Guest Blogger Joe Laing: RVing on the Gulf Coast

Southern Comfort: Mississippi Gulf Coast Family Camping Itinerary

By Joe Laing, El Monte RV Rentals

 

Horn Island

There’s something about the Southern coast that brings families together. Maybe it’s the feeling of being so small in the face of swirling surf, or perhaps it’s the draw of a supper table laden with fresh offerings. But more than anything, I think it’s the slower pace that encourages folks to take time to get to know one another.

 

And one of the best places to experience such southern comfort is along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where the sun shines year-round and the ocean breezes blow soft. Bound by the east-west corridor of Interstate-10, this sublime subtropical destination is easy to reach by road and, with excellent RV campgrounds and resorts here and there along the way, makes a primo getaway for your road-trip gang. So if you’re looking for a family vacation that brings you all closer and gets you out into nature, hurry up and head south; the sooner you get there, the faster you can take it easy together.

There are several family-friendly stops in Mississippi from Moss Point to Bay St. Louis that will keep parents and kids in sunny spirits. Here, we’ve compiled a seven-day itinerary that features the area’s top camping spots and outdoor sites, from the Alabama border to the Louisiana line.

Moss Point, Mississippi

DURATION: 2 days, 2 nights

HOME BASE: Situated 10 miles up the road, Shepard State Park is rich with white oaks, large magnolias, and romantic legends of settlers and Indians. You’ll also find 28 camping sites with full hook-ups, picnic tables, and grills.

PLAN: When you first arrive, before heading to the park to set up camp, stop at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, which is situated along one of the last free-flowing river systems in the country. Visitors learn conservation techniques, participate in nature-based programs, and discover environmentally friendly concepts—a perfect way to begin a week of outdoor activity.

On your second day along the Gulf, begin by heading east on Highway 90 to the family-owned Gulf Coast Gator Ranch, home to some of the largest captive alligators. Following a stroll over winding wetlands boardwalks, brave visitors can hand-feed the beasts and adventurous spirits can board a high-speed airboat for a ride through the swamplands.

In the afternoon, cruise over to the interpretive center at Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve & Coastal Resource Center, where you can go wild for the remainder of the day. Keep an eye out for river otters and bottlenose dolphins, go birding, spot bugs and butterflies, or simply take a hike. This is a great spot to burn off any residual energy before bunking down.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

DURATION: 2 days, 1 night

HOME BASE: In addition to 51 sites with electric and water hook-ups, Davis Bayou Camping, tucked inside the Gulf Island National Seashore, offers fishing, hiking, biking, birding, and more.

PLAN: In the morning, make the half-hour drive west on Highway 90 to the campsite and get situated. From the Davis Bayou area, you can pedal the 15.5-mile Live Oaks Bicycle Route, marked by green and white signs, into the town of Ocean Springs (a brochure with the trail map can be obtained though the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce). If you’ve got the wherewithal, make the journey past the marina and across the Biloxi Bay Bridge, which boasts a wide, ocean-side bike lane that gives breathtaking views of the coast and barrier islands.

The following morning, catch the Ship Island Excursions passenger ferry over to Ship Island and Fort Massachusetts. Once you’ve hit the beautiful beach, spend the day touring the 19th-century fort, which was constructed to defend the natural harbor on the north side of the island; you can explore on your own or with a guided tour. On most days, the ferry returns to the mainland at 2:30, giving you plenty of time to head out of Ocean Springs for the next leg.

Biloxi & Gulfport, Mississippi

DURATION: 2 days, 2 nights

HOME BASE: Located across the street from the beaches at Biloxi, Cajun RV Park makes a great hub. Stay in one of the park’s 130 RV sites and cool off in the swimming pool.

PLAN: If you wake before sunrise, cross the street for a beautiful view of the day breaking over the Gulf, and take a deep breath of fresh air, because for the next two days, you have no schedule. With its sugar-sand beaches, the Gulf Coast invites you to simply relax together. The Highway 90 strip from Biloxi to Gulfport boasts a handful of rental companies that offer chairs and umbrellas for the sun-worshipers and jet skis for the thrill-seekers. If you want a planned activity, board a boats charter that carries passengers to the region’s five barrier islands. At the close of the second day, drive across the award-winning Bay St. Louis Bridge (newly built after being destroyed in Hurricane Katrina) for your final night on the Gulf.

