Visit Natchez Guide

Bring a Big Suitcase.

The Natchez Renewal. It’s Happening! Join us and make your mark on history here.

Set against a centuries-old backdrop of storied history, Natchez —“The Little Easy”— has always captured the hearts and imaginations of visitors. Today, by embracing the uniqueness and diversity—of our past and present—we are marching toward a bright future. New Businesses and Jobs. Hot Real Estate. Investment in Parks, Healthcare, and Infrastructure. Workforce Training. New Cruise Line docks. A blooming Movie industry. Year-round Festivals. And a Social Calendar that never sleeps. Whether it’s a short trip or a permanent stay, we’re ready to welcome you to Natchez!

Dan M.Gibson Mayor of Natchez

( You just may not want to leave. )

Welcome to Natchez!

Natchez is unlike any city or town in the country and visiting will leave you pondering, “When can we come back?” From our welcoming community to our historic homes… from our diverse cultural heritage to our amazing trails and scenic tours, our arts community and outdoor experiences, you will find unexpected experiences at every turn. Visitors come for one reason or another and discover many more reasons to come back again…and again. The more time you spend in our city, the more amazing stories and characters you will uncover. Add in one-of-akind, breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, distinctive restaurants and shopping and you will find countless reasons to enjoy all that we have to offer.

This Official Natchez Visitor Guide has been

created to help you plan a trip unlike any other. It will provide you with a taste of Natchez but not the whole story. The only way to truly understand how wonderful this city is, is to experience it. We know that when you’re here, you’ll agree that there is no place in the world like Natchez, Mississippi. And we look forward to seeing you around town pondering when to come back!

Heath Executive Director, Visit Natchez

Devin

500 Main Street, Suite 1 601.492.3000

visitnatchez.org

Getting around

New Orleans International Airport (MSY) 504.303.7500

Judge George W. Armstrong Public Library

220 South Commerce Street 601.445.8862 armstronglibrary.com

Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce 211 Main Street, Suite A 601.445.4611 natchezchamber.com

Natchez-Adams County Airport (HEZ) 434 Airport Road 601.442.3142

The Natchez-Adams County Airport is an excellent facility with a 6,500-foot runway able to host landings of Boeing 737s and DC9s, as well as smaller craft.

Alexandria International Airport (AEX) 318.449.4642

70 miles from Natchez

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) 225.355.0333

90 miles from Natchez

Jackson International Airport (JAN) 601.939.5631

105 miles from Natchez

170 miles from Natchez Amtrak Brookhaven: 63 miles from Natchez McComb: 69 miles from Natchez 800.872.7245 amtrak.com

City Sightseeing Natchez 601.446.6345 natchez.com/tours/natchez-city-sightseeing

Downtown Karla Brown 907.540.0001 downtownkarlabrown.com

Explore While Driving 601.890.2388 explorewhiledriving.com

Little Easy Tours 601.890.2388 littleeasytours.com

Miss Lou Tours 601.597.6658 missloutours.com

Willie Carter is owner of the two-story building that was the home of Donnan’s Barber Shop, the meeting place for the Natchez Deacons for Defense and Justice in the 1960s. It is located at 319 North Martin Luther King Jr. Street.

TELLING THE ENTIRE

history

NATCHEZ — While this city high on the Mississippi River bluff has long drawn attention for its architecture, literature and contributions to history, Natchez continues to gain recognition for its cultural history – a history that highlights the contributions of all its residents.

Roscoe Barnes III is Visit Natchez’s cultural heritage tourism director. He is

charged with finding ways to share a more complete picture of Natchez’s history with tourists and to engage all of the Natchez community while doing so.

Barnes and a team of volunteers have worked to get Natchez recognized on the Mississippi Freedom Trail and the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

On another project, described as the African Amer-

ican Historic Markers Project, Visit Natchez is working with the city and NAPAC (Natchez Association for the Preservation of African American Culture) “to identify and properly place official markers at historic African American sites throughout the city of Natchez,” Barnes said.

He explained that NAPAC, which operates the Natchez

Museum of African American History and Culture, is taking the lead on this project with the assistance of the mayor and the city. “They have identified a total of 28 African American historical sites in Natchez and they want to place markers at those sites.”

Barnes noted the markers are simple. They will include the name of the site, date of origin, and a QR code that, once scanned, will take the person to the NAPAC website — visitnapac.net — for more information. Those sites include Donnan’s Barber Shop, located on North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street in Natchez, which was the headquarters for the Deacons for Defense and Justice. That group worked to protect Black Natchezians during the civil rights era.

The city’s first site on the Mississippi Freedom Trail is the Dr. John Banks House at 9 St. Catherine St., which was Metcalfe Boarding House, operated by George Metcalfe, who was president of the Natchez Chapter of the NAACP in August 1965 when he suffered severe injuries when a bomb exploded in his vehicle. Metcalfe lived on the first floor of the building and rented rooms to others. It was the headquarters of the Natchez NAACP at the time. Night Riders of the Ku Klux

Klan are said to have fired into the house in January 1965, the same year that his vehicle was bombed. Many famous civil rights activists who came through Natchez stayed at the Metcalfe Boarding House.

“Given its prominence in the movement, its location and accessibility, we believe that should be the first place for a Freedom Trail Market,” Barnes said.

Other locations for the historical markers include the Zion Chapel AME Church, which was pastored by the Rev. Hiram Revels, who became a Mississippi’s first Black senator, Forks of the Road and Holy Family Catholic Church.

Speaking of the Freedom Trail marker, Barnes said, “It is a proj-

ect that will not only be good for tourism, but it will be educational for Natchez students and the average person.”

Many others in Natchez are helping to tell the city’s entire history. Author Jeremy Houston has produced his fourth volume of Straight Outta Natchez. His books tell the story of African Americans here.

The site for the monument to honor the U.S. Colored Troops of Natchez has been selected and work on choosing a design is under way.

“In my role as cultural heritage tourism manager, I am making discoveries and I have the honor of telling the world, ‘Come and see what Natchez has to offer,’” Barnes said.

These panels tell the history of the Forks of the Road site in Natchez. Nearly 30 sites are part of the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture historical sites designated throughout the community.

Lance Harris, Devin Heath, Carter Burns, Robert Pernell, Deborah Fountain, Mayor Dan Gibson and Roscoe Barnes are division leaders of the U.S. Colored Troops Monument Committee.

VISIT NATCHEZ

Owner Willie Carter attaches the plaque designating the building that Housed Donnan’s Barber Shop as a part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Clifton House* circa 1904 209 Clifton Avenue | Near Downtown 601.445.6000 Cliftonhousenatchez.com Rooms:5

Concord Quarters* circa 1819 301 Gayosa Avenue | Near Downtown 601.442.5687 concordquarters.com Rooms: 3

Devereaux Shields House* circa 1893 709 North Union Street | Near Downtown 601.304.5378 dshieldsusa.com Rooms: 2

Dunleith Historic Inn circa 1856 84 Homochitto Street | Near Downtown 601.897.6300

dunleithhistoricinn.com Rooms: 22

Glenfield circa 1812 6 Glenfield Lane | Located south of Downtown 601.442.1002 glenfieldplanation.com Rooms: 4

The Guest House by ELLAN* circa 1840 201 North Pearl Street | Downtown 601.445.6000 guesthouseinnatchez.com Rooms: 16

The King’s Daughters B&B* circa 1911 32 Cemetery Road | Near Downtown 601.660.1178

Kingsdaughtersbandb.com Rooms: 5

Linden* circa 1800 1 Conner Circle | Near Downtown 769.355.2127 lindenbandb.com Rooms: 6

Locust Alley Guesthouse circa 1870s 515 Main Street | Downtown 504.343.2139 Rooms: 1

Magnolia Cottage* circa 1831 35 Homochitto Street | Near Downtown 601.807.5260 magnoliacottagebandb.com Rooms: 1

Marcia’s Cottages* circa 1853-2006 408 South Commerce Street | Downtown 601.442.1100 marciascottages.com Rooms: 17

Mark Twain Guest House circa 1830s 25 Silver Street | Near Downtown 601.446.8023 Rooms: 3

Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens* circa 1818 1358 John A. Quitman Boulevard | Near Downtown 601.442.5852 | 800.828.4531 monmouthhistoricinn.com Rooms: 29

Natchez Manor circa 1800s

600 Franklin Street | Downtown 601.442.4441

natchezmanor.com Rooms:14

The Natchez Pearl

309 North Pearl Street | Downtown 601.653.9797 thenatchezpearl.com Rooms: 5

Peter Hunter House* 61 North Union Street | Downtown 225.247.2286 peterhunterhouse.com Rooms: 3

