Monday, December 13, 2010

"The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe"

I took my daughter to her second live play this week – “The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe”. Jaylyn – my five year old – loves Narnia, and “The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe” is one of her favorite stories, thanks to her MawMaw Tracy. My younger cousins, Olivia & Dmitri, performed in the play. Olivia was a member of the witch's army, and Dmitri played Mr. Tumnus.
The play was performed at Biloxi Little Theatre, on Lee Street in Biloxi. I had never been inside the theatre before and was quite surprise at the limited space and seating; however, it provided a more intimate atmosphere, and there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. My daughter, mom, and I chose a seat on the second row from the front, towards the right side. It was a perfect spot! We arrived about thirty minutes early, so keeping Jaylyn entertained before the show was quite interesting.

The talent of the children – ages three to eighteen – was incredible. Claire, the high-schooler who played Susan did an excellent job with her accent and complete identity as the girl in the book and movies. She was also a student director for the performance. Ester, the third grader who played Lucy, surprised me with her ability to memorize all the lines and make you feel like you were really somewhere off in Europe. The White Witch, played by Bethany, and Tumnus, played by Dmitri, also gave great performances. Bethany was so convincing that she literally made you nervous for the children in the play!

I was extremely surprised with how great the story and actors kept the attention of all the young children in the audience, especially Jaylyn.

We will absolutely be checking the theatre’s schedule at www.4blt.org for upcoming performances of plays. - Taryn

Friday, December 3, 2010

Snowbird Bed & Breakfast SPECIAL

Quality Inn Biloxi Beachfront is having a Snowbird Bed & Breakfast Speicial.

Planning a winter getaway? They invite you to spend a few days on the sunny Gulf Coast. Enjoy the Coast's sandy beaches, fresh seafood and exciting entertainment. Their bed and breakfast package includes lodging and a hot continental breakfast for $59.95 (weekdays) and $74.95 (weekends).

*Rates subject to availability. Rates are non-commissionable and do not include include taxes. Rate special is based on two adults per room and is subject to change at any time.

Reservation Information:
Fran Koetterer (228) 388-1000

Monday, November 22, 2010

Looking forward to the holidays on the MS Gulf Coast -

Being a Southern girl - born and raised - I have spent my holidays nowhere else than on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Biloxi to be exact. My mom always makes a delicious turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, gumbo and ham on Christmas. What I love most about being in Biloxi at Thanksgiving, is that the weather is the perfect temperature for me. Sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine and eating an early dinner with the people I love, IS Thanksgiving to me. After Thanksgiving, we start decorating for Christmas. And with that, comes so much fun stuff to do on the Coast for the holiday...

My husband, daughter, and I do not miss the 6th Annual Winter Wonderland Christmas, which is held in Long Beach, on Commission Road. The Balbock Family decorates their property - inside and out - just magically. Over 40,000 lights and decorations, Santa and his elves, and even a snow machine and hot chocolate welcomed us last year. The family that hosts the event is so hospitable and we look forward to going every year. It's held November 26 - January 1 and IS FREE!!! For directions, call (228) 669-2123.

Here's a picture of the village they set-up:
Even though my husband disagrees, one day I'll have a set-up like this!


Another fun event is the CHRISTMAS IN THE PASS & NIGHT BOAT PARADE that's happening December 3rd in Pass Christian. At this event, vendors and businesses offer an evening complete with tree lighting, a visit from the jolly guy himself SANTA, the boat parade, and lots of shopping specials. It goes on from 5:30pm to 9:00pm and you can get more details by calling (228) 604-0014.

The City of Biloxi will host the "Lighting of the Town Green" on December 3. Everyone is asked to bring an ornament so they can participate in the decoration. This is especially fun for out-of-towners, who can have their ornament hung in Biloxi all season! 6pm ~ For more details call (228) 435-6185.

If you haven't been to Beauvoir lately, be sure to make your visit December 3-5 for CHRISTMAS AT BEAUVOIR. The home and grounds of Jefferson Davis will be decorated for touring. For times and admission costs, call (228) 388-4400.

A must-do while you are in town is the 25th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ON THE WATER PARADE in Biloxi. The night boat parade - WITH FIREWORKS - makes it way along the Sound at Highway 90 from the Isle Casino to the Biloxi Lighthouse. Festivities begin at 6pm!

The D'IBERVILLE/ST. MARTIN CHRISTMAS PARADE is held on December 5 at 2pm. If you can't make it to the Gulf Coast for Mardi Gras in March, this is the next best thing! Decorated floats parade through the city and throw goodies!

If you're looking to have "A BLUE CHRISTMAS" then catch "Elvis" performing Christmas hits at the Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi. He begins at 8pm on December 10 & 11. For tickets, call (877) 877-6256.