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

DURATION: 1 day, 2 nights

HOME BASE: With its gorgeous waterfront vistas, Buccaneer State Park in nearby Waveland, Mississippi, is an ideal place to finish your stay. Since Katrina, the park has been reconstructed with 206 premium campsites and full amenities.

PLAN: Make a splash with a pristine paddle on Gulf Coast waters. At Bay Breeze Bike and Kayak Rentals, you’ll be equipped with everything you need for a DIY exploration of the shoreline. (If you’d rather take a guided trip, try Wolf River Canoe & Kayak over the bridge in Long Beach. After a long day on the water, you’ll want to rest up for the trip home. And on your way out of town, drive through downtown to admire the wooden angels that sculptor Dayle K. Lewis carved from live oaks damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. You can see more great RV vacation ideas in their Monty's Musings RV Travel Blog and be sure to check out their RV Camping Pictures.

Guest blogger Gorden Gent, Nurham, NC

You know those moments in life when you’re looking at something that is so normal and yet spectacular? That is how I remember sunsets on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. If the timing was right and I was driving or riding west along Highway 90, I would watch as the neon colored sun slowly lowered across land and water. It’s those types of memories that paint my picture of where I’m from, but it is a slightly different reality I return to when I visit.

Some people ask why our beaches don’t have the clear blue water you’ll find further east in Alabama and Florida – and the simple answer is our barrier islands don’t allow the tides to clear out all of the silt. Maybe that’s why the Mississippi Gulf Coast has always had to have that extra something to attract people to it.

There are still white sand beaches to stroll on and majestic-looking live oak trees (some of which are centuries old) with Spanish moss hanging and swinging in the gulf breeze. Gamblers of all ages still make their way to casinos stretching along the coast to try and hit the jackpot, without as much glitz and glamour as Vegas or Atlantic City. You can always find your favorite Cajun, Creole, Southern, and Seafood cooking calling your name at places like Mary Mahoneys, the White Cap, Vrazels, Lil Rays, and Catfish Charlies. You can have it all from fine dining to po boys.

If you want history and art, there is also something for you. Beauvoir was the last home of Jefferson Davis (President of the Confederacy). He lived out his final years there, although he was never granted his US citizenry back. Pirate Jean Lafitte frequented the area and laid low on the barrier islands when the law was searching for him and before he helped win the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. Artist Walter Anderson painted canvases, rooms, and boats in wonderful designs. George Ohr was nicknamed the Mad Potter of Biloxi and his works gained popularity after his death.

I also think people are attracted by the resiliency of the people there. Female hurricanes haven’t always been kind to the coast. Hurricane Camille tore Ship Island into two halves before smashing the shore, Hurricane Elena left a hole in the roof of my parent’s house, and Hurricane Katrina did her worst in her path of destruction. Driving along Highway 90 today will still give you a great sunset, but not all of the houses, hotels, and businesses have returned to their former locations.

It’s a slow process, but the coast won’t stop calling visitors to its shores. So whether it’s Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Long Beach or Pass Christian, you’ll have a great day on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO BRINGS CRAFT BEER TASTING TO BILOXI OCTOBER 21

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO BRINGS

CRAFT BEER TASTING TO BILOXI OCTOBER 21

RESORT RAISES A GLASS TO OCTOBERFEST WITH ARTISAN BEER,

BAVARIAN BUFFET AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

BILOXI, Miss. – Oct. 5, 2011 – Beau Rivage presents an evening of authentic German food and live music and more than 120 of the best artisan beers available during its inaugural Craft Beer Festival. This is an opportunity to sample beer from breweries including Samuel Adams, Abita, Sierra Nevada, Diamond Bear, Lazy Magnolia, Bayou Teche Brewing, Covington Brewhouse, Widmer Brothers and Stevens Point among dozens of others. Select brewmasters will be in attendance to suggest food pairings, answer questions and describe how each product is made. Each guest receives a limited-edition Pilsner glass to commemorate the occasion.