The Pillars* circa 1870 206 South Martin Luther King Jr. Street | Downtown 504.232.8229 l 504.232.0221

thepillarsinnatchezbedandbreakfast.com Rooms: 3

Pleasant Hill* circa 1811-1832

310 South Pearl Street | Downtown 601.442.7674 | 866.442.7674

natchezbedandbreakfast.com Rooms: 3

Rising Sun circa 1890 303 North Pearl Street | Downtown 601.870.3159 Rooms: 2

Riverboat, The B&B* circa 1864 115 South Canal Street | Downtown 601.445.8217 theriverboatbnb.com Rooms: 3

River Breeze Cottage 509 South Wall Street | Near Downtown 601.941.8480

Rooms: 2

River Edge Suites* circa 1800s 41 Silver Street | Near Downtown 601.870.1237

riveredgesuite.com Rooms: 3

River Walk Inn 100 Main Street | Downtown 601.870.8330

Rooms: 6

Stanton Guest House* circa 1892 411 North Commerce Street | Downtown 601.443.7664

natchezinnsider.com Rooms: 6

Stone House Musical B&B circa 1850 804 Washington Street | Downtown. 601.897.0315 josephstonehouse.com Rooms: 3

Sunnyside B&B circa 1850

102 Rembert Street | Near Downtown 601.807.1148 sunnysidenatchez.com Rooms: 3

Weymouth Hall* circa 1852

1 Cemetery Road | Near Downtown 601.445.2304 weymouthhall.com Rooms: 3

White Turpin House circa 1806 608 Jefferson Street | Downtown 318.452.8356 whiteturpinhouse.com Rooms: 3

HOTELS

Days Inn 109 Highway 61 South | Located south of Downtown 601.445.8291 wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn Rooms: 121

Deluxe Inn 218 John R. Junkin Drive | Near Downtown 601.442.0221 Rooms: 36

Excellent Inn and Suites

43 Seargent Prentiss Drive | Located south of Downtown 601.442.1691 Rooms: 72

Fairbridge Inn

337 Devereux Drive | Located north of Downtown 601.446.5500

Rooms: 50

Hampton Inn & Suites

627 South Canal Street | Near Downtown 601.446.6770 | 800.426.7866 hamptoninn.com. Rooms: 86

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 639 South Canal Street | Near Downtown 601.442.4462 hiexpress.com Rooms: 81

Hotel VUE

130 John R. Junkin Drive | Near Downtown 601.653.8888 Rooms: 90

Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel

645 South Canal Street | Near Downtown 601.861.4600

magnoliabluffscasinos.com Rooms: 133

Natchez Grand Hotel and Suites

111 North Broadway Street | Downtown 601.446.9994 | 866.488.0898 natchezgrandhotel.com Rooms: 119

Red Carpet Inn

271 D’Evereux Drive | Located north of Downtown 601.442.3686 Rooms: 89

Relax Inn 40 Seargent Prentiss Drive | Located south of Downtown 601.304.0999 Rooms: 36

Super 8

10 Grand Soleil Boulevard | Near Downtown 601.283.3831 wyndhamhotels.com/super-8 Rooms: 60

Travel Inn 271-A D’Evereux Drive | Located north of Downtown. 601.446.8799 Rooms: 36

RV & CAMPING

Natchez State Park 230 B Wickcliff Road, off US Highway 61 N 601.442.2658 mdwfp.com RV Sites: 50 Primitive Sites: 8 Cabins:10

Natchez Trace Parkway Entrance off of Liberty Road 601.856.7321 (Camping only) scenictrace.com

Plantation Park

1 Frederick Road, Highway 61 South 601.442.5222 plantationrvpark.org RV Sites: 41

River View RV Park and Resort 100 River View Parkway, Vidalia, LA 318.336.1400 riverviewrvpark.com RV Sites: 185 Primitive Area Cottages: 2

Melrose* • c. 1848

1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway 601.446.5790 nps.gov/natc/index.htm

Open daily. Tours at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. 2 p.m., 3 p.m.

Rosalie • c. 1820 100 Orleans Street 601.445.4555 601.446.5676 rosaliemansion.com

March 1 – October 31: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last tour at 4 p.m.; November 1 – February 28: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last tour at 3 p.m. All tours every hour

Monmouth Historic Inn • c. 1818

1358 John A. Quitman Boulevard 601.442.5852 monmouthhistoricinn.com

Open daily. Tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

M. Oak Hill • c. 1835

409 South Rankin Street 601.446.2500 historicoakhill.com Daily Tours – 1 p.m.

The Towers • circa 1798,1826,1858

801 Myrtle Avenue 601.446.6890 thetowersofnatchez.com

Saturday - 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday - 11 a.m. For all other time tours, please visit the website

Stanton Hall • c. 1857

401 High Street 601.442.6282 natchezpilgrimage.com

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours every ½ hour; last tour at 3 p.m.

Sunnyside •1852

102 Rembert Street 601.807.1148 sunnysidenatchez.com

Tours are by appointment only unless otherwise listed

William Johnson

House* • 1841

210 State Street 601.446.5790 nps.gov/natc/index.htm

DUNLEITH Rebirth

Hotel group brings new life to historic property

After undergoing a major restoration and renovation, Dunleith is open and thriving, with big plans for the future.

Owned by the J Collection, a New Orleans-based hotel group, the grand historic inn, its grounds and restaurants

recently underwent a substantial restoration project.

John Holyoak, the general manager, said a lot of focus was placed on getting The Castle restaurant and pub “just right.” This 18th-century brick structure built to look like a castle originally

served as a carriage house and stable for the main house. Now it provides a part casual, part luxurious dining experience for both Dunleith guests, wedding parties and everyday visitors. A blacktop road, which was gravel before, now leads visitors to the

house check-in point and The Castle.

The swimming pool was transformed into an intimate lagoon with a renovated pool deck, a new fire pit and later an outdoor bar and food service area, he said. Couches and a 75-inch television provide a place for patrons to casually sit, eat, drink and socialize while watching sports.

The upstairs part of The Castle takes the formalities up a notch, with room for more than 40 people in an outdoor seating area overlooking the pool, Holyoak said.

Retractable windows allow the space to feel comfortable yearround and still let in natural air during the spring and summer.

A second-floor service bar provides an intimate area with a temperature-controlled display case with various selections of wine.

The main floor of The Castle restaurant also received a facelift with new paint, lighting, flooring and eclectic furniture, and a classic-looking bar is fitting to The Castle’s hunting theme.

The Castle occasionally offers special dinners, such as prime rib or lobster nights, cooking classes and mixology classes at the bar.

With all the work, Dunleith remains recognizable as the historic house faithful visitors know and love. When the facilities reopened, many of its em-

ployees returned as well.

“We have a lot of long-term employees and managers that came back after it closed,” Holyoak said. “They are dedicated and respect the property and treat it as their home. We’ve got a lot of those employees who came back. Some actually held off on taking other jobs and opportunities in anticipation of Dunleith opening back up.”

WHY DID THE J COLLECTION CHOOSE DUNLEITH?

The hotel group that existed primarily in New Orleans, Louisiana, wanted to branch out and offer new experiences to its customers. The opportunity for guests to stay in an historic house, taking the vacation expe-

rience out of the French Quarter to a historic town, was the kind of change that they were looking for.

The Refuge Hotel, located near the airport in Flowood, allowed the J Collection’s clients to have “a full experience, from their arrival in New Orleans, then to Natchez, then to Flowood and back again,” Jenkins said.

The group also looked for potential wedding venues, Holyoak said, adding, “And Dunleith is the premier wedding venue in the whole state of Mississippi. I can’t think of another spot that would be better.”

WHAT IS NEXT FOR DUNLEITH?

Holyoak said the next phase

of work at Dunleith is taking the original dairy barn, a 1795 structure, and transforming it into a day spa.

With that there is a raised bed garden and a one-mile walking trail being added to the property, he said. Beehives for honey and a chicken coup will also help with The Castle’s farm-to-table dining while reflecting what the property may have actually been like in the 1800s.

“We have fig trees and an herb garden here, but this will add more items for our chef to utilize,” Jenkins said.

Head chef Doug Hosford, owner of the “Fat Cow” restaurant in Baton Rouge, came to Dunleith just before the restaurant reopened in the spring of 2021.

Recently, the J Collection also acquired the former Margaret Martin school adjacent to Dunleith with the intention of making that an extension of the property. Work at Margaret Martin is still in the early planning stages, Jenkins said.

“The vision of the owners for the 80,000 square foot building is potentially more guest rooms, meeting space, catering opportunities, cooking schools and rehabbing the theater for special events, concerts, plays and comedy nights,” Holyoak added. “What will happen is Margaret Martin and Dunlieth would no longer be separate entities, but one big compound with a road and golf cart pass connecting the two.”