And if Elvis isn't enough for you, the 23rd ANNUAL SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE will be happening December 10-12 at the First Baptist Church in Biloxi. This FREE event features a Christmas musical with people singing on a tree shaped platform. For times, call (228) 396-8500.

The holiday MUST SEE, "THE NUTCRACKER" will be performed on December 18 & 19 at the Saenger Theatre in downtown Biloxi. For tickets and times, call (228) 822-0490.

And after Christmas, if you need a break from presents and pie - trade it for a puck...at the Mississippi Surge game at the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi on December 26.

As you can see, December is buzzing with holiday festivities for your family to enjoy on the Gulf Coast. No, you won't find any snow, but we have plenty of beautiful white sand for you to enjoy! So come "RELAX...on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!"

Until next time...~Taryn

Friday, November 19, 2010

So much to do this weekend on the Gulf Coast -

Good morning from the beautiful and breezy MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST and HAPPY FRIDAY! Our local weather station, WLOX, is forecasting great weather for the next seven days with no rain in sight! The cool weather is great for hiking at Tuxachanie trails or the National Seashore in Ocean Springs.

We here at the Convention & Visitors Bureau hope that your Friday morning is going well and that you are excited and ready for a weekend on fun here! To start your weekend off right, enjoy our casino entertainment for tonight – TERRY FATOR will be live at 8pm at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi and MARTIN SHORT will be at Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi at 8pm.

If you are like me and love live music, check out ROOSTER BLUES performing tonight at The Shed BBQ in Ocean Springs at 7pm. You won’t be disappointed! While you are there, “get fed at the shed”….enjoy some delicious pulled pork and potato salad!

Tonight at the Humane Society of South Mississippi in Gulfport, enjoy a fun-filled evening of painting with friends and supporting homeless pets along the Coast. Paint a masterpiece, enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages, all while supporting a GREAT cause! Classes taught by experienced instructors. Sponsored by BYO Brush Studios, IP Casino, & Humane Society of South MS! Proceeds benefit Humane Society of South MS! For reservations and more information, contact Jode at (228) 822-3803.
Michael Grimm will be performing tonight at the Hancock County Multi-Purpose Center and Martina McBride will be performing tomorrow night there as well. These special concerts are to provide Mississippi Gulf Coast tourism. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS are going on today (beginning at 6:30pm) and tomorrow (from 8:30am to noon) at the Harrison County Fairgrounds in Gulfport. Come out and cheer on these special folks as they go for the “gold” and build lasting memories. Spectators are free. For more information, contact Pete at (228) 861-9292.
If you are ready to do some holiday shopping, visit the 14th Annual Holiday Boutique being held in Pass Christian at the West Harrison Community Center today and tomorrow from 10a-6p. Vendors are offering jewelry, art, clothing, plants, food, and more. For more information, call (228) 493-0779. If you are looking for mall shopping, visit Edgewater Mall in Biloxi, Crossroads Mall in Gulfport, or Gulfport Premium Outlets.

To experience the culture of Greece, don’t miss Greek Night Hits the Coast "OPA!" on tomorrow, November 20 at IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi. FOR MORE INFO CALL (228) 386-7016. Here you’ll be able to take a stroll through the Greek Isles and enjoy savory Greek cuisine, pastries, dance, music, & authentic attired dancers exhibiting traditional Green dances. Event takes place from 6p-11p. Admission charged.

Also going on tomorrow night at the IP Casino Resort Spa is PAWN STARS GOLD & SILVER ROAD SHOW from 10a to 4p. Rick, Corey, & Chumlee will be there to greet guests who may bring in gold, silver, jewelry, and collectables to the event for a possible offer to buy the item or tell a great story about it. For tickets, call (888) 946-2847.

For the sports enthusiast, our professional ice hockey team, the MISSISSIPPI SURGE, drops the puck tonight at 7:05 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi. Ice skating will follow the game, beginning at 9:30pm, for the cost of $10 per person, which includes skate rental. You do not have to attend the game to go ice skating, but who would want to miss the action?!?

If you love the theater, visit Saenger Theater in downtown Biloxi this weekend for the showing of “AIDA!” This classic love triangle plot is about three people forced to make difficult choices which alter history forever! Presented by KNS Theater. For tickets and show times, call (228) 697-5670.

The City of Biloxi and the Gulf Coast Running Club host the MAYOR’S CUP 5K RUN tomorrow morning beginning at 8am in front of City Hall, located at 140 Lameuse Street. For more info on the event, please call (228) 380-7037. Spectators are free.


