Southern hospitality is a life-long style that always remains on-trend. It’s the holy grail trifecta: warm people, rolling landscapes, and delicious comfort food. Now, imagine what happens when an entire town of Southern hospitality – practicing folks hosts a party. We can taste the fried catfish and greens already.

Your destination is Natchez, Mississippi, the oldest city along the Mississippi River and known as the hub of the steamboat era. (As you explore the city you’ll notice the steamboat anthem throughout.) In 1716, the French established the riverside city then named it after the American Indian tribe in the area called the “Natchez”.

old photos natchez mississippi
Photo courtesy of Visit Natchez

In this city “where the river is wide and the history runs deep,” you’ll find plenty to satisfy every single sensation. But before all the bottle tops get popped, you’re going to want to add these eats and adventures to your agenda.

EXPLORE

With more than 100 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and about a dozen actually designated as National Historic Landmarks, it’s not difficult to learn something interesting while in Natchez. Besides seeing antebellum mansions like Glen Auburn, Rosalie, and Stanton Hall, you also need to take a solemn stroll about the Natchez Cemetery established in 1822. Its angelic stone statues, cast-iron fences, and sunken Confederate headstones will change you.

Glen Auburn natchez
Photo courtesy of Visit Natchez

Want to save your spending on something special? Check out all the freebies in the city from wine tastings, browsing Antique Row, and catching mighty Mississippi River sunsets at Bluff Park. Don’t miss the Natchez National Historical Park where you can see many preserved, historic sites!

sunset photos natchez ms
Photo courtesy of Visit Natchez

STAY

When the day is done, you’re going to want a soft place to rest your head and hang up your party hat. Southern hospitality is alive and well in all of Natchez’s bed and breakfasts. Take your pick from places like Bisland House, which was built in the early 1900s; The Burn, with its weathered brick swimming pool and three acres of gardens; and Rising Sun, whose neighbors include Antique Row and downtown Natchez. Each one is ready to make you feel extra special and perhaps even toss a few extra eggs in your omelet. It’s the Southern way.

bisland house natchez
Photo courtesy of Visit Natchez

EAT

If crawfish, BBQ, and hush puppies don’t whet your appetite, no worries. In Natchez, food is available in all fares, like Pearl Street Pasta whose menu will satisfy your Italian craving. Mississippi Magazine voted Pearl Street “the restaurant most likely to ruin your diet.” That’s a heck of a superlative and we look forward to learning that in person. In case you are hankering for some home-cooked southern-style cuisine, Jughead’s Fish FryThe Camp, and Pig Out Barbecue are all good options for fried, smoked, or grilled meals. It’s a good idea to pick up something sweet at The Donut Shop after to cleanse your palate. If you feel like putting on your fancy pants and dining in a 1790s carriage house that resembles a castle and houses thoroughbreds, make reservations at The Castle Restaurant & Pub.

When the sun goes down on the river, you’ll want to make your way over to Under the Hill Saloon. This place is the perfect balance of townie and quirk. You can pull a seat up at the bar inside, sit outside in the Elephant Room, or stand and groove to the house band. Just look at the photos and see for yourself. Check out Bowie’s Tavern in the Historic District. Once a cotton warehouse, Bowies is ready to serve you a frosty, local beer on their 1880 mahogany bar.

Saloon natchez mississippi
Photo courtesy of Visit Natchez

Before you leave, take home some local treats like Darby’s Fudge, muscadine hot sauce, and rum that’s made with sugar from a Louisiana sugar mill a few hours away!  

DRINK

A good or bad cup of coffee can set the tone of your day. Luckily, they only serve the good kind in Natchez. We recommend Steampunk Coffee Roasters and Natchez Coffee Company. When you’re ready for something stronger, drop in for tours and tastings at Natchez Brewing Co., Old South Winery, and local favorite Charboneau Rum. If drinking isn’t your thing, pick up a commemorative, customized Coca-Cola bottle for the tricentennial celebration. Cheers, y’all!

The Deep South is calling! Natchez, Mississippi awaits your RSVP!

Missississippi River sunset in Natchez. PHOTO CREDIT: @visitnatchez via @katiegustafson

 

Inspired by aviation, our new Airplane Logo Hat features a black patch with off-white contrast stitching on our best-selling olive canvas hat. It also features custom branded taping on the interior. SHOP NOW

 

 

10 Comments

10 thoughts on “Weekend Escape: Natchez, Mississippi”

  1. Dianne

    Hi Mike thanks for the comments on Natchez even though I live in Mississippi we don’t always pay enough attention to what is right next door. Natchez is wonderful and I enjoy it every time I get down there but come on up and visit with us close to Jackson sometime. and Vicksburg is awesome too. Its not far to Vicksburg from Natchez a nice drive away. Take care and really enjoy your show.

    Thanks

  2. Pamela E Smith

    Mike, this is beautiful!!! I am a native Natchezian! I live in Montana, but my heart belongs to Mississippi! Thank you so very much!!!!!

    PS – love your show!!!!!!

  3. Peppi A Greco

    Love your program….Love your “jungue” ! Have visited your store while in Nashville….and felt right at home ! I am a long time collector of old Equestrian ribbons/rosette…….and up we MAKE some of the most sought after rosettes in the USA.

    Keep up the great work……….children of today need to know the history of our great country !!

    Peppi
    Premier Rosettes
    Tequesta, FL
    Ph. 561-575-3354

  4. Ruth Sutton

    We entered a major car show this April in Natchez. It was part of their celebration, they pulled out all the stops for that day. I don’t believe I’ve been in a town that was a interesting. The people were gracious and so welcoming. We only got to stay for a couple of days but this spot certain calls for more time.

  5. Bambi Gibson

    Wow I can’t believe that’s you Mile in your younger Days. And my Mark and I we are still coming to your store in Iowa in the second week of September 10 and 11 your Fans and Friends always Bambi and Mark

  6. Angela Arnold

    So proud of our beautiful city on the bluff , Natchez , Ms. It has produced many talented people and lucky for us Bishop Gunn a native band is making waves in the music world ! Mike Wolfe and his wife was very welcome and appreciated ! How wonderful for Mike and Bishop Gunn to meet and then pay much respect to our city ! Thank you Mike , come back to Natchez any time !

  7. Jamie H

    We visited Natchez last November and we loved it! The town was beautiful; all the antebellum homes and the river…try the sandwiches at the Pig Out Inn – best brisket I’ve ever eaten. People are friendly and the weather was warm (in November!). So much interesting history, visit a cotton gin or dine at an pre war home. Natchez is truly a gem.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.