Natchez

Natchez

Mississippi School of Folk Arts 209 Franklin Street 601.493.4242 msfolkart.org

Natchez Fine Framing & Art Gallery 518 Main Street 601.446.9345

Natchez in Historic Photographs Gallery at Stratton Chapel 400 State Street 601.442.2581 fpcnatchez.org/Natchez-historic-photos

Stone Gallery at J.N. Stone House 804 Washington Street 601.897.0315 stonegallery.info

HISTORIC CHURCHES

Beulah Baptist Church 710 B Street 601.442.6150

Clarmount Missionary Baptist Church 114 Cemetery Road 601.630.7887

First Presbyterian Church 400 State Street 601.442.2581 fpsnatchez.org

Holy Family Catholic Church 16 Orange Avenue 601.445.5700

Jefferson Street United Methodist Church 511 Jefferson Street 601.442.3795 jeffersonstreetumc.org

Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church 1782 Pine Ridge Road

Rosehill Missionary Baptist Church 607 ½ Madison Street 601.445.4386 rosehill4u.com

St. John’s United Methodist Church 323 North Martin Luther King Jr. Street 601.304.1174

St. Mary Basilica 107 South Union Street 601.445.5616 stmarybasilica.org

Temple B’Nai Israel 213 South Commerce Street 601.445.5407 natcheztemple.org

Trinity Episcopal Church 305 South Commerce 601.445.8432 trinitynatchez.org

Washington Methodist Church 814 Highway 61 North washington-umc.org

Zion Chapel AME Church 228 North Martin Luther King Jr. Street 601.442.1396 zionchapelstation.org

HISTORIC PARKS

Emerald Mound

Exit MS-553 North to Emarald Mound Road, Milepost 10.3 601.445.7500 nps.gov/nr/travel/mounds/eme.htm

Grand Village of the Natchez Indians

400 Jefferson Davis Boulevard 601.446.6502 natchezgrandvillage.com

Natchez National Historical Park

National Park Service Headquarters 640 South Canal Street 601.442.7047 Nps.gov/natc

•Forks of the Road 232 St. Catherine Street

• Fort Rosalie 528 South Canal Street

• Melrose

1 Melrose Montebello Parkway 601.446.5790

• Natchez Visitor Center 640 South Canal Street

• The William Johnson House 210 State Street 601.445.5345

Proud To Take A Stand Monument

415 South Canal Street

MUSEUMS

Delta Music Museum & Arcade Theatre

218 Louisiana Avenue, Ferriday, LA 318.757.4297 deltamusicmuseum.com

Dr. John Bowman Banks Museum

9 St. Catherine Street 601.442-5060

Museum of African American History & Culture 301 Main Street 601.445.0728 visitnapac.net

Rhythm Night Club Memorial Museum 5 St. Catherine Street 601.597.0557 rnconsitemm.org

TOURS

Downtown Karla Brown

512 Franklin Street 907.540.0001

downtownkarlabrown.com

Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins

11656 US Highway 84, Frogmore, LA (near Ferriday) 318.757.2453 frogmoreplantation.com

Glenfield Candlelight Ghost Tours

6 Glenfield Lane 601.442.1002 glenfieldplantation.com

Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing Natchez

640 South Canal Street Natchez.com/tours/Natchez-city-sightseeing

Little Easy Tours 220 Main Street 601.890.2388 littleeasytours.com

Natchez Ghost Tours 225.772.0525 natchezghosttour.com

Natchez Heritage School of Cooking

408 North Martin Luther King Jr. Street 601.807.1008

Natchez Pedal Cruzer 601.654.6293 natchezpedalcruzer.com

Natchez Pilgrimage Tours 211 Main Street, Suite B 601.653.0919 natchezpilgrimage.com

Old South Winery 65 South Concord Avenue 601.445.9924 oldsouthwinery.com

Open Air Tours 640 South Canal Street 601.334.8916 openairtoursntz.com

Regina’s Kitchen 621 Franklin Street 601.392.1756 Reginaskitchen.com

Rev’s Country Tours 640 South Canal Street 601.807.5337 revscountrytours.com

Southern Carriage Tours Corner of Canal and State Streets 601.431.7007

1827 Spirits 1622 Carter Street, Vidalia, LA 318.414.2284 1827spirits.com

The Natchez

The Natchez Trails leads you along a literal pathway of Natchez history where you will enjoy the architectural treasures of one of the most historically intact towns in the United States.

Begin your tour at the Trails Pavilion located near the corner of Broadway and Jefferson Streets. An outdoor kiosk is there to help you get on your way and parking is also available. Street-side interpretative panels provide a view of the city as it was and

offers a historical narrative of the landmarks you will encounter on your journey.

On the Bluff Trail, you will see the panoramic view of the Mississippi River like that seen by Natchez Indians before the 1700s. The Nature Trail below the bluff offers a great opportunity to view the area’s flora and fauna. On the North and South Trails, you can walk the sidewalks of streets laid out by the Spanish before 1800 and see the grand homes of cotton planters and modest

quarters of enslaved peoples, and the bustling post- Civil War retail district. The St. Catherine Street Trail will take you through some surprising aspects of Natchez’s history from Holy Family Catholic Church, built in 1894, which was the first parish for Roman Catholic African Americans in Mississippi to the Forks of the Road Slave market site, to the Proud to Take a Stand monument, marking the site of one of the significant events of the Civil Rights movement in Natchez.

Walking

Tours

1. Start your walking tour along the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River on the Bridge of Sighs. Named after the famous “Bridge of Sighs” in Venice, Italy, the original bridge collapsed in the 1880s, with a new, modern bridge being completed in 2015.

2.

Fort Rosalie, founded on August 3, 1716, was created as a French colonial bulkhead that led to the oldest permanent settlement on the lower Mississippi River - the City of Natchez, Mississippi. Natchez National Historical Park opened the Fort Rosalie archaeological site to the public for the first time on August 3, 2016 - the 300th anniversary of its completion by French oversight and Natchez Indian labor.

3.On State Street between Canal and Wall streets, sits the William Johnson House. Johnson, a free black man who worked as a barber, wrote an extensive diary describing Natchez life in the pre-Civil War days. The house is also part of the Natchez National Historical Park.

4.

On the corner of Pearl and Washington streets is the historic home Magnolia Hall. It was built in the late 1850s and restored by the Natchez Garden Club.

5.

Built in 1822. Trinity Episcopal Church is the oldest church building in Natchez. Later additions to the building include stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany and ohn La Farge. Next to the church is Kuehnle Hall, constructed in 1886 and named for the Rev. Jospeh H. Kuehnle, rector from 1914 to 1946.

6.

Memorial Park, located along Rankin, Main and Union Streets, was once the site of the city’s earlier cemetery. In 1822, most of the burials were reinterred at the current Natchez City Cemetery. The Diocese of Natchez was the first diocese in Mississippi, established in 1837. In 1842, Bishop J.M. Chance began construction of St. Mary Basilica, the only church built as a cathedral in the state.

7.

The Joseph Stone House was built circa 1850 by David Stanton, whose brother Frederic built Stanton Hall. This property was originally built around the original billiard hall of The Elms. Acquired in 1877 by Joseph Newman Stone, it has remained in the Stone family for 140 years, now operating with a bed & breakfast cottage on the grounds, featuring family portraits and antiques.

8.

Dr. John Banks House, was built in the Queen Anne Style about 1890 and served as headquarters for the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) during the Civil Rights Movements. This house was named after Dr. Banks who was the first African American doctor in Natchez.

9.At the intersection of St. Catherine and Dr. Martin Luther King streets stands Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The church has played a very important role in Natchez history as its pastor Hiram R. Revels helped organize two regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops, was elected to the United States Senate, and served as the first president of Alcorn State University.

Hall is the famous Carriage House Restaurant, known for its fried chicken and tiny southern-style biscuits.

11.

The Proud to Take a Stand Monument honors those Natchez-Adams County citizens who were wrongfully incarcerated in October 1965 for standing up for basic civil and voting rights. The monument has more than 400 names engraved into the marble, and more than 150 of those are names of the young men and women bussed to the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. They became known as the survivors of what is called “The Parchman Ordeal.”

12.

Stanton Hall, built in the 1850s and now owned and preserved by the Pilgrimage Garden Club, is considered by many to be the grandest of the Natchez mansions. On the grounds of Stanton

10.

End your walking tour at the Museum of African American History & Culture. The building was once a post office built in 1904 at the corner of Main and Wall streets. The museum traces the history of African Americans in Natchez and the South. Guided tours are available.

FROM VISITOR TO

For some people, a visit to Natchez sparked a desire to move to the community. Here are some of their stories.

STACY CONDE

A Miami native, Stacy Conde first visited Natchez when she was young. Her family would return to Mississippi every summer in her youth and eventually made their way to Natchez for the shops and restaurants here.

She moved to Natchez in March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had just started. Conde opened a fine art gallery located at 334 Main Street in downtown Natchez.

