Is Natchez Worth Visiting?
Should you visit Natchez, MS? Absolutely! The rich history and heritage of one of the oldest settlements in the lower Mississippi River Valley will transport you to a different time.
I was raised in the MissLou, the area comprised of Natchez, MS, and Vidalia and Ferriday, LA. When I was young, like most young people, I took the beauty and history of the area for granted. Now, I understand the treasure I was given.
On my most recent visit, the weather was not great, but it certainly didn’t take away from the grandeur of Natchez. I stood along the banks of the Mississippi River in the drizzling rain and marveled at the fog hanging over the water as the barges slowly made their way to their destination.
Had the weather been more accommodating, I would have walked the streets downtown, in adoration of the antebellum homes and old oak trees with Spanish moss hanging from them. However, I found plenty to do.
On this particular visit, I began my day at Natchez Coffee Company. Right in the heart of downtown, the exposed brick walls are filled with the art of locals. I sat at a little table in the corner, sipping my dirty chai latte (my favorite) and watching people try to escape the rain as they ducked into the little shops lining the road. Wifi was available, and so I took the time to get a bit of work done as well.
Interested in seeing more local art, I went down to the ArtsNatchez Gallery. I am wanting to have more of an art presence in my hometown area, and thought this would be a good place to inquire. The gallery operates more as an artist cooperative, with the artists not only displaying their creations for sale, but also working in the gallery once a month.
There is quite an eclectic mix of art of all mediums from over 30 local artists in the gallery. On this particular day, I had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with Ms. Louise Cadney. In additional to folk art and beautiful ethnic dolls, she creates animals, birds, insects and amphibians from natural elements that she finds.
Not far from Natchez, in Harriston, Ms. Louise has turned a one-acre wooded area into the “frog farm”. The space is a wonderland filled with gardens and exhibits of life-size sculptures of frogs, birds, reptiles and amphibians, all created by Ms. Louise. She is continually adding more sculptures and spaces, and I can’t wait to visit on my next trip home.
I was feeling quite a bit hungry and made my way to “Little Easy Cafe” for lunch. Set in an old brick building with a quaint courtyard and a fire burning in the fireplace, it was just where I needed to be on this dreary day. Every table in the small dining room was full, and although busy, Rosie was warm and inviting with her bright smile. I sat at the bar, ordered a hot drink and looked over the rather elevated menu.
In addition to the customary southern cuisine like biscuits and gravy, and creole dishes such as gumbo and shrimp and grits, they also had avocado toast and Wagyu patty melts. I decided on a BLT with fried green tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon and crispy lettuce…it was just what I’d been craving. The locals were friendly and I immensely enjoyed our conversations. Hopefully, you’ll be seeing an Amanda Leigh Pop-Up Art Show with live music in the future there. (fingers crossed)
I took a ride around downtown and out to the Natchez City Cemetery before heading back across the river to my parent’s home in Ferriday.
There’s so much more to see and do, but it will all have to wait until another visit home.
If you would like to sponsor a trip to your town and would like for me to advertise your business in an article, contact me. I’d love to visit you!
