Visiting Southern Mississippi

Southern Mississippi beckons travelers with 40 miles of sandy beaches lining the glistening water of the Gulf of Mexico. Settled over 300 years ago, the area is rich in tradition and history. Mississippi residents and visitors flock to the coast for the beaches, birding, arts and entertainment year around. Towns like Gulfport, Biloxi, Gautier and Pascagoula host special events, celebrating their heritage and culture. The 18th Annual MS Coast Coliseum Crawfish Festival in April is a favorite. Locals compete in a crawfish cookoff, visitors feast on over 20,000 lbs of the mudbugs and thats just the beginning. Entertainment headliners include the Gin Blossoms, The Wailers and Midnight Star. Kids and families will enjoy the midway with rides and games – there will be plenty of entertainment for every taste.

Biloxi features two Best Western Hotels for visitors. The Best Western Cypress Creek and the Best Western Oak Manor. Both are convenient for travelers to the area and feature outdoor swimming pools the kids will love. Spend an extra day and enjoy a nice day at the beach or at one of the nearby sites.

The 6th Annual Smokin' the Sound is in May, a spectacular offshore powerboat race with participants reaching speeds of 150 mph. Held in Biloxi Channel, spectators have excellent viewing areas to catch all the action. This is the first of the Offshore Super Series Races for the season. The 2nd Annual Smokin' the Lake precedes the sound race the weekend prior at Gulf Port Lake. Visitors are treated to great parties, and local entertainment along with the regions fastest (and loudest) racing boats.

Gautier hosts a favorite Mississippi pastime at the Jackson County Sheriff's Benefit Bass Tournament. With cash prizes, it's not only fun, it draws participants serious about fishing. Fun for the entire family, there are prizes for the top men, women and youngest. Even the biggest trash fish wins. Grab your tackle and bring the family out for a nice day of fishing. June 19th, the 7th Annual Krewe of Vesta fishing Rodeo is held. Equally as fun, this tournament features an on-site kids tournament and kids activities. The Best Western Magnolia in Gautier is a great option to make a weekend out of either fishing tournament. Close to the beach and other local sites, it is convenient for a getaway.

Pascagoula honors the gulf region natural surroundings at the Pascagoula River Nature Festival in April. The Pascagoula River is the last free-flowing river in the contiguous US. There are over 325 species of birds in the river region including migratory species. Be sure to visit the Scranton Nature Center on April 24th to see exhibits showcasing snakes and turtles along with birding information booths. Events will also be held in Gautier, Lucedale, Moss Point and Ocean Springs. The Best Western Flagship Inn in Moss Point off I-10 is central to all the nature festival events and with affordable rates, makes a wise choice for your lodging needs.

Southern Mississippi Hotel Map