She is involved in Natchez’s art scene and is a co-founder of Allumer Natchez which provides a free art festival to the public. Her daughter Sophia Conde owns Mothers Natchez on Franklin Street.

The reason she and her family moved to Natchez was because of the beautiful landscape, she said. Natchez’s river, architecture, people and surrounding environment are what they love most, she said.

“What keeps us here is the sense of

community and commitment everyone seems to have to the town and each other,” Conde said. “What I love most about Natchez is tough to define. There is something ethereal about this city. It is calming, warm and inviting. The slower pace of life and proximity to nature are beyond appealing. Yet the town remains vibrant, full of energy and is continually evolving. Natchez is a wondrous jewel of a town bursting with opportunity.”

JAX FREY

One of many New Orlean natives to call Natchez home, Jax Frey first visited at the end of March 2021 and moved to Natchez May 1, 2021. She is an artist and author known for her The Gumbeaux Sistahs works.

Frey moved to Natchez to get away from the category 3-5 hurricanes she faced each season. Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans this summer but it missed Natchez causing minimal damage.

She said she was looking for a place with an old, urban, funky, sophisticated, cultural, forward-moving, optimistic, artsy and super friendly vibe. Natchez checked all of those points.

“It did not disappoint,” Frey said. “Everything here is less than 10 minutes away. That is so remarkable. Also, I love walking into my favorite coffee house in the morning and having people greet me with ‘Hello, Miss Jax.’ It takes years to become a local in a new town but people here make me feel like I’m already halfway there. Thanks for having me, Natchez.”

DUSTIN HINKLE AND JENNY HINKLE

Dustin and Jenny Hinkle fell in love with Natchez the first time she visited the town in March 2017. By November 2017, they moved to Natchez from their home in North Dallas.

Originally, the move was a hard one, Dustin said. He had been laid off from a job in the oil industry and he struggled to find work. Jen’s grandmother owned a home in Natchez so they moved to the home to try and put their lives back together.

Natchezian John Grady Burns was one of the first locals they met in Natchez.

“He was amazing at helping us get connected in Natchez,” Dustin said. “Little by little we started to help businesses rebrand and grow their social media presence.”

He was hired by former Natchez mayor Darrel Grennell for website and design work. Hannah, their daughter, started a company called Rolling ‘N’ The Dough which sells frozen cookie dough, Jen said.

“The city loved us while we were put back together and we love them for it,” Jen said.

They continue to work as creatives in the community. Dustin is a co-founder of Miss-Lou Champions Spotlight and he is the director of communications for Natchez. Jen is an artist and a business owner of Open Market Design Company. They love Natchez and stay involved.

“What we love most about Natchez is the people here. We have made a real connection with so many,” Dustin said. “As a creative family it has allowed us to grow as a family and expanded our design/art skills working with other creative people, of which Natchez has many.”

NATCHEZ AS A food destination

Welcome to Natchez – a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds!

From traditional Southern favorites to award-winning craft beers to gourmet dining, the nearly 50 locally owned eateries in Natchez offer guests and locals alike some of the best dining in the South.

“My famous quote for people moving here is, ‘Natchez is good for 10 to 15 pounds because you will enjoy going to our restaurants’,” says Sue Stedman, longtime real estate agent and member of the Board of Aldermen.

And while she may be joking about the pounds, Stedman is quite serious when she talks about the breadth and quality of dining options in Natchez, confessing that she and her husband eat out almost every day. “We have some outstanding restaurants to be a relatively small town,” she says.

Visitors will find plenty of options to pique their interests and their appetites.

You can start the morning with a coffee from one of three local coffeehouses: Steampunk Coffee, Little Easy or Natchez Coffee. If you’re looking for hearty breakfast fare, Natchez Coffee’s weekend buffet and Sunshine Café are excellent choices, and the city’s numerous bed and breakfast inns offer some of the best – and most authentic – Southern breakfasts you’ll find. If you want to hit up a local favorite, don’t miss The Donut Shop (praised by Alton Brown in his “Road Eats” television series).

If brunch is more your style, the Little Easy offers upscale dishes and craft cocktails in a decidedly relaxed environment, just steps away from the Mississippi Bluff.

At Natchez Under-the-Hill, both The Camp and Magnolia Grill offer sweeping views of the river to greet diners. “We got to Magnolia Bar and Grill at least twice a week – first for the food and second for the river,” says

John Bergeron, who with his wife, Valerie, enjoys eating out in Natchez. “

The Camp is known for its craft cocktails and casual fare – from street tacos to sandwiches – and Magnolia Grill is home to the legendary “Samburger,” as well as perennially popular seafood dishes and specials.

Back on top of the hill, visitors have plenty of choices for lunch, snacks or just an afternoon cocktail.

Natchez Brewing Company is ranked the Best Craft Brewery in the state of Mississippi by Yelp and with good reason. Featuring seasonal selections, as well as a year-round slate of craft beers, Natchez Brewing is a favorite place to gather and enjoy good food and friends, both inside and on the spacious, covered patio area. The wood-oven pizzas and sandwiches are popular among locals.

The Pub at Dunleith is an ideal spot to enjoy a craft cocktail,

Locals who know say city’s restaurants offer some of the best food found anywhere

lunch or afternoon snack, in one of the city’s most stunning historic settings.

The Carriage House, at historic Stanton Hall, has been graciously serving diners for decades. Its specialties include chicken salad, fried chicken and angel biscuits.

On Broadway overlooking the bluff, Wardo’s po-boys offers authentic New Orleans style poboys, gumbo and hand-dipped ice cream.

Fat Mama’s Tamales is the perfect spot to grab a famous margarita and relax on the deck, and nearby Pig Out Inn is renowned for its famous barbecue options. Slick Rick’s Café, Biscuits and Blues, Planet Thai, Rolling River Reloaded offer a wide variety of regional specialties, and new-to-the-area Natchez Olive Market offers cheeses, fresh breads and gourmet oils for a take-away picnic or snack. For a sweet treat downtown, Butter Cakery offers cookies, cupcakes and other decadent delights.

Outside the downtown area, diners can find hand-crafted pizzas and sandwiches at County Pie; authentic Mexican at several different eateries; and sushi and Asian cuisine.

Locals will point you to two of their favorites – The Malt Shop and Bellmont Shake Shop – when the craving for old-fashioned shakes, burgers and fries hits you.

For dinner options, visitors can enjoy upscale dining or a more casual atmosphere at any of the eateries open for lunch. Sophisticated wines and small plates are available at The Kitchen Bistro and Piano Bar, while Pearl Street Pasta serves some of Southwest Mississippi’s best pasta dishes, and the house-made salad dressing is a must-have.

For visitors seeking to dine in historic splendor, Restaurant 1818 at Monmouth Historic Inn and The Castle at Historic Dunleith beckon. The Castle specializes in modern takes on traditional Southern fare, offering such dishes as pan seared salmon served with sautéed spinach and truffle mash potatoes topped with crawfish beurre blanc as well as Gulf seafood and fine steaks. The Guest House offers a Mediterranean inspired menu and The Natchez Manor offers a Southern bistro menu in the heart of downtown.

Service at all are exceptional and epitomizes the local approach to hospitality.

“Of all the places I’ve traveled to and eaten in restaurants, I enjoy the service in Natchez the best,” says Julianna Wallace, creator of a food-based Instagram page and blog. “Service is part of the experience, and what makes it so special is the people here.”

Local Flavors

100 Main 100 Main Street 601.442.6246

From pizza and poboys, to steak and shrimp, this riverfront tavern serves a wide variety of beer, martinis and live music.

Bellemont Shake Shop

175 U.S. Highway 61 South 601.445.4581

Enjoy a Natchez tradition where old fashioned hamburgers and milkshakes bring back memories of the 1960’s era of dining.

Biscuits & Blues 315 Main Street 601.446.9922

Dedicated to hot biscuits and cool blues, but also serving a full menu from seafood and barbeque to steaks. California wine, microbrews and specialty cocktails.

Butter Cakery

404 Main Street 601.571.7042

Founded by a passionate home baker, our mission is to spread happiness and cheer one slice at a time. Come enjoy the best slice you've ever had or choose a custom cake to share.

Buttercup Bakery & Deli 483 John R. Junkin Drive 601.442.0247

Stop by for lunch and grab one of their delicious sandwiches, wraps or salads. Leave with a cupcake or other pastry for dessert!

The Camp Restaurant

21 Silver Street 601.897.0466

Dig in to one of our gourmet burgers while watching sports and drinking beer with your family and friends.

The Carriage House Restaurant

Stanton Hall 401 High Street 601.445.5151

Specializing in delicious Southern cuisine, from their famous fried chicken and silver dollar sized biscuits to fresh Gulf seafood.

The Castle Restaurant

Dunleith Historic Inn 84 Homochitto Street 601.897.6300

Located in Dunleith’s original carriage house and stables, this 18thcentury brick structure serves delectable southern cuisine such as crab cakes and mouthwatering bread pudding.

