Redneck Outdoor Extravaganzas to introduce a day of wildlife and nature to people from all walks of life.

Public Parks

Playgrounds & More The Natchez Parks & Recreation Department maintains a number of parks and outdoor areas, including 213-acre Duncan Park that features a golf course, eight lighted tennis courts and three lighted youth baseball fields. North Natchez Park has 10 outdoor basketball courts along with playground areas and a recreation center, while other outdoor spots are Children’s Playground Neighborhood Park, Concord Avenue Park and Osceola Neighborhood Park. For those who want to view a beautiful sunset, Natchez Bluff Park is a great spot.

Welcome to Natchez Don’t blame us if you want to stay.

Water Sports

Boating, Canoeing and Kayaking Multiple water recreation options are available in the Natchez area thanks to Concordia Lake and Lake St. John, both of which are located near Ferriday, La. In addition, canoeing and kayaking opportunities can be enjoyed on the Old River segment of the Mississippi River, with companies like Quapaw Outings and Everyday Adventure providing guided tours.

Glenn Green Broker/Owner 601-431-2644

Doug Merritt 601-597-5434

Linda Barnett 601-431-1367

Edna J. Murray 601-807-2245

Beth DeAngelis 601-597-3035

Pokey O’Beirne 601-660-1389

Janice Easom 601-431-4373 Danny Grayson 318-481-1744

601-442-2768

www.paulgreenrealtor.com

Nikki Shaifer 601-597-9158 Jackie Smith 601-807-8080

L i va b i l i t y. c o m /m s / n at c h e z

Things To Do

Arts & Culture Arts destinations, museums and community events make cities unique, draw tourists and keep residents entertained and enlightened. Here’s a snapshot of the cultural options around Natchez.

History

Music

History Has Its Places

Perfect Harmony

Emerald Mound, a National Historic Landmark, is one of the largest Native American mounds in the country. Natchez National Historical Park offers a glimpse of the city’s antebellum past, and visitors can also take a guided tour of Melrose, the pre-Civil War mansion of John McMurran and the William Johnson House, home to a successful African-American barber in the 1880s. People can learn more about the region’s AfricanAmerican heritage at Natchez Museum of African-American History and Culture, while Forks of the Roads Enslavement Market Sites recognize the struggle for freedom by slaves before emancipation.

Delta Music Museum in nearby Ferriday, La., preserves music history with exhibits celebrating the work of notable Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee musicians. Since 1991, Natchez Festival of Music has brought a month-long series of live performances across the city each May, and RiverStock each April features performances by noted country music artists. Meanwhile, the Natchez Food & Wine Festival each July brings three days of fine food, wine, craft beer and entertainment to the city. Natchez also is part of a new Americana Music Triangle that features Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans as the primary points and includes cities with significant musical history such as Natchez along the way. The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race brings out top names in country, pop, and folk for three days of concerts and hot-air balloon competitions.

Visual Art, Theatre & Dance

cultural gems

Blues Festival

Arts Natchez and the Natchez Art Association promote local artists through exhibits, programs and classes. Every second Saturday of the month, shop extended hours and socialize in downtown art galleries and boutiques. Natchez Little Theatre (since 1932) is one of the longest-running community theaters in the South. See actors interpret Natchez history during the annual Angels on the Bluff Tour at Natchez City Cemetery. Natchez Ballet Company enriches the community through dance education and performance.

VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS Adams County Supervisors www.adamscountyms.gov Charboneau Rum Distillery www.charboneaudistillery.com City of Natchez www.cityofnatchez.net City of Vidalia www.cityofvidaliala.com Concordia Bank & Trust www.concordiabank.com Copiah-Lincoln Community College www.colin.edu

N at c h e z

Crye-Leike Stedman Realtors http://suestedman.crye-leike.com Delta Bank www.deltabk.com Dunleith Historic Inn www.dunleith.com Great River Industries www.greatriver360.com Natchez Grand www.natchezgrandhotel.com Natchez Inc. www.natchezinc.com

Natchez Water Works www.natchezwaterworks.com Natchez-Adams County Airport Paul Green & Associates www.paulgreenrealtor.com Pilgrimage Tours www.natchezpilgrimage.com United Mississippi Bank www.unitedmsbk.com Visit Natchez www.visitnatchez.org Von Drehle Corporation www.vondrehle.com

Business

Business Overview In Natchez, a growing economy keeps residents gainfully employed while luring new investment. Take a look at the major industries, top employers and other economic assets here.

Advantages

Transportation

Manufacturing

location & workforce

Port, roads & Rail

theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got it made

Natchez-Adams County is in the south-central U.S., and companies benefit from favorable operating costs and low taxes. For both new and existing companies, the area has a quality workforce, statesponsored training and a one-stop environmental permitting program if a company wants to construct a building. Also, career training and job placement assistance is available to Natchez area residents at places like Copiah-Lincoln Community College and the Natchez WIN Job Center.

The port specializes in handling heavy containers and pallets of commodities ranging from automobiles to zucchini, and it offers the ability to ship to all destinations along the Mississippi River, as well as Europe, Latin America and the Far East. Located at the port is Natchez Railroad that connects with Canadian National Railroad, while truck drivers have easy access to U.S. Highways 61, 84 and 98 that connect with Interstates 10, 20 and 55.

Large employers in the manufacturing industry are experiencing economic success in Natchez-Adams County. They include Blain Companies (heavy highway construction), Delta-Energy Group (carbon products recycling), Elevance Renewable Sciences (ecofriendly chemical products), Great River Industries (specialty fabrication), J.M. Jones Lumber (wood milling), Rives & Reynolds Lumber, and von Drehle Corp. (paper products).

