Jason Betzing
Across the river, the community of Vidalia offers a river walk with stunning views of the Mississippi.
Words by Jason Betzing
Natchez is everything you would imagine it to be for a rural southern town in Mississippi. Historic architecture, cypress swamps, amazing food, the Blues and more can all be enjoyed here. But the biggest takeaway after visiting this community last year was a newfound appreciation for southern living and its culture.
Location
What makes Natchez so appealing is its location. Residents joke, ‘Natchez is not on the way to anywhere,’ which is perhaps the reason why it has maintained its small-town atmosphere. Nonetheless, from the casino, art galleries and antique shops to hiking the scenic trail systems, there’s plenty of things to do to keep entertained and enlightened.
The neighbouring communities of Vicksburg and Vidalia are equally interesting and for a taste of the city life, Natchez is only a couple of hours to New Orleans, making it the ideal home base to explore the region. The Walmart is convenient if you need to stock up on essentials and there a number of other grocery stores to get what you need - the Natchez Market #1 has excellent meats and specialty diet items.
Jason Betzing
There are many historic homes you can tour. Seen here is Melrose Mansion at the Natchez National Historical Park.
History
Natchez and the surrounding region have an insightful past that spans centuries. A testament to this is the Native American mounds and the Under the Hill Historic District where renegades, gamblers and river pirates congregated in a time when Natchez was a bustling port. It’s also the location of the Mark Twain Guesthouse, where the famed author is said to have resided as a young riverman. And when you consider the area was the once home of the Natchez people, the staging area of conflicts during the Revolutionary War, and one of the locations of the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Natchez has been in the centre of some of the most iconic moments in US history.
Food
The South, of course, is known for its culinary style of cooking and Natchez has many options to satisfy your tastebuds. With several great spots to savour the regional favourites, you’ll want to try the local breaded catfish, crawfish and gumbo, biscuits and super-rich barbecue. In fact, if you like good barbecue, you'll love dining here. Its central location means Texas, Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama barbecue styles are prevalent. While you can order up a feast in many of the local restaurants, a variety of gas stations throughout the state feature local pitmasters, rolling smoke to barbecue perfection. It’s truly heavenly. Surprisingly, Natchez is also known for its tamales, a Mexican delicacy that immigrated here when the southern workers made Natchez home.
Jason Betzing
The Stanton Hall Historic Home.
Architecture
Amazing Greek revival architecture is part of the south, and there are several southern mansions with large oaks and magnolias dripping with Spanish Moss to visit. A great attraction is the Melrose Mansion at the Natchez National Historical Park, as well as Longwood, another mansion where scenes from the popular series True Blood were filmed. There are approximately 20 historic homes in Natchez that offer tours. An additional architectural attraction includes the Trinity Episcopal Church, featuring Tiffany stained glass windows, and is the oldest existing Episcopal church in the state.
Where to Stay
There are a few RV Parks in the local area. A popular one is Riverview RV Park in Vidalia, LA, which is only about eight minutes from Natchez. With its great views of the Mississippi and riverfront sites, this big-rig friendly RV park has 150 full hook-up utility sites, free WiFi, a swimming pool and hot tub, private restrooms and showers, a large clubhouse with a kitchen area, to name a few of the amenities. Other choices include Natchez State Park Campground, Lee Estates RV Park, and Plantation RV Park.
Jason Betzing
The Cypress Swap along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
What to Do
Natchez Trace Parkway
Natchez is the southern starting point for the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 715 km (444 mi) scenic drive that meanders through three states. It partially follows what is known as the Old Natchez Trace, which was a historic travel route that was once commonly used by the Kaintucks people, European settlers, the military, slave traders, and even U.S. Presidents. Today, all kinds of travellers enjoy this detour as the drive is spectacular. It’s also used by hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. RV's under 16.7m (55 ft) and 4.2m (14 ft) are permitted and there are several dry camping sites and RV Parks with hookups along the parkway.
