BRING YOUR BIKE …. Gulf State Park USA Today recently named the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail the best recreational trail in the country for 2023. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is an award-winning 28+ mile paved trail system that takes visitors throughout the 6,150 acres of Gulf State Park.
In Natchez, The Natchez Trace is a ride through 10,000 Years of History –The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states. It roughly follows the “Old Natchez Trace,” a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, “Kaintucks,” European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Today, people can enjoy a scenic drive as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.
BRING YOUR PARTY FAVORS — Entertainment for the 65th Celebration Beach Party is by a well-known New Orleans band named 3rd Street. With an extensive song list 3rd Street is able to cover many different genres of music. Music from the 50’s – todays hits.
BRING YOUR HIKING SHOES — Bob M. Dearing Natchez State Park is located just 10 miles north historic Natchez, The largest bass in Mississippi history, a largemouth weighing 18.15 pounds, was caught in Natchez lake in 1992. 50 Developed Camping sites, 8 Tent Camping sites, 10 Lakeside Vacation Cabin units, and a Laundry Facility located in the Campground B bathhouse.
SAILBOATING AND YACHATING – A YACHTICO yacht charter vacation is the ideal way to get away from it all and spend time with family and friends.
SUNSET CRUISES, PARASAILING, PONTOON BOATS, WAVE RUNNERS, PADDLE BOARDS & KAYAKS – Docked in the heart of Orange Beach, Alabama, at the Perdido Beach Resort’s bayside dock, Wild Hearts offers an exhilarating way to experience the marine landscapes of our area, from gorgeous Gulf Shores to Perdido Key, Florida and everywhere in between. Explore the incredible Orange Beach islands on a three-hour adventure sail, join a daily dolphin cruise, soak up some sun on the calm back bays, or end the day with an extraordinary sunset cruise in Orange Beach. Or you can rent one of our many water toys and go on an adventure yourselves!
BRING YOUR DESIRE TO RELAX — TREAT YOURSELF TO A SPA DAY in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores or Perdido Key — the Gulf Coast Spa list
RELAX AND WATCH THE BALLOONS FLY – Grab a coffee or other beverage and enjoy the early morning or late afternoon balloon flights at the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race in Natchez. October 18-19, 2024.
BRING YOUR ROD & REEL – And enjoy one of the many lakes filled with fresh water fish, or try out the salty sea and catch a BIG ‘UN. Here is a list of lakes and parks:
Natchez — Fresh lakes along the Natchez Trace Parkway, Fresh Lakes around Natchez/Vidalia surrounding areas
BRING YOUR TIRED SELF – And Relax on the porch and look at the gulf view from some of the best restaurants and bars in the Gulf Coast area. Or relax Under-The-Hill on a rocking chair and watch the river slowly meander towards New Orleans, or on the Bluff Park overlooking the river at a higher point.
STOP BY FOR A PRAYER — God knows our world needs it now! We have all visited this beautiful St. Mary’s Basilica in Natchez a time, or two, (or 10,000x). But if you have not visited lately, she recently had a magnificent renovation due to flooding, and prior to that, a new inside paint job that is nothing less than spectacular! Our Lady is recognized as an architectural masterpiece among Catholic churches in the south. The construction began in 1842 as a Cathedral of Our Lady Sorrows — a status she maintained until the Diocese headquarters was transferred from Natchez to Jackson in 1977… read more...
BRING YOUR BOOGIE SHOES – to Natchez during the Balloon Race for a weekend of live music and fun! The lineup is forthcoming for Oct 2024.
BRING YOUR APPETITE — Both Natchez and the Gulf Coast areas are known for fabulous fresh seafood, as well as steaks, barb-q, biscuits and of course, grits! But you can find most every flavor of delicious food to suit your tastebuds. Here is a listing of some of the favorites in each area from Trip Advisor, and other popular recommendation sites:
Trip Advisor — Perdido Key, Perdido Key Beach Resort Area, Orange Beach , Gulf Shores
Southern Living – Orange Beach, Gulf Shores
Others — Tastebud Travels The Cobalt (Gulf Coast area, highly recommended) Wanderlog’s choices
Natchez — Southern Living Best Eateries and Bars; Trip Advisor’s Natchez Best ; Visit Natchez list of restaurants; The Foodies Guide to Natchez; and Wanderlog’s choices
BRING YOUR CREATIVITY — These areas offer fun painting and crafting classes for the entire family!
Gulf Coast area: Art Centers and Classes; Art Classes; Buy Local Art and create your own
Natchez area: Art, Pottery and more! Mississippi School of Folk Art