L i va b i l i t y. c o m /m s / n at c h e z

business

Spin the Bottle by Kevin Litwin

City becomes smallest in U.S. with distillery, winery and brewery

N at c h e z

Charboneau Distillery

Charboneau Distillery: courtesy of Stephen Flowers

ere is a toast to Natchez, population 15,800 – the least-populated city in America that has a distillery, a winery and a brewery.

Charboneau Distillery, Old South Winery and Natchez Brewing Company all operate in Natchez, with each working to be successful as well as looking to join forces with one another to increase tourism.

King’s Tavern restaurant, and our son, Jean-Luc, produces the rum in the distillery next door,” Charboneau says. “We introduced the white rum in 2014 and are aging more products to introduce in 2015 and 2016.”

Charboneau Distillery “It is important for Natchez to grow its business sector as well as increase tourism, so besides seeing the many antebellum homes in this community, it would be interesting for tourists to visit all three of our facilities in one day,” says Doug Charboneau, owner of Charboneau Distillery. “We’re in the early stages of discussion about jointly marketing ourselves with TV advertising, billboards and so forth.” Charboneau Distillery produces a white, aged Charboneau Rum and offers tours on Fridays and Saturdays, with bottles sold next door at King’s Tavern as well as liquor stores throughout Mississippi. “My wife, Regina, and I own

Old South Winery At Old South Winery, owner Scott Galbreath says he buys only the finest and freshest muscadine grapes from Mississippi growers to produce the company’s nine wines. The best sellers are a sweet red wine called Sweet Noble, and a sweet rosé called Miss Scarlet that is similar in color and sweetness to white zinfandels. “We try to do as much as we can locally. We’ve even used local company Smith Printing for our labels ever since we opened in 1979,” Galbreath says. Old South Winery products are available for purchase at Mississippi liquor stores, wine shops and restaurants. “We also do business by

shipping to customers in other states, but not all states allow such transactions,” Galbreath says. “I think we currently ship to 18 states.” Natchez Brewing Company Brewmaster Patrick Miller got the idea to start Natchez Brewing Company after living for several years in Asheville, N.C., a city know for its microbrewing industry. “I missed craft beer when I returned to Natchez, so in July 2012, I did a feasibility study and decided to start a brewery,” he says. “My wife, Lisa, became owner, so it would be a womanowned business that could qualify for state loans, and our beer was selling by March 2015.” Natchez Brewery Company currently has only one product – Bluff City Blonde – and Miller says he is very pleased with early results. “Retailers are fighting over it,” he says. “We’ve already outgrown ourselves. We need a bigger brew house.” L i va b i l i t y. c o m /m s / n at c h e z

Ad Index

C4 Adams County Supervisors

9 Great River Industries

9 Charboneau Rum Distillery

4 Natchez Grand

9 Natchez Inc.

11 Natchez Water Works 8 Natchez-Adams County Airport

10 City of Natchez

1 City of Vidalia

2 Concordia Bank & Trust

8 Copiah-Lincoln Community College

15 Paul Green & Associates

17 Pilgrimage Tours

2 Crye-Leike Stedman Realtors

C3 Delta Bank 14 Dunleith Historic Inn

20 United Mississippi Bank

C2 Visit Natchez

9 Von Drehle Corporation

Courtesy of the Natchez CVB

Business Spotlight SPORTS CENTER-NATCHEZ Sports Center-Natchez, a familyowned business since 1946, offers a full line of apparel and accessories for outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing gear, hunting equipment, hiking boots and camouflage outfits. (601) 442-7951

FAT MAMA’S TAMALES Fat Mama’s Tamales features a diverse menu, with items such as Cajun boudin, po boy sandwiches, and Mexican dishes like taco salads and gringo casseroles. Beverages include frozen margaritas and eight draft beers. fatmamastamales.com

KATIE’S LADIES APPAREL Katie’s Ladies Apparel, an upscale boutique specializing in ladies clothing and accessories, recently celebrated its 25th year in business. With selections that are stylish and trendy, Katie’s has many apparel options for the office, casual wear and stepping out in style. (601) 446-8664

DIANNE’S FRAME SHOP & GIFTS Dianne’s Frame Shop & Gifts has thrived in Natchez for 30 years, serving the Miss-Lou area with professional and affordable framing. Gift choices at Dianne’s include home décor items. (601) 445-5444

DUNLEITH HISTORIC INN Dunleith Historic Inn opened in 1856 with 22 rooms, and today the mansion accommodates overnight guests, as well as catered weddings and other events. An on-site Castle Restaurant & Pub is open daily to the public. www.dunleith.com

economic profile

City Sales and Use Tax

18%

54%

11%

Top Employers

County Sales Tax

education level High School Graduate

State Sales Tax

Associate Degree Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Total Sales Tax

Scorecard

$428M

household income $100,000+ 565

Annual Retail Sales

$98M

$30,000-99,999 $29,999 and Under

2,536

Annual Hotel and Food Sales

2,409 Total Number of Firms

400+

200299

17%

300399

Taxes

3,891 Source: Natchez info via Livability.com

Natchez-Adams Public School District, Natchez Regional Medical Center Natchez Community Hospital, Corrections Corporation of America, Super Wal-Mart Isle of Capri Casino, Magnolia Bluffs Casino, Supermarket Operations, Jordan Carriers, Energy Drilling

Transportation Alexandria International Airport www.england.airpark. org/aex Port of Natchez Adams County www.natchezport. com Natchez Railway www.vsrailway.com/ natchez.html This section is sponsored by