Enjoy authentic German music by the Polka Dots and save room for the Oktoberfest-themed buffet including giant Wiesnbrezn Oktoberfest pretzels with an assortment of mustards, Butterkäse, Bierkäse Korbkäse and Cambozola cheeses, Wurst-Bratwurst, Knockwurst and Wiesswurst sausages, Sauerbraten German Pot Roast, Knödel potato dumplings, Spätzle German pasta, Himmel und Erde (pan fried potatoes with apples and bacon), sauerkraut, rotkraut red cabbage along with an assortment of German pastries.

The 2011 Craft Beer Festival will be held Friday, October 21 from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on the second floor pool deck. Tickets are $65. Members of the military receive a $10 off discount with military ID. Tickets are available online at www.beaurivage.com, ticketmaster.com, in person at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office or by phone at 888.566.7469. A limited number of Craft Beer Festival cabanas will be available for $800 each which includes 10 tickets. For cabana reservations, call 228-257-2017.

Take advantage of the Beer Fest hotel package which includes one night’s deluxe accommodations and one Beer Fest ticket starting at $170 per person, double occupancy. Book online or by calling 228.386.7111/ 1.888.567.6667 and mention promotion code BEERFEST.

After the festival, the party continues at Coast Nightclub for Ladies Night. Women do not pay a cover and drink complimentary well cocktails, domestic beer and house wines from 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Men wearing a Beer Fest attendance bracelet will be waived the $10 cover charge. New Orleans’ party band Karma takes the stage from 11:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. with DJ Avelon spinning the latest hits during band breaks. For more information on the 2011 Craft Beer Fest, call (228) 386-7111 or visit beaurivage.com.

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CONTACT: Mary Cracchiolo Spain, 228-386-7134; mcracchiolo@beaurivage.com

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS ON THE MS GULF COAST

FIND YOUR TRUE THRILL IN MISSISSIPPI’S GREAT OUTDOORS

Visit Mississippi to experience one-of-a-kind experiences in one of the nation’s last, unspoiled natural settings -


Jackson, Miss. (September 1, 2011) - There’s something about getting “out there” to experience the natural beauty of the world. The outdoors is a special place to reconnect with your surroundings, to learn something new about nature or to seek a new thrill. In September and all year long, the True South comes to life with outdoor adventures for everyone.


“This month, visitors can continue to enjoy summer activities while also exploring what’s coming in the fall, with hunting, fishing, nature trails, water sports, camping and lots of other outdoor opportunities,” said Mary Beth Wilkerson, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division. “Mississippi retains some of the most beautiful, unspoiled, natural settings in America. And our outdoor spaces offer a variety of activities while being easily accessible and affordable.”


Mississippi has five distinct regions to help visitors better understand and plan your trip. All five regions offer a variety of RVing and camping locations, as well as other overnight accommodations.
Below is a snapshot of these five specific areas and a taste of what they have to offer:


HILLS REGION
With nearly 90,000 acres of public outdoor recreation lands, this region, in the rolling hills of northeast Mississippi, is home to some of the best hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation in the state. The Holly Springs and Tombigbee National Forests, nine wildlife management areas and land owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers make this area a haven for a variety of wildlife such as deer, turkey, wild quail, ducks and geese. A large variety of freshwater fish abound in the lakes and rivers of the Hills Region. Cyclists will enjoy the challenge, natural beauty and history of the 300-mile Natchez Trace Parkway or biking through J.P. Coleman State Park with views of Pickwick Lake. For birdwatchers, the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center is home to the Audubon Society in Mississippi and an incredible annual hummingbird migration.


PINES REGION
Known for its trophy white-tailed deer, large flocks of turkeys and coveys of wild quail, the nearly 200,000 acres of land open for public hunting, fishing and other activities make the Pines Region a place you’ll want to experience over and over. This area, in the east-central part of the state, includes two national wildlife refuges 11 state-owned wildlife management areas and the Bienville National Forest. Freshwater fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and canoeing are all popular outdoors activities here. From the Cypress Swamp on the Natchez Trace Parkway to the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, birdwatchers will enjoy seeing the red-cockaded woodpeckers and orange-crowned warblers. The Okatoma Creek and Strong River are great places for canoers and kayakers to explore. Equestrians will appreciate the Shockaloe Horse Trail, a 23-mile trail listed in the National Register of Trails.