County Pie

55 Seargent Prentiss Drive, Suite 56 601.442.0009

County Pie offers delicious specialty pizzas, burgers and pastas, and 16 craft beers on tap.

The Donut Shop

501 John R. Junkin Drive 601.442.2317

If you don’t get there early enough for the donuts, you’re sure to be delighted with their homemade hot tamales or juicy burgers.

El Potro

105 Northgate Road 601.446.8828

Fresh Mexican cuisine, including appetizers, lunch specials and our signature dish, “Potro Special”.

Fat Mama’s Tamales

303 South Canal Street 601.442.4548

A local favorite with a festive atmosphere and outdoor dining on the patio. Known for great hot tamales, fire and ice pickles and “Knock You Naked Margaritas”.

Frankies on Main 422 Main St.

The Fish House 414 U.S. Highway 61 North 601.442.2955

Catfish, seafood, burgers, chicken, sandwiches and more!

The Guest House Mediterranean Restaurant

The Guest House 201 N. Pearl Street 601.445.6000

Serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

Jughead’s Fish Fry

217 John R. Junkin Drive 601.445.8999

Serving up fried catfish, fried pickles and our famous hushpuppies.

The Kitchen Bistro & Piano Bar 312 Main Street 769.355.2165

This hidden treasure is our cozy cheese & wine bar, tucked away in the middle of downtown, where you can enjoy a sophisticated selection of wines and small plates.

La Fiesta Grande 288 John R. Junkin Drive 601.445.0720

Fine Mexican food in a lively atmosphere. Menu includes barbecue ribs, fried catfish and all of your South-of-the-border favorites.

The Little Easy Cafe

114 High Street 601.653.0774

Serving boozy brunch, sunup to sundown. This cozy neighborhood spot dishes out sophisticated cuisine with hometown ease.

Little Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse

25 Seargent Prentiss Drive 601.304.5802

Dine while hibachi chefs cook your meal right in front of your eyes. You will be very pleased at the selection of fine appetizers, chef’s specials and fresh sushi.

Magnolia Grill

49 Silver Street 601.446.7670

Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks and burgers, we have one of the best river views in town.

The Malt Shop

4 Homochitto Street 601.445.4843

A local favorite for over 60 years, the Malt Shop serves a little bit of everything. Don’t forget to try the famous upside-down banana split!

Moo’s Barn and Grill

3 Government Fleet Road 769.355.2442

Enjoy a laid-back environment with burgers, wings, amazing BBQ, and homemade cheese sticks.

Natchez Brewing Company & Kitchen 207 High Street 769.355.2225

Brick oven pizza topped with fresh ingredients. Pair your pizza, brat or calzone with a hand-crafted beer.

Natchez Coffee Company

509 Franklin Street 601.304.1415

Serving hot and cold coffee drinks, breakfast, sandwiches, lunch specials, salads, fresh smoothies and Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Natchez Midtown Grill

120 North Martin Luther King Jr. Street 601.431.6626

Searching for the classics? Look no further for the best burgers, fries, wings, poboys and more.

Natchez Nutrition 406 Franklin Street 601.355.2020

Offering healthy and delicious meal replacement shakes, loaded teas for energy and vitamins, hydration and kid drinks, plus pre and post workout drinks and shakes.

Natchez Olive Market 636 Franklin Street

A specialty food market "Fit for Foodies" sourcing ultra-premium olive oils, infused balsamic vinegars, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.

NX Level Cooking

531 South Canal Street

Soul food at its finest. Menu includes poboys, wings, wraps, salads, and bbq ribs on the weekends.

Pearl Street Pasta 105 South Pearl Street 601.442.9284

Delicious Italian food and a variety of American dishes, seafood and steaks that keeps the locals coming back.

Pedro’s Tacos and Tequila Bar 355 Devereux Drive 601.304.5760

Fun atmosphere with a Tex-Mex style menu.

Pig Out Inn

116 South Canal Street 601.442.8050

Specializing in smoked meats and a sauce with the perfect balance of sweet and tanginess.

Planet Thailand

116 North Commerce Street 601.442.4220

Traditional and authentic Thai dishes and sushi, and don’t forget amazing Vietnamese Pho.

Playmakers Bar & Grill

Magnolia Bluffs Casino 7 Roth Hill Road 601.235.0045

Enjoy the bets, bites and beers that this casino has to offer. With over 40 tvs and daily food specials, this is the best spot to relax with friends.

The Pub

Dunleith Historic Inn 84 Homochitto Street 601.897.6306

Nestled in the basement of The Castle Restaurant, this Englishstyle pub is complete with a nice selection of cocktails, beers and wine, as well as delicious appetizers.

Quitman Lounge

Monmouth Historic Inn Boulevard 1358 John A. Quitman 601.442.5852

A casual option at Monmouth, gather in the downstairs rooms for drinks and hors d’oeuvres where General John R. Quitman once had his study.

Red Top Seafood

55 Sergeant Prentiss Drive, Suite 24 601.653.0371

Dine on the freshest seafood around whether it be on one of our delicious sandwiches or full dinners.

Restaurant 1818

Monmouth Historic Inn 1358 John A. Quitman Boulevard 601.442.5852

Guests can select from a choice of individual menu items or an a la carte’ basis all while dining in historic splendor.

Rolling River Reloaded 406 Main Street 601.653.0747

A variety of simply southern classic dishes, with a creative twist, giving our customers a true "Soulful Southern Experience.”

Slick Rick’s Cafe’ 109 North Pearl Street 601.445.9900

Serving a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps and salads all seasoned with his very own organic spices, and the cupcakes are not to be missed!

Soda Pops

352 John R. Junkin Drive 601.304.0000

A family restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos and their very own ice cream.

Southern Bistro Natchez Manor 601.442.4441

Serving up weekday lunch and Sunday brunch which includes mimosas, shrimp and grits and all the other Southern deliciousness you didn’t know you needed!

Soul Fusion Natchez 408 North Martin Luther King Jr. Street 601.807.1008

This patio bar and grill restaurant serves all your favorites- even late night on the weekends.

Southern Style Restaurant, Catering & Bar 227 Devereux Drive 601.442.3334

Your one stop place for real soul food!

Sunshine Cafe 323 Main Street 601.870.0157

Whether it’s a breakfast platter or lunch special you’re craving, we have a menu fit for everyone.

Steampunk Coffee Roasters/Papi Y Papi 706 Franklin Street 601.334.5179

Papi y Papi featuring Steampunk Coffee, fine chocolate and premium cigar, conservas, mixology items and Espresso bar.

Wardo’s 309 North Broadway Street 769.355.2248

This family-owned eatery features New Orleans style po-boys, hand-scooped ice cream and ice cold beer steps away from the Bluff and one of the best views of the mighty Mississippi River.

Camping Birding Kayaking Hunting

Biking Hiking Boating Fishing

The great

outdoors

TOUR COMPANIES AND RENTALS

Magnolia

Bluffs Casino Bike Rental

645 South Canal Street 601.861.4600

Experience beautiful, historic Downtown Natchez in an allnew way! Reserve your bike in advance by visiting the hotel reception desk at Magnolia Bluffs Hotel. Each bicycle rental includes a helmet, bike lock, carry-along satchel and map of Downtown Natchez. Note: This service is for hotel guests only.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

3391 Poole Road, Vidalia, LA 71373 601.442.6696 www.fws.gov/refuge/bayou-cocodrie

Hunting is permitted for small game and deer. A hunting permit is required. Bayou Cocodrie is open for canoeing. There are roads and walking trails open throughout the refuge.

Open: Seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

Bluff Park

Natchez Pedal Cruzer

601.654.6293

natchezpedalcruzer.com

Natchez Pedal Cruzer is a party on wheels you can’t resist. You can pedal or relax on the back bench, it’s all up to you and your crew. Our bike consists of 10 seats with pedals, 2 seats without pedals, a comfortable rear bench for 2 and the captain seat for our pilot. Load, Pedal & GO! Tours are two hours with stops at local establishment and those requested by you along the way. Offering three different tours: Early Bird, Mix It Up & Private Party.

101 South Broadway Street

The greatest natural attraction that Natchez has to offer is the Mississippi River, and the best vantage point from which to take in her beauty and splendor is the bluff. The best time to be on the bluff overlooking the river is at sunset, because, weather permitting, and sunsets on the river can be a spectacular sight to behold.

Giles Island

449 Old River Boat Camp Road

Ferriday, Louisiana 71334 601.431.2004 info@gilesisland.com gilesisland.com

Located on the Mississippi River, this 9,400-acre commercial hunting facility offers trophy whitetail deer hunting, turkey hunting, alligator hunting, fishing, trap shooting, group events and corporate meetings.

