Need a charming getaway steeped in Southern history? Head to Natchez! Perched on the Mississippi River, Natchez dazzles with antebellum mansions, romantic views, and a rich cultural legacy. Whether you're craving historic tours, riverfront sunsets, or soulful cuisine, Natchez is where Southern hospitality meets timeless elegance.
Natchez, MS Highlights:
- For History Buffs: Tour historic homes like Longwood and Stanton Hall – Step back in time at opulent antebellum estates with guided tours and gardens.
- For Nature Lovers: Walk the Natchez Bluff Trail – Enjoy sweeping river views, historic markers, and scenic photo ops.
- For Shoppers: Explore downtown boutiques and antique stores – Find vintage treasures, local art, and handmade Southern goods.
- For Couples: Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar during sunset – Romantic river views pair perfectly with drinks and live jazz downtown.
- For Families: Ride bikes or picnic at Natchez State Park – Enjoy fishing, trails, and peaceful outdoor space just outside the city.
Best Time to Visit Natchez, MS
The best time to visit Natchez is in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). Spring brings blooming azaleas and the famous Pilgrimage Tours, while fall offers pleasant weather and outdoor festivals.
How to Get to Natchez, MS
- If you are traveling by car: Natchez is accessible via U.S. Highways 84, 61, and the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway. It’s about 90 minutes from Jackson, MS.
- By Plane: Fly into Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN), then rent a car for the drive to Natchez.
- By Riverboat: Some Mississippi River cruises make stops in Natchez as part of historic tours.
Where to Stay in Natchez, MS
- Recommended for Families: Natchez Grand Hotel – Riverfront lodging with spacious rooms and walking access to downtown attractions.
- For Couples: Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens – A romantic antebellum mansion turned luxury inn with fine dining and gardens.
- For a Boutique Hotel Stay: The Guest House Historic Mansion – Elegant rooms, Southern breakfasts, and classic architecture in the heart of Natchez.
Best Things to Do in Natchez, MS
1. Auburn Museum & Historic Home
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: Natchez, MS
Recommended For: History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and families.
What I Love: ♥ “Auburn’s grand spiral staircase and Greek Revival design make it a true Southern treasure.”
- Step into Mississippi history by exploring the first architect-designed mansion in Natchez.
- Admire the unsupported spiral staircase, a rare architectural feat still captivating visitors today.
- Learn about the home’s 1812 origins and Levi Weeks’ innovative design during a guided tour.
- Explore beautifully restored interiors filled with authentic antiques and period decor.
- Shop for souvenirs and history-inspired items in the quaint on-site gift shop.
Cost: Affordable; guided tour tickets are reasonably priced.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather and park strolls before or after your tour.
Local tips: Bring a camera—the staircase and portico are especially photogenic. Duncan Park’s surrounding grounds are perfect for a post-tour walk.
Distance: Conveniently located in Duncan Park, just minutes from downtown Natchez.
How to Get to Auburn Museum & Historic Home: From downtown Natchez, take Homochitto Street east into Duncan Park and follow signs to the historic home at 400 Duncan Avenue.
Address: 400 Duncan Avenue, Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: 601-442-5981
2. Biscuits & Blues
Location: Natchez, MS
Recommended For: Food lovers, live music fans, couples, and nightlife seekers.
What I Love: ♥ “From fried oysters to bluesy riffs, Biscuits & Blues delivers Southern soul on every level.”
- Enjoy a night out in a historic tavern offering hearty Southern comfort food and vibrant live music.
- Taste favorites like crab-stuffed jalapeños, po'boys, and smoked ribs.
- Soak in the cozy, pub-like atmosphere with dark wood and brass accents.
- Listen to nightly live blues performances while enjoying cocktails or a cold beer.
- Relax in one of Natchez’s top nightlife venues where locals and visitors mingle.
Cost: Moderately priced; great value for generous portions and live entertainment.
Best time to visit: Evenings—especially Thursday through Saturday for the best music lineup and crowd atmosphere.
Local tips: Arrive early for good seating near the stage. Consider reserving a table if visiting on the weekend.
Distance: Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Natchez.
How to Get to Biscuits & Blues: From the Natchez Visitor Center, head east on Canal Street, turn left onto Main Street, and look for the inviting blue awning near the corner of Main and S Wall St.
Address: 315 Main St, Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: 601-446-9922
3. Downtown Karla Brown
Location: Natchez, MS
Recommended For: History buffs, ghost story lovers, Civil War enthusiasts, cyclists, and fans of Greg Iles.
What I Love: ♥ “From antebellum mansions to ghost tales and battlefield tours, Karla Brown turns Mississippi history into an adventure.”
- Join engaging guided tours in and around historic Natchez with a fun, knowledgeable host.
- Explore a variety of options like the Natchez History Tour, featuring homes, wineries, and eateries.
- Travel deeper with the Vicksburg Civil War Tour covering Windsor Ruins, Emerald Mound, and Vicksburg National Military Park.