Tomorrow from 2p-6p, visit the Lyman Orange Grove Community Center on Highway 49 in Gulfport for the 58th ANNUAL MS GULF COAST CAMELLIA SHOW. Spectators are free. For more information, call (228) 872-0908.
On Sunday, November 21, Oak Crest Mansion Inn in Pass Christian will host the 2nd ANNUAL WILD WOMEN’S SOUTHERN TEA PARTY from 1p-4p. Enjoy spirits, teas, treats, sweets, and activities of interest to women. For tickets or more details, call (228) 594-3640.

On Sunday from 6p-8p at Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi, enjoy DANCE TIME USA, where you can dance like a pro to today’s greatest hits. Jive to Enrique Iglesias, Rumba to Lady Gaga, Waltz to One Republic, and more. For more info, call Hard Rock at (877) 877-6256.
Take the kids to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport for hands-on learning and FUN! They won’t want to leave and parents, you will love it just as much as the children! In addition to their regular days open, they will also be open Monday, November 22 from 10a – 5p, since kids in the area will be out of school for Thanksgiving break.

Children ages five and older can also enjoy making holiday ornaments tomorrow at GALLERY 782 on Water Street in Biloxi. Class sizes are limited, so call Mary at (228) 539-9904 for reservations.

After finishing up your turkey and pumpkin pie, head to Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi for ATLAS FIGHTS cage fighting, happening at 7pm. For tickets, call (877) 877-6256 or (228) 374-7625.


Hope you enjoy your weekend here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For more events happening in the upcoming weeks, please visit our website at www.gulfcoast.org/events. Until next week....~Taryn

Thursday, November 18, 2010

American Cancer Society's All-Star CHILI CHALLENGE

American Cancer Society's All-Star Chili Challenge
“Spicing Up the Fight Against Cancer”
December 18, 2010

In Association with the 2010 Bernard Blackwell All-Star Football Classic
All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society


See Stars .............Meet Celebrity Judge “Master Chef” Whitney Miller and be entertained by some of the coast’s hottest bands and high school drumlines

Be A Judge ..........People’s Choice Award will be chosen!
Be A Cook ...........Compete with the best chili recipes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Win Prizes ...........$1,000 for Best Professional Team; $1,000 for Best Amateur Team.Winners will be announced on Live Television, broadcasted throughout Mississippi & Memphis!
Watch the Game......Watch the Best High School Football Players from across the state in the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game

Earn Bragging Rights to the Best Chili on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
Join your friends at work to form a team or enter independently with friends and family, or buddies from church or civic organizations.Professional cooks are welcome too.Regardless of who will be joining you to cook, you’re sure to have fun, eat great food, and most important, help the American Cancer Society raise money to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

When....................December 18, 2010 ~ 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where..................Greyhound Stadium, Highway 90, Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Entry Fee..............$75 for amateurs, $100 for professionals

More Info.............Contact Molly or Lyndsey at the American Cancer Society at 228-896-2005

Friday, October 29, 2010

Halloween Weekend Events on the MS Gulf Coast

Good morning from the MS Gulf Coast. Taryn here, and boy is the weather outside wonderful! Our local news station - WLOX - is predicting a beautiful, cool weekend here!

To gear up for a fun-filled Halloween weekend, let me tell you what is happening in the area:
Halloween events for the weekend include - 'GHOULS GONE WILD – COSTUMES FOR A CAUSE'. The fundraiser at the Lyman Community Center starts tonight at 7 and includes live music, dancing, a costume contest, and prizes.

If you are looking for something spookier tonight, visit Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi for the Rocky Horror Picture Show, beginning at 8pm. Admission is free.

Tonight at 6pm and 8pm and tomorrow at 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, & 10pm, board the Biloxi Tour Train at the Biloxi Lighthouse parking lot for “Biloxi Spirits – Past Tours”. This tour features stories of people and events around Biloxi whose experiences or impact in the city is still present today. Tickets are $15 per person. For reservations, call (228) 860-0169.

Tomorrow beginning at 5pm at the Cedar Rest Cemetery in Bay St. Louis, locals will be portraying past citizens from days long gone in a candlelit tour of the cemetery.

The Haunted Trail in Saucier is open tonight and tomorrow from 7p to midnight. Shuttle service provided from Saucier Elementary School. Call for directions (228) 868-8686

For those looking for casino entertainment, Eddie Money will be performing tonight at Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi at 8pm and Don Williams will be performing tonight and tomorrow night at IP Casino in Biloxi at 8pm. Country-singer Darius Rucker will be performing tomorrow night at Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi at 8pm.
The puck will drop tonight at 7:05 at the Coast Coliseum as the MS Surge battles Pensacola.
For the dog lovers, the 3rd Annual Barktoberfest will be happening from 11am to 2pm on Saturday in Downtown Bay St. Louis. For more information on the event’s activities, you can call (228) 216-7387.

If you are looking to enjoy our beautiful weekend weather, then visit the Sandhill Crane Refuge tomorrow to walk the trails and learn about the park. The park is open from 9am to 3pm and located at 7200 Crane Lane in Gautier.