Natchez State Park 230-B Wickcliff Road 601.442.2658

mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/state-parks/Natchez Natchez State Park offers boat launch, disc golf, nature trails, and excellent fishing, boasting the state’s record large-mouth bass. Ten cabins, a picnic area and a nature trail are available. There are 50 sites for RV camping, ten lakeside cabin rentals, and eight primitive sites.

Grand Village of the Natchez Indians

400 Jefferson Davis Boulevard 601.446.6502 www.nps.gov/nr/travel/mounds/gra.htm

This 128-acre site includes a nature trail great for wildlife observation, birding and photography, a reconstructed Natchez Indian house and three ceremonial mounds. The museum features a “touch table” for children and a gift shop. Mon.-Sat. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sun. 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Natchez Trace Parkway 1.800.305.7417 nps.gov/natr/index.htm

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a designated biking route extending the 444 miles from Natchez to Nashville, Tennessee. A federal parkway operated by the National Park Service, the Trace offers not only scenic beauty, but many historic makers to lead the visitor through some of the earliest history of the old Southwest Territory. Stop in at the Natchez Visitor Center for a map, or contact info@ visitnatchez.org to have one mailed to you.

The Homochitto National Forest

1200 Highway 184 East Meadville, MS 601.384.5876 www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mississippi/about-forest/ districts/?cid=stelprdb5209590

The Homochitto National Forest is home to both leisurely and challenging bike trails. The forest offers nature trails, hiking, primitive and developed camping, swimming, horseback riding trails, shooting range, and is well known in the world of cycling.

Natchez Trails-Museum of Streets 100 North Broadway Street 800.647.6724 visitnatchez.org

The Natchez Trails are a combination of city streets and walkways dotted with interpretive panels depicting the history of the area along the way. The trails run throughout the downtown area, down St. Catherine Street and along the bluff overlooking the river. Pedestrians and cyclists can share parts of the trails, and you can wind your way down to the edge of the mighty Mississippi River. An extra day can be added to any trip to spend it walking along the Natchez Trails. To learn more about the trails, turn to page 36.

Lake Concordia

Ferriday, Louisiana

Lake Concordia is approximately 15 miles from Natchez and is an oxbow lake that was once part of the Mississippi River. It is surrounded by ghostly cypress trees draped with Spanish moss.

Lake St. John Ferriday, Louisiana 318.757.4303

Lake St. John is another oxbow product of the Mississippi River. The 2,100 acres are lined with moss-covered cypress, endless amounts of wildlife and the sunsets on the lake are fantastic. Public access is available for $10.00 at three launch sites on the lake’s south side. Spokane Resort Cabin Rental is located on the highway as you arrive at Lake St. John.

Outside-In Ms 112 N. Commerce Street 662.515.0490 Outsideinms.com

Are you looking for a fun outdoor activity for your family?

OutsideIN MS offers educational Nature Boxes, guided kayaking tours, and a Downtown Architectural Scavenger Hunt! There are two Hunts available--Main & Commerce Street, and Franklin & Pearl Street. OutsideIN MS also has an Escape Room called “Who Killed the Major?”, which is a historic murder mystery. Up to 6 participants will find the clues, unlock boxes, and solve the mystery! By appointment only. Scavenger Hunts & the Escape Room tickets can be purchased at www.outsideinms.com.

St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge

21 Pintail Lane, Natchez, Mississippi 39120-8515

601.442.6696

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/st-catherine-creek

A hiking trail is available for observing wildlife. Fishing is permitted in four lakes during designated dates. Motor vehicles are restricted to public roads and designated parking areas. Camping, open fires and overnight parking are prohibited. Refuge hours are sunrise to sunset. Permit required for hunting and fishing.

Open: Seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Closed on federal holidays.

Old River

Vidalia, Louisiana

Old River is a popular fishing spot. If you truly appreciate raw, natural beauty and have hopes of spotting one of the many large alligators that reside there, then boating on Old River is right up your alley. Old River is in Concordia Parish in Louisiana, only 15.3 miles from Vidalia. It is a popular place for:

GOLF AND TENNIS

Beau Pre’ Country Club

40 Club Drive 601.442.5493 www.beauprenatchez.com

Beau Pre’ Country Club is a semi-private facility that includes one soft surface and three hard surface tennis courts, swimming pool, pro shop, bar & grill and a championship golf course designed by Mike Young.

Duncan Park Golf Course

57 Duncan Park Road Clubhouse: 601.442.5955 Tennis Courts: 601.442.1584 https://www.natchezgolfclub.com

Located in the heart of Natchez, Duncan Park offers biking and running trails with an 18-hole golf course and 8 tennis courts.

FIND ADVENTURE IN THE

outdoors

St. Catherine Creek is a natural treasure among four public land areas

NATCHEZ — Southwest Mississippi is a paradise for those seeking adventure in the great outdoors. There are four public land areas within a 25-minute drive of Natchez and St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge is the diamond buried in our backyard.

Take in the rich hardwoods in the Homochitto National Forest and go fishing and camping at Natchez State Park 20 minutes north of Natchez on US 61. It is now named Bob M. Dearing Natchez State Park and features a lake, hiking and biking trails, campgrounds and cabins. Guests can wet a line here and try to catch the state’s record for a largemouth bass. Sandy Creek Wildlife Management Area offers hunting opportunities and is located about 20 minutes down Liberty Road and Deerfield Road. It has beautiful hills and hollers.

St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a natural treasure that spreads across five different units each with their own ecosystem. Cloverdale is a mixture of hardwoods and bottomland forest, Cottonmouth has swells formed by the Mississippi River flooding, Butler has a giant lake and an ATV trail where deer, raccoons and wood storks can be seen. Refuge Manager Skye Kreisler said she loves the diversity of wildlife found at Butler and Salt Lake.

“You have old St. Catherine Creek and alligators here. It feels like you are in the Sherwood Forest,” Kreisler said. “It is so serene and peaceful it is a unique landscape. In the wintertime there are no bugs or thorns.

I love to hike the Cabin Road trail in late December.”South of Butler Unit is the Sibley Unit which used to be farmland before the USFWS acquired the land. When the refuge is not flooded, the two units are connected by hiking trails and old logging roads where you can find remnants of old homes.

Home to thousands of migratory birds, the swamp in the Sibley Unit has a lot of exciting sights to see. Barred owls, kites, hawks, bald eagles, wood ducks, mallards, geese, storks, killdeer and other birds flock to the impoundments each year.

Towering cypress trees, oaks and other bottomland trees are bountiful here. It is an area of the refuge where you can get a glimpse of what the region used to look like. The swamp can be super boggy and at times you are not able to walk through it. Kreisler said flooding from the Mississippi River limits how far in the Sibley Unit you can go.

Cloverdale Unit is the closest to Natchez City limits and is a 10-minute drive from John R. Junkin Drive down Lower Woodville Road. It looks flat but the unit features an interesting topography and has a unit known as Cottonmouth within itself.

“The swales allow an inflow of water which then deposits fish and mud back into the river system. It adds extra nutrients into the landscapes and Alligator Gar use it to spawn,” Kreisler said.

Kent Ozment, who is the refuge biologist, enjoys another portion of the Cloverdale unit close to the Mississippi River. “I’m attracted to an area with an old pecan tree there. It is

my favorite place to visit and is near Carthage Point Road,” Ozment said. His other favorite place to visit in the refuge is the shoreline of the Homochitto River west of Gilliard Lake in the Sibley Unit. There you can sit out on the sand with a lunch depending on the floodwaters. Bald Eagles make a stop at the refuge and can be seen in several sections of the refuge. When the river is down and the bird sanctuary is accessible, you can find a few bald eagle nests in the cypress trees.

Kresiler said they have various disturbance tolerances and people need to stay 300 - 1,000 feet away from a nest and slow down any movements. It is possible to see bald eagles take flight and hear their cry as they fly around.

St. Catherine Creek has a nature center where people can stop by for informational brochures and some displays of wildlife found at the refuge. The refuge has a Facebook page called St. Catherine Creek-Bayou Cocodrie NWR where updates are published on a regular basis.

It is important for visitors to remember the refuge is for the conservation of fish, wildlife and plants. The refuge offers fishing, hiking, hunting and photography as recreational opportunities.

“There is something for everyone no matter your experience or ability. The number one overlooked quality is the unique opportunity for solitude,” Kreisler said. “People travel to far away places when this place is filled with birds, fish and plants right in their backyard. It is a great place to spend time with family and enjoy nature.”

Top 25 SELFIE-WORTHY SPOTS IN NATCHEZ

The grand cathedral of St. Mary Basilica is located at the corner of South Union and Main streets. However, its towering spire can be seen from almost anywhere with a clear vantage point of the cityscape. St. Mary Basilica is typically open to visitors and is worth going inside to see the beautiful arched ceiling and stained-glass windows. The church’s construction began in 1842, however, it was not completed until 40 years later.

