Beyond the nostalgia of stately, Southern antebellum homes and Spanish moss, Natchez, Mississippi, bordering Louisiana along the Mississippi River in the southwest part of the state, offers a wide variety of adventures, from diverse dining to top-notch shopping, historic cemeteries, museums, and more. Come see a place of American history and culture, and visit Natchez, Mississippi.
Experience Natchez, Mississippi by bike when you book your stay at Magnolia Bluffs, BW Signature Collection. With complimentary bikes, you can check out nearby Natchez National Historical Park, Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens, Natchez Gazebo, and Charboneau Rum Distillery – all within a mile away from your stay. When you return from your lively bike ride, dine at Prime Cut Steakhouse, located inside the hotel. Prime Cut Steakhouse serves USDA prime cut steaks as well as award-winning bread pudding.
Book your stay at Magnolia Bluffs, BW Signature Collection,
Founded in 1716, Natchez is the oldest city on the Mississippi River, and it’s steeped in history. For the history buffs, take a tour of the Rosalie Mansion and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark that once served as a Union headquarters during the Civil War and adjacent to the also-popular Fort Rosalie.
Other popular home tours include Stanton Hall and Longwood, an octagonal home that was left unfinished due to the onset of the Civil War. Natchez Pilgrimage Tours offers year-round tours of many of the area’s most popular historic sites.
But while Natchez may be known for these impressive, stately homes, the town also owns its unpleasant past. The Natchez Museum of African American Culture and History, through historic sites and inspiring stories, celebrates the African Americans who, despite enslavement and discrimination, helped develop the town as it is today.
Head over to the historic Natchez City Cemetery, a secluded and serene city park filled with impressive old oaks and countless stories. Appearing to turn toward cars as they shine nighttime beams on her from Cemetery Road, the so-called Turning Angel, is a cemetery monument that overlooks the headstones of five residents who tragically lost their lives in an explosion at Natchez Drug Company in 1908.
Dining can take many forms in Natchez, whether a riverside quick-bite or an elegant and elevated special occasion.
Along the mighty Mississippi, In the historic Under-the-Hill area, stop in for a sampling of seafood and more at Magnolia Grill. Family-opened in 1990, this Silver Street staple was built to commemorate the saloon that originally occupied the same spot. Patio seats offer views of the river and the tallest bridge in the state, the Natchez–Vidalia Bridge. Start with an order of the signature Bayou egg rolls or a cup of shrimp, chicken, and okra gumbo. Hearty entrées include steaks, burgers, and sandwiches.
For elevated fare in a casual, contemporary environment, visit Pearl Street Pasta downtown. Don’t let the name fool you: Even though this local favorite offers a pasta-focused menu, it’s also known for its expertly cooked steaks and other options. Order the 16-ounce prime ribeye—it comes topped with garlic butter, with a side of red-pepper risotto. Sizable pasta dishes, which are easily shareable, include Cajun shrimp in a spicy cream sauce over vermicelli, shrimp in a homemade pesto. grilled redfish over angel hair, plus vegetarian options.
For a pick-me-up any time of day, stop by Steampunk Coffee Roasters, a laid-back coffee shop also known for its premium cigars and signature chocolate.
Step into Olivina Boutique on Main Street and get swept into a fun and fantastical world full of life-sized nutcrackers and sugar plum fairies, and packed with home decor, fashion, and beauty products. Take home one-of-a-kind artwork, tea sets, candles, designer aprons, and unique furniture finds from this go-to shop led by a mother-daughter duo.
For the latest trends and favorite finds, stop in Soirée Boutique. Rows of hats, jeans, sneakers, and colorful dresses and tops line the neatly organized shop, also located on Main Street downtown.
For furniture-seekers, Darby’s Furniture & Interiors is a worthy stop. This multilevel shop packs in contemporary, classic, and modern items, including a large collection of artwork and statement chandeliers. Before you head out, pick up a pound of Darby’s Famous Fudge, ranging in flavors from chocolate pecan to vanilla praline.