Mississippi: River's Rhythms, Delta Dreams, Magnolia Melodies
- Kaitlen Daigle
- Jun 2, 2024
- 3 min read
On our southern roadtrip from New Orleans, LA to Charleston, SC, we stopped at this lovely french restaurant. Mary Mahoney's Old French House Restaurant in Biloxi, MS, was supposedly known for their Mississippi mud pie, so we had to try it. We get there and were seated at a table and then looked over the menu and mud pie was not on it. We asked the waiter if they stopped doing mud pie and they said they haven't had it for a while. I can't believe they would stop making it! So instead we ordered another desert, which was really good. After that we headed on our way to Alabama to accidentally get stuck on an island. More on that story in my post on Alabama.
More on Mary Mahoney's: Mary Mahoney's traces its origins back to the mid-20th century when it was founded by Mary Mahoney in 1962. Born as Mary Cvitanovich to Croatian immigrants in Biloxi, she grew up in a family deeply rooted in the seafood industry. Her father's thriving business, the Sanitary Fish and Oyster Co. (later Southern Seafood), and her mother's grocery store catered to Biloxi's shrimping community. The restaurant is housed in a charming 1737 French colonial-style building, which is one of the oldest structures in Biloxi. Originally, the building served as a residence for Louis Frederic Joffre, a French colonist.
Mary Mahoney's Old French House quickly gained a reputation for its elegant atmosphere and exceptional seafood cuisine. Over the years, Mary Mahoney's has hosted numerous notable guests, including celebrities, politicians, and dignitaries. The restaurant's historic ambiance, characterized by exposed brick walls, antique furnishings, and flickering candlelight, adds to its allure.
If you want to visit Mississippi, here's a list of possible things to see and do:
Explore the Mississippi Delta: Known as the birthplace of the blues, the Mississippi Delta is a must-visit for music enthusiasts. Explore blues landmarks like the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale and catch live performances at juke joints along Highway 61.
Visit Vicksburg National Military Park: Learn about the pivotal Civil War battle at Vicksburg National Military Park, where you can tour historic battlefields, visit the USS Cairo Museum, and see the Vicksburg National Cemetery.
Tour Antebellum Homes: Mississippi is home to many beautifully preserved antebellum homes, particularly in cities like Natchez and Columbus. Take a guided tour to learn about the architecture and history of these grand estates.
Experience Southern Cuisine: Indulge in authentic Southern cuisine at local eateries throughout the state. Don't miss Mississippi favorites like fried catfish, shrimp and grits, and barbecue.
Visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast: Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports like fishing and boating. Explore coastal towns like Biloxi and Gulfport for entertainment and dining options.
Learn about Civil Rights History: Mississippi played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. Visit landmarks like the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson and the Medgar Evers Home Museum in Jackson to learn about this important chapter in American history.
Explore Tupelo: Birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo offers several attractions related to the King of Rock 'n' Roll, including the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum and the Tupelo Automobile Museum.
Outdoor Adventures: Mississippi is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore state parks like Tishomingo State Park for hiking, camping, and rock climbing, or go fishing and birdwatching in the Mississippi River Basin.
Art and Culture: Explore Mississippi's vibrant arts scene by visiting galleries, attending live performances, and participating in cultural festivals throughout the state.
Riverboat Cruises: Experience the mighty Mississippi River aboard a historic riverboat cruise. Several companies offer leisurely excursions along the river, allowing you to soak in the scenic beauty and learn about the region's history.
If you want more suggestions on what to do in Mississippi, I suggest you check out their tourism website.
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