Many know Natchez is a photographer’s dream with interesting sights from the grandeur of the tallest cathedral and historic homes to more subtle and fascinating artworks. However, even the amateur photographer with a cell phone can capture the beauty and uniqueness with a selfie. Visit Natchez helped compile the following list to guide you during your exploration of places here.

Each of the sites in the list below offers some visual or emotional appeal that is worthy of a photo. Some you’ll have to stand far back from to get the full picture and others you’ll have to come close to capture the detail.

Check out these 25 selfie-worthy destinations in Natchez.

If you’re coming off of one of the cruise ships that docks in Natchez, don’t forget to look back and capture a picture of the vessel with the Mississippi River and the bridge in the background. Depending on your visit, you might even glimpse some bright red poppies growing on the bank. However, the view of the Mississippi River from Under the Hill is worthy of a photo all on its own.

Washington Street is one of the best places to find Crepe Myrtle trees, which bloom seasonally between May and June. The flowering trees with their branches reaching out on either side of the street make a gorgeous tunnel of color. While strolling Washington Street, you might stop at Holly Hedges’ garden and statue at 203 Washington Street and see the unique maze of hedges.

Southern Carriage Tours’ horse and buggy, which parks at Canal and State streets, are great for families to get a picture next to Natchez’s finest steed.

On Silver Street, near where the cruise ships dock, there is a historic saloon famous for catering to Natchez’s roughest and toughest visitors un-boarding the paddle wheelers. Venture toward the back of the saloon and you’ll find an interesting statue of an elephant that makes an excellent conversation piece or the perfect photo opportunity. Stop by the saloon, grab a drink and see if you can find it.

A walk along the Natchez Bluff nature trail will lead you to an octagonal-shaped deck, built in 2015 by the Natchez Adams County Community Alliance.

Where Silver Street winds up a hill and becomes DA Biglane Street, there is a seasonal field of wildflowers often growing roadside behind Rosalie. Here, you can snap a portrait of yourself with nature’s beauty as your stage.

When DA Biglane ends at Canal Street, turn left and you’ll find Fat Mama’s Tamales restaurant. Outside, there is an unusual piece of décor, a painted bathtub that sometimes doubles as a flowerbed.

On the side of the building at 121 N Commerce St. is a stone that dubs the location the “Center of Natchez.” This stone marks what was historically the center of the city before Natchez expanded out from the Mississippi River. See if you can find this interesting piece of history during your Downtown Natchez stroll.

Located in the heart of Natchez on Commerce Street is a historic movie theater called the Ritz. Built in 1935, it ceased to operate as a movie theater more than 50 years ago and is boarded up today. However, the nostalgic exterior features a marquee with the theater’s name written in lights, which are clear indicators of its former glory.

A giant Christmas tree is a seasonal occupant of the intersection of Main and Commerce Streets. In 2021, the tree made its longest appearance yet for the purpose of being featured in a Hallmark Christmas film, “Every Time a Bell Rings.”

The grand cathedral of St. Mary Basilica is located at the corner of South Union and Main streets. However, its towering spire can be seen from almost anywhere with a clear vantage point of the cityscape. St. Mary Basilica is typically open to visitors and is worth going inside to see the beautiful arched ceiling and stained-glass windows. The church’s construction began in 1842, however, it was not completed until 40 years later.

most Fridays and Saturdays and there is also a covered porch area that is a great spot to watch the sunset.

On the lawn of the Natchez City Auditorium at the corner of Jefferson and N. Canal Street is the Proud to Take a Stand Monument. The semicircular structure honors those who were wrongfully incarcerated in Adams County and the state penitentiary at Parchman for joining a march for voting rights amid the Civil Rights Movement.

located streets

Memorial Park, located on the corner of Main and Rankin Street behind St. Mary Basilica, includes many photo-worthy features from Spanish cannon placed as an ode to soldiers who fought in the Spanish-American war, a monument to Vietnam veterans and a cast-iron fountain. Icicle lights also hang from the swooping branches of the oak trees at night. The park also served as a burial ground before its occupants were disinterred and relocated to the Natchez City Cemetery.

Outside the restaurant area of The Guest House on the corner of N. Pearl and Franklin streets is a mural by Kate Lee Laird that is meant to be photographed with you as a part of the masterpiece. Grab a buddy to snap a photo of you as an angel with outstretched wings.

Smoot’s Grocery, located at the end of High Street at Broadway Street, is a juke joint facing the river. This is where many talented musicians performed for their first audiences. The venue hosts live music performances

The “Lucky Number 13” house, located at the very end of Broadway Street on Madison Street, earned fame for all of the objects that decorate the front lawn and porch. Stop by and get a picture and see if you can spot how the house earned its name.

The Natchez Bluff Bandstand, perched on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, is a romantic spot for a photo opportunity. Here, you can enjoy scenic riverside views if not some live music.

If you’re in the mood for barbeque and brisket, there is an opportunity for you to grab a picture of Natchez’s very own flying pigs, perched for takeoff on the roof of Pig Out Inn at 116 S. Canal St. And for the more adventurous, there’s a pig on the grounds to “ride” for your photos! If hamburgers are more your speed, you can also go and see the longhorn outside of Moo’s Barn and Grill at Government Fleet Road and John R. Junkin Drive.

The Towers, a property famed for its magnificent jeweled Christmas and ghost tours and magnificent statues, is seated at 801 Myrtle Ave down a short drive. You can see the uniquely shaped house and water fountain behind an iron fence and spooky moss-covered oaks.

Continue along Cemetery Road and you’ll find yourself looking out at the Natchez City Cemetery, which is home to Natchez’s past residents and many artfully crafted statues and memorials. One of these is the Turning Angel, found close to

facing the road. She keeps a watchful eye on graves belonging to those lost during a 1908 building explosion. She famously earned the name “Turning Angel” for the way she seems to turn in the headlights of cars passing by at night.

The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians at 400 Jeff Davis Boulevard is home to Native American dirt structures built by the city’s namesake, the Natchez Indians. Here, nature-lovers may also enjoy walking trails that wind back through the woods around the site.

Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 228 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., is famous as the church once pastored by Hiram Rhodes Revels when he settled in Natchez. He was elected by the Mississippi legislature to the United States Senate as a Republican to represent Mississippi in 1870 and 1871 during the Reconstruction era, becoming the first African American to serve in either house of the U.S. Congress.

The

Rhythm Night

Club Museum at 5 Saint Catherine St. isn’t known for its visible features, but rather for its historical significance. The museum is built where more than 200 young Natchez residents died tragically in a fire as they were listening to a concert from the Walter Barnes Orchestra of Chicago. Inside, you’ll find photos and newspaper clippings about the tragedy and get a feel of what the Rhythm Night Club was like before the tragedy.

Those familiar with the 1939 film “Gone with the Wind” might find the front door of Linden Bed and Breakfast at 1 Conner Circle bears a striking resemblance to the Tara plantation’s façade in the film. It’s said that the door’s rounded frame provided the inspiration for the movie house.

Those who enjoy ghost stories might also like to peer up at the windows of King’s Tavern, located at 613 Jefferson St. Now closed to visitors, it has long been regarded as the oldest building in Natchez, and perhaps the most haunted.

FLORISTS

The Flower Station

387 John R Junkin Drive 601.442.7224 theflowerstationms.com

Ja’Nel’s Flowers & Gifts 483 John R. Junkin Drive 601.442.0247

Moreton’s Flowerland 629 Franklin Street 601.442.4321 Moretonsflowerland.com

Nest 505 Franklin Street 601.446.3011 johngradyburns.com

“O” So Pretty Flowers 176 Seargent Prentiss Drive 601.446.6086 osoprettyflowers.com

King of Hearts 487 John R. Junkin Drive 601.446.8889 king-of-hearts.com

RENTAL COMPANIES

Les Chic Events

28 East Franklin Street 601.597.3009 leschicevents.com

Magnolia Mariée 200 Main Street 601.446.6400 magnoliamariee.com

The Wedding Mart

4 East Franklin Street 601.442.3270

SPAS & SALONS

Anruss & Co. Salon & Spa 212 North Commerce Street 601.445.2007

Arabella Massage Therapy 113 A Jefferson Davis Boulevard 601.442.2871 arabellamassage.com

C’est Jolie Salon 403 Main St. 601.493.4564 cest-jolie-salon.business.site

Clary Sage Salon 703 Franklin Street 601.807.5723

Hello, Gorgeous! 111 North Pearl Street 601.445.4383

Laird’s Barber & Style Center 166 East Franklin Street 601.442.7271

Magnolia Madam 118 North Pearl Street, Suite 105 601.653.5498 Magnoliamadam.com

The Mane Event 102 Homochitto Street 601.445.7300

1st Class Limo & Transportation Service 601.807.3776

TRANSPORTATION

Bus Supply Charters

2084 US-98, McComb, MS 601.684.2900 bscitourandtravel.com

Downtown Karla Brown 512 Franklin Street 907.540.0001 downtownkarlabrown.com

Luxury Livery 504.232.0221

Natchez-Adams County Airport 434 Airport Road 601.443.3142 flyhez.com

Natchez Transit System 127 Wood Avenue 601.445.7568 natchez.ms.us/253/transportation

Southern Carriage Tours 601.431.7007

‘Hollywood

OF THE SOUTH’

Natchez becoming a film destination

Natchez has gained a lot of attention from filmmakers in recent years, so much that in March 2022, WLBT of Jackson did a news segment on Natchez and how it became the “Hollywood of the South.” However, local film producer John Norris said Natchez is more than a southern version of Hollywood. Natchez is its own unique opportunity, Norris said.