- Ride along the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway on a 3-day bike tour.
- Experience Natchez’s spooky side on the Ghostly Getaway or retrace literary steps with the Greg Iles Book Tour.
Cost: Varies by tour; pricing is available on the website.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for comfortable weather and clear touring days.
Local tips: Book tours in advance—especially during festivals and holiday weekends. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle for longer outings.
Distance: All tours depart from a central location in downtown Natchez.
How to Join a Tour with Downtown Karla Brown: Tours begin at the meeting point on Franklin Street. Parking is available nearby. Look for the sign or check in via the website.
Address: 512 Franklin St, Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: 907-540-0001
4. Emerald Mound Site
Location: Near Stanton, MS (off the Natchez Trace Parkway)
Recommended For: History buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, families, cultural travelers, and outdoor explorers.
What I Love: ♥ “Emerald Mound transports visitors back to the Mississippian world—where sacred earth met sky.”
- Discover the second largest Pre-Columbian earthwork in the United States, created between 1200–1730 AD.
- Walk along the expansive 8-acre ceremonial platform constructed by the Plaquemine culture.
- Admire the massive flat-topped mound, measuring 770 by 435 feet at its base and 35 feet high.
- Explore the site’s two smaller mounds and imagine the ancient rituals that once took place atop this sacred landscape.
- Experience a National Historic Landmark located directly along the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway.
Cost: Free
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and scenic drives along the Parkway.
Local tips: Bring water, wear walking shoes, and pack insect repellent. There are no on-site facilities, so plan accordingly.
Distance: About 12 miles northeast of Natchez along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
How to Get There: From Natchez, take U.S. Hwy 61 north to Mississippi Hwy 553. Follow the Natchez Trace Parkway and look for signs to Emerald Mound Road.
Address: Emerald Mound Rd, Natchez, MS 39120
5. Fat Mama's Tamales
Location: 303 S Canal St, Natchez, MS 39120
Recommended For: Families, casual diners, Tex-Mex lovers, margarita fans, and road trippers.
What I Love: ♥ “Fat Mama’s blends funky local flair with mouthwatering tamales and unforgettable margaritas.”
- Dive into signature homemade tamales and spicy fire-and-ice pickles.
- Try the restaurant’s famous “Knock-you-naked” margarita for a bold Southern twist on a classic cocktail.
- Enjoy a colorful, laid-back setting inside a quaint house on Canal Street.
- Savor hearty favorites like Mexican cornbread, taco salads, nachos, and casseroles.
- Relax with lunch or dinner daily in a vibrant, family-friendly environment.
Cost: $–$$
Best time to visit: Late afternoon for snacks and margaritas or early dinner on the patio.
Local tips: Order the tamales to-go for an easy riverside picnic. Ask about seasonal specials and unique merchandise.
Hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner
Contact: Phone: 601-442-4548
Recommended Attractions
6. Grand Village of the Natchez
Location: 400 Jeff Davis Blvd, Natchez, MS 39120
Recommended For: History lovers, archaeology buffs, families, cultural tourists, and educators.
What I Love: ♥ “This sacred and scenic site preserves the story of the Natchez people and their ancient ceremonial grounds.”
- Explore 128 acres of preserved village land and ancient earthen mounds.
- Visit a compelling museum showcasing original artifacts from archaeological excavations.
- Walk nature trails through forests and meadows once traveled by the Natchez tribe.
- Discover the history of the Plaquemine culture and the later Natchez people.
- Relax under the picnic pavilion after a peaceful site tour.
Cost: Free admission
Best time to visit: Spring or fall, when the weather is pleasant for walking the trails and exploring the mounds.
Local tips: Start at the museum to understand the cultural significance before walking the grounds. Bring a camera for wide-angle shots of the mounds.
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM
Contact: Phone: 601-446-6502
7. Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens
Location: 1358 John A Quitman Blvd, Natchez, MS 39120
Recommended For: History buffs, romantic getaways, luxury travelers, garden enthusiasts, and cultural tourists.
What I Love: ♥ “This Greek Revival mansion turned luxury inn blends historic elegance with Southern hospitality on a stunning 26-acre estate.”
- Stay in one of 30 individually styled rooms and suites brimming with antebellum charm.
- Dine at the onsite fine dining restaurant and sip cocktails in the elegant lounge.
- Stroll through manicured gardens and picturesque grounds perfect for peaceful walks and photos.
- Tour the historic mansion and learn about its 19th-century origins and restoration.
- Shop for gifts and keepsakes at the inn’s charming gift shop.
Cost: Rates vary by room type and season
Best time to visit: Spring or fall, when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is ideal for walking the grounds.
Local tips: Book early for a weekend stay—rooms fill quickly, especially during seasonal events and festivals.
Hours: Open daily; guided tours and dining hours may vary
Contact: Phone: 601-442-5852
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