If you don’t get enough Gulf Coast over the weekend, bring the family to the MS Coast Coliseum on November 2nd and 3rd for Sesame Street Live with Elmo and friends. For times and ticket information, call (800) 726-2781.
On November 4, “Tops in Blue” will have a free performance at the MS Coast Coliseum at 7pm. This is a music, dance, and comedy show by the Air Force.

Visit our website at www.gulfcoast.org for information on how to get your tickets now for upcoming events like Jeff Dunham, Styx, and Jack Hanna! Be sure to post on our Facebook page what you did this weekend! Have a hauntingly great weekend!

Friday, October 22, 2010

MS Gulf Coast Weekend Events ~ October 22, 2010

Hello MS Gulf Coast fans! It’s another beautiful day Friday in Biloxi and forecasted to be a very cool weekend. The breeze is blowing and the events this weekend on the Gulf Coast are happening. There is sure to be something for you or your family to enjoy.
You can start your fun-filled weekend off with the season opener of the MS Surge. The professional ice hockey team starts the season with the puck dropping at 7:05, against the Huntsville Havoc. If you can’t make it tonight or you love it so much that you need another game, head back to the Coast Coliseum tomorrow evening to see the Surge battle against the Columbus Cottonmouths! After Saturday’s game, hit the ice yourself for 90 minutes of fun during “Public Ice Skating.” It's just $10 and includes skate rental.
Tonight is a full moon – you  can enjoy a Kayak Adventure with South Coast Paddling in Ocean Springs.For details and reservations, call (228) 872-2030.
See the book "Give a Mouse a Cookie" come to life today and tomorrow at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport. While you are there, visit The Not So Haunted Houses, complete with a maze adventure after the show!
This weekend’s casino entertainment includes Mike Epps tonight at IP Casino in Biloxi. At Hard Rock in Biloxi you can see Johnny Rivers tonight and Maroon 5 & One Republic tomorrow night.
Tomorrow evening at the Biloxi Town Green is the “Trick or Treat on the Green & Movie” beginning at 5pm. There will be a costume contest, trick-or-treating, prizes, and a movie. Admission is one can of food for charity. For more details on the event, please call (228) 435-6339.
If you are looking to enjoy our beautiful weather, then Crane Fest in Gautier is for you. Birding, kayak tours, hikes, live music, food, exhibitors, hands-on activities, and more. The event takes place tomorrow from 9a-3p at the MS Sandhill Crane Refuge.
And if you don’t get enough of the Gulf Coast this weekend, then on Tuesday, October 26 you can step back in to the past with graveside reenactments at the Biloxi Cemetery Tour at the City Cemetery on Irish Hill Drive. The tour begins at 5:30pm and is free.
We hope you have a great Fall weekend here on the Gulf Coast. For more information on our local attractions and upcoming events, visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/msgulfcoastcvb.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

What's happening this weekend: June 25 - 27, 2010

There is always something happening on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!  And this coming up weekend is no exception.  To help you make your plans, here is a short list of some of the events that will be here.

  • For the automobile enthusiast Scrapin' the Coast will take place at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center - June 24 - 27, 2010.  There will be a car & truck show, live bands, stereo competition, burn-out contest and much more.
  • If it's fishing that you like, the 3rd Annual Croaker Classic will take place at the Dock Bar & Grill on Seaway Road in Gulfport on June 26th and 27th.  For more information, call (228) 265-1211 for details.
  • Need a little comedy in your life?  If so, then Terry Stokes, Jr., Comedy Hypnotist is right up your alley.  The show will take place at Treasure Bay Casino Hotel on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  For showtimes, please call (800)747-2839.  Or DL Hughley will be performing live on Friday night at IP Casino Resort & Spa.  For tickets, call (888) 946-2847.
  • For the children, take the time to visit Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and watch the Lynn Meadows Discovery Kids perform The Aristocats Kids on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
  • For the music lover, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has some great concerts coming up this weekend.  Saving Abel at Hard Rock Casino on Friday, June 25th at 8:00 p.m.  Creedence Clearwater Revisited at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino on Friday, June 25th at 8:00 p.m. and many more.
For a complete listing of events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast this weekend, please visit our website at http://www.gulfcoast.org/events.  Have a great time this weekend!

Just what you're looking for!

That's right!  The Mississippi Gulf Coast is just what you're looking for.  With over 12,000 hotel rooms, 20 golf courses, museums, shopping, beach activities, and the history and culture of our area, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has just what you're looking for.  Over the next couple of months, we'll be showcasing attractions, events, and activities that are available along the Mississippi Gulf Coast that are just the perfect fit for you. 

Become a Mississippi Gulf Coast follower and keep up with what's going on along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  Welcome to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Blog!