Southern Events
Mississippians love to celebrate. In Natchez (and before COVID-19) there was always something happening almost every weekend. Mardi Gras isn't just celebrated in The Big Easy, it's enjoyed across the Miss-Lou (Mississippi- Louisiana) region with festive parties, food and music. One of my favourite events to attend was the Natchez Balloon Festival held in mid-October. A hot air balloon extravaganza, this event allows you to get up close and personal with the balloons and their aeronauts.
With so much to see and do, listed below is a three-day itinerary to help achieve a true experience of this southern community.
Jason Betzing
There are a variety of unique shops and dining options in Natchez, including Steampunk Coffee Roasters on Franklin St.
Day 1
Perhaps start your day at The Donut Shop. With a fresh cup of coffee, order its exclusive made-that-morning, oversized apple fritter that’s baked to gooey perfection. Follow this experience by going to Natchez Visitor Reception Center to obtain current information on some of the local attractions or arrange a guided tour through Natchez with Open Air Tours. The mansion tours are interesting and a few favourites include Melrose at the National Historical Park, Longwood, and Stanton Hall.
A fulfilling lunch can be enjoyed at Roux 61. It’s about 10 km (6 mi) from Natchez but with its catfish and shrimp platter (and other menu items), the short trip will be worth it (the food will also keep your hunger at bay until dinner). Another attraction is the Natchez City Cemetery. Be sure to grab a brochure at the office building and tour the amazing marble and iron craftsmanship steeped in history, tragedy, and mystery. To round out the afternoon, The Natchez Brewery has excellent wood-fired pizzas (that made my top five list) and refreshing local craft brews (the hefeweizen was terrific). A sunset walk along the Bluffs is a great way to end a busy day.
Jason Betzing
Many of the restaurants also offer excellent locally-inspired menu options.
Day 2 and Day 3
One of the architectural marvels to visit is the St. Mary Basilica, formerly known as St. Mary’s Cathedral. It dates back to the mid-1800s and is one of the most recognized catholic churches in the South due to its strong appeal and interior design.
If you feel inspired to create some of the savoury meals enjoyed in the restaurants, schedule a culinary class at Regina's Kitchen where you can learn to create classic biscuits, souffle’s, and various sauces and dressings. Guest chef appearances and cookbook signings are commonly scheduled. But if tasting the local flavours is preferred rather than cooking them, try the pulled pork at the Pig Out Inn for lunch and for dinner, visit the Kitchen Bistro and Piano Bar on Main St. for a more formal dining experience.
If you have time, visit the ghost towns of Rodney and Rocky Springs, the Windsor Ruins in Port Gibson (that was once a 1,052 ha (2600 ac) plantation), or Mt. Locust on the Trace, which was built in 1780. At one time, it served as a plantation, an inn and is one of the oldest buildings in Mississippi.
Jason Betzing
The Windsor Ruins in Port Gibson.
Final Thoughts
Natchez is a worthy stop if you’re passing through the area or even if you have to travel a little off the main route. But realize that when you arrive the locals will warmly ask where you are from and genuinely treat you like family; southern drawl included at no extra charge.
For more information
https://www.nps.gov/natc/index.htm
https://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm
https://www.louisianatravel.com/vidalia/visitor-services/convention-visitor-bureaus
Majestic Mississippi: There’s No Place like Natchez
With more than 300 years of history in this small Mississippi River community, Natchez is like no other destination in the Southern United States. Filled with the mighty Mississippi's breathtaking views, meticulously kept historic homes, churches, and beautiful parks, Natchez delights all of the senses.
Enjoy self-guided historical walking tours of the city, dine on homemade southern cooking, discover the vibrant nightlife, and encounter the countless experiences that Natchez has to offer.
Jason Betzing
One of the many age-old oak trees.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the proximity to the Natchez Trace Parkway, an extensive scenic bi-way that spans from Natchez to Nashville, TN. You can also walk along the bluffs towering over the river at dusk and admire one of the most spectacular sunsets in the country.
There’s something for everyone in Natchez - from one-of-a-kind culinary experiences and can't-miss shopping to high-stakes casino gaming. The walkable downtown is home to one of the largest collections of historic buildings in the country where you will find fascinating stories and legendary hospitality. Find out more at www.visitnatchez.org - Katie Ernst