“What we’re building in Natchez is a real sustainable economic model that is proven in other states, but we’re doing it our way. We’re doing it uniquely. It has to work for our town,” he said.

Norris and his life partner Tate Taylor own Crooked Letter Pictures, a production company on High Street that has recently played host to other filmmakers, such as the actor with the iconic voice, Morgan Freeman.

Filmmakers like Norris and Taylor recognize the city’s and surrounding rural country’s potential to become any stage.

“All of the things you could do in New York, Atlanta or Los Angeles could be done in Natchez,” Norris said. “It seemed like fertile ground, not just for us but everyone.”

THEY’RE NOT ALONE

Taylor, a Mississippi native, wanted to return to his home state and started looking for “the place” to land, which he found in 2016 at the Wyolah Plantation in Church Hill.

Soon after, Taylor filmed the James Brown documentary, “Get on Up.”

“The community rallied around the production,” Norris said of Get on Up. “We saw an opportunity to capitalize on that momentum and build a foundation for more films to come to Natchez.”

In March of 2021, Devin Heath came on as Visit Natchez’s new Executive Director. Heath said he and the Visit Natchez board decided to reopen The Natchez Film Office the following October. The entity had been established years prior.

“We all agreed to reimplement it because we knew film opportunities were big for us here,” Heath said. The film office helps connect these industries with hotels, restaurants, catering and other services they need during filming and looks for ways to market Natchez as a film destination. They were recently successful at convincing a new production “From Black,” to come to Natchez. The film is produced by Kelly Frazier and Vincent Cardinale and written and directed by Thomas Marchese.

“Sometimes they say it is better to be lucky than skilled,” Heath said. “We’ve developed a relationship with the Mississippi Film Office and they put us in touch with Kelly and Vincent. They were looking at several areas throughout Mississippi and Natchez was just one on a long list. They came here and just fell in love and appreciated the hospitality of everyone. She (Frazier) was blown away by how beautiful it was here.”

Norris and Heath agree that a large part of what makes Natchez attractive as a film destination is the people.

“Natchez embraces strangers that come from out of nowhere and embraces diversity,” Norris said. “The community is willing to open their

doors.”

This is what has attracted stars like Mick Jagger, who recently intended a two-night stay here but wound up staying two weeks, Norris said. “Same with Morgan Freeman and Pattie LaBelle,” he added. “It’s a low-key community that loves people.”

Combining that with the city’s hospitality and food industries and rich history, Natchez is “adaptable and the fundamental canvas needed to tell stories,” he said.

WHAT IMPACT DOES FILM HAVE?

There is a lot more that goes into making a movie or television show than some people realize. It often requires teams of people to relocate to an area for extended periods of time. This brings multiple industries and jobs into the mix, from transportation and hotel and lodging to food and beverage services.

An economic impact study conducted by Mississippi State University’s National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center shows that in 2021 alone, four different film productions in Natchez supported more than $19 million in economic activity in the state, 213 full-time jobs, and roughly $2 million in state and local tax revenues. This came as a result of 9 months of production operations during the filming of “Great Escapes with Morgan Freeman,” “Rumble through the Dark,” “Every Time a Bell Rings” and “Christmas in the Quarter.”

But Norris said his and Taylor’s vision goes well beyond that, to the tune of “hundreds of millions of dollars” brought to Mississippi through film and entertainment every year. They recently invested more than $1 million into the Mudbug Music Festival and the same for the Fourth of July Celebration in order to attract more out-of-towners to shop, eat and enjoy the music.

Beyond the economic side of it, Heath said both visitors and locals love that Natchez has had “a touch of the stars” and “the excitement that it brings.”

“Everyone loves knowing Pattie LaBelle was here, Anna Camp or Erin Cahill,” he said. “We’ve had some fun folks come here and we love

meeting them.”

The Natchez Film Office has worked on film tours so that fans of the movies brought here would enjoy self-guided walks to movie sites.

“There was a lot of buzz around ‘Every Time a Bell Rings’ and so we developed a self-guided walking tour available on our website and a brochure that we have at our office,” Heath said. “Folks can do a self-guided tour of all the places and look for the foods and deserts they ate in the film and other things found in the movie, like the Christmas Tree ornament they purchased at Silver Street gifts.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

Films are not done coming here.

Norris said they plan on bringing other television shows here, including The Scott Brothers, and making Natchez a hub for chefs to come for cooking shows.

“Both Tate and I feel like the only way this works to be sustainable is by having more people come here and do what we’re doing,” Norris said. He added that kind of attention to the town would help bring property values up and drive the cost of goods and services down, benefiting those who live and work in Natchez every day.

To make the film industry sustainable, they would also need to address Natchez’s education system, he said.

The non-profit Film Natchez has been actively involved in presentations at both public and private schools in the area to encourage interest in the many careers involved in the film industry.

Their next goal is to increase Mississippi’s film rebate incentive.

They’ve also been partnering with the City of Natchez in their effort to give incentives for people to move here, Norris said. One goal is to help raise the cap on Shift South, a remote worker incentive program that offers eligible workers up to $6,000 to offset relocation expenses when they move to Natchez or Adams County.

“Natchez has hired a director of workforce training and we’ll be working in accomplice with them,” he said. “We’re doing it in harmony with the community. This isn’t about us

It’s about all of us building something together.”

Music FLOWS THROUGH NATCHEZ

conversation at the Monmouth Inn.

David Blackburn, a respected Opera professor and conductor, was a part of that conversation and tasked with a conceptual plan for a Natchez Opera Festival by the mayor David Armstrong. Blackburn moved to Natchez and lived here until his death in 2008.

His legacy and the festival have continued throughout the years since. It is the second longest music festival in Mississippi, Jimmie Rodgers is the longest running music festival. Diana Glaze said it is the longest running music festival in Natchez.

“For music lovers it is an event people look forward to every year,” Glaze said. “One way we stay alive is we try to listen to people and what they want to hear. From the get go we have been a platform for young artists. It allows them to get their feet wet.

Each festival features different musical acts, genres and hundreds of visiting artists. The Festival of Music holds additional special events throughout the year on Valentines Day and Christmas. Festival director Jay Dean said music is an unaging

art that is constantly evolving which is why he changes the lineup every year to include blues, musicals, opera, jazz, classical and country.

“The one one thing that is constant is people love music,” Dean said. “We know not everything appeals to everyone. We try to have a variety of genres. It allows the community to have a quality of life experience and for tourists it is another reason to come to Natchez.”

He estimates 1,500 artists have started and played in Natchez with the Festival since he took over. They are a part of the festival's history and Natchez is a part of the artist’s history, he said.

In 2022, the theme musical passports was chosen for the different acts featuring music from around the world. Some of the music had roots in Europe, China, Austrian, Germany, Sweden, Britain, Argentina, Kansas and Mississippi. It was an opportunity to reflect

the internationalism of Natchez as a city. He said some people can become pigeon holed in their music festivals. By changing the genres and choice of venues, they keep things fresh. The community has responded positively.

“The fact a town with less than 20,000 people can have something like this says something special about this community,” Dean

said. “The festival sets us apart. Our performances have become a fabric for these people.”

Typically, with Natchez he picks something or someone to celebrate.

“I find these centennials to celebrate. Judy Garland was born in 1922 so this is the centennial of her birth, which is why we will have Over the Rainbow,” Dean said. “Next year it will be Hank Williams and ‘Your cheatin heart’ and Maria Collas too. I try to find things that make sense.”

“Historical things always play well in Natchez,” Glaze said. “They are into history because they live in it.”

NATCHEZ BLUFF TAKES CENTER STAGE

The Bluff is home to two music festivals each year: A mudbug festival each May featuring music and crawfish and a Fourth of July music festival, which has included Hank Williams Jr.and Alabama as headliners.

The Mudbug Festival has featured YZ Healley, Red and the Revelers, Drive by Truckers and Bret Michaels, Cody Jinks, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, Lucinda Williams and The Wild Feathers.

Plans are underway to launch a Blues and Souls Super Bowl concert series for the fall months.