COASTAL REGION
The Coastal Region includes more than 375,000 acres of public hunting and fishing lands ensuring plenty of access to the area’s wildlife. A national wildlife refuge, the DeSoto National Forest and ten state-owned wildlife management areas are located throughout this southernmost part of the state. The 40-mile Longleaf Trace from Hattiesburg to Prentiss is a favorite trail that attracts hundreds of cyclists each year. Saltwater fishing is a highlight here with light tackle backwater options as well as the true thrill of offshore deep sea fishing. Fishing off the Mississippi Gulf Coast with one of our charter boat captains is a wonderful way for friends and family to spend the day reeling in a memory of a lifetime. The Coast also boasts incredible sites for birding enthusiasts with the famous Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area, the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, the Crosby Arboretum and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Kayaking the Pascagoula River or to barrier islands off the mainland is a peaceful way to see it all firsthand. There are also more extreme outdoor experiences to be had in the Coastal Region with parasailing, skydiving, kite boarding and hang gliding.


CAPITAL/RIVER REGION
The area from the capital city of Jackson to the west and southwest is the Capital/River Region with rolling hills and wooded forests. The 33,000-acre Ross Barnett Reservoir, on the northeast side of Jackson, provides a huge area for fishing, boating and water sports. The entire region includes 82,000 acres of public hunting and fishing lands with six state-owned wildlife management areas, one national wildlife refuge and the Homochitto National Forest. Biking trails through untouched wilderness settings and historical attractions such as the Vicksburg National Military Park give visitors an up-close view of the natural beauty and a glimpse into our state’s past. With more than 50 waterfalls, the Clark Creek Natural Area near Natchez is a unique place in the state for hiking and exploring. Jackson is home to many national and world-class equestrian events.


DELTA REGION
Traditionally known as the heart of Mississippi’s agricultural region, the Mississippi Delta is also internationally-known as the birthplace of blues music. Adventure seekers will also appreciate the Delta Region’s many outdoor possibilities. This area is the state’s premier location for waterfowl hunting and includes opportunities for deer, turkey and dove. More than 110,000 acres of public hunting and fishing lands are home to the Delta Region, including 12 state-owned wildlife management areas, five national wildlife refuges, the Delta National Forest and numerous lakes, rivers and streams. Biking the newly developed 300-mile Mississippi River Trail is a great adventure through the home of the blues. Other biking trails include the Great River Road State Park at Rosedale and the Delta National Forest at Rolling Fork. Birding and eco-trails are available at Tunica’s RiverPark and in the “oasis of trees” at Leroy Percy State Park. Canoeing and kayaking are popular on the Little Sunflower River, and hiking and equestrian trails can also be found throughout the area.


Learn more about these regions to help you plan your trip to the True South by visiting the official Mississippi Tourism website, http://www.VisitMississippi.org. Click on “GET OUTSIDE” to explore all of the details.

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Contact: Jennifer Spann, Public Relations, Tourism 601.359.3505 jspann@mississippi.org

Free on the MS Gulf Coast - Facebook Photo Contest

FREE ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST

With splash pads, parks, pier fishing, the beach, and more, there’s always something FREE to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our Calendar of Events, found at www.gulfcoast.org has a variety of free local attractions and upcoming events. So put your wallet away, and get ready to have fun!

August 6 – CCA Kids’ Fishing Rodeo in Biloxi

August 7, 14, 21, & 28 – Detox Pool Party at Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi

August 12 – Blues at the Beach in Pascagoula

August 13 – South MS Horseshow & Rodeo Association in Gulfport
August 25 – Biloxi Farmers Market Festival
August 26 - Free Friday at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport
August 27 – National Barrel Horse Association Competitions in Gulfport

By participating in our August photo contest, we are giving you the chance to win lots of great prizes so you can continue to have FREE fun! When you submit your photo and your friends LIKE it, you have the chance to win FOUR tickets to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, TWO free buffets at Boomtown Casino, dinner for TWO (up to $100) at BT’s Steakhouse at Boomtown Casino, a Captain’s Crawl t-shirt, ONE ticket for the Biloxi Fishing Trip, and TWO rounds of golf at Grand Bear.


Send us a picture of you enjoying free fun on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! Any related photos will be accepted! All pictures must show you (or someone you have permission to use in a photo.)

All you have to do to enter is submit your picture as an attachment, along with your name to taryns@gulfcoast.org. Once your photo is received, it will be uploaded to the FREE IN MS – August Photo Contest album on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/msgulfcoastcvb. For each LIKE your photo receives during the contest, you will have one entry in to the contest for the drawing that will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2011. The contest officially ends at noon, with the drawing to be held shortly after. Good luck!

By submitting your picture via email, you authorize the Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB to use your photo on their Facebook page for this contest and consent to your name being published as a winner in the CVB’s E-newsletter, on facebook.com/msgulfcoastcvb, and on Twitter at twitter.com/msgulfcoastcvb. Only one entry per person/email address. Further, you hereby covenant and agree to waive, release and hold harmless the Harrison County Tourism Commission d/b/a Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau from and against any and all claims, demands, charges, liabilities and damages, if any, of every type or nature whatsoever, now or in the future, which arise out of, relate to or may be associated with your submission of any photograph in connection with the contest described herein.



Enjoy live music at DREAMFEST

Gulf Islands Waterpark News Release


Enjoy live music at DREAMFEST, a benefit to help Youth of the Gulf Coast, Saturday June 18 at Gulf Islands Waterpark.

Announced by Gulf Islands Water Park, L.L.C.
WHAT: Enjoy great music at DREAMFEST and support youth of the Gulf Coast. Live performances start at 10 am on Saturday June 18 including…… Racecar Racecar, Hindsight, The Evil Minions, Enjoy the Weather, Liberty Road Band, Greg Griffin & the Dry Creek Band, rising star Elley Duhe and the Sea Lion Splash Show.

$1 per person that enters with a ticket goes to the Chris Driebergen Foundation. Funds raised through the concert will support organizations that protect, inspire and encourage youth through child advocacy, music & arts enrichment, athletic development & academic development. Partners include CASA for Children, Mississippi Surge Hockey Team, Myhres School of Music, and Gulf Islands Waterpark.

There is no extra charge for the concerts or Sea Lion show. It’s all included in the Regular Admission or Advance Ticket. Go online to www.thelittleblackbird.com for discounted tickets or call 228-806-0322 for more information about tickets, T-shirts, Donations, or the Foundation.
WHEN: Gulf Islands Waterpark gates open at 10am and close at 6pm.

COST: $20 in advance at www.thelittleblackbird.com. Full-Day Pass is $28.99 at the gate. All is included (attractions, concerts and donation). $19.95 for those under 42” tall. Price also includes free parking, free life jackets and free inner tube usage.
WHERE: Gulf Islands Waterpark is the largest water park on the coast, featuring an island theme with miles of slides and cool summer fun for all ages. The attractions are named after local landmarks, including the one and only Horn Island Blaster. Other attractions include the Waveland Wavepool, Lazy Pearl River, Cat Island Catapult, Deer Island Express, Ship Island Wreck and Lil’ Pelican’s Bay kiddy area.
Gulf Islands Waterpark is located on I-10 in Gulfport, Mississippi in the Gulfport Sportsplex. Exit Highway 49 north to Landon Road and turn left at the Sportsplex entrance. Call (note the name Racecar Racecar is not an error) 228-328-1266 for details.
MEDIA WELCOME: Best opportunity for photos and interviews of the DREAMFEST event will be
Saturday June 18 (11:00am-3:30pm) at Gulf Islands Waterpark. Call the Chris Driebergen Foundation at 228-806-0322 for interviews prior to the event.

For the Child…or the Child at Heart!

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to many family friendly activities for children and the child at heart. Gulfport is home to the first children’s museum in the state – Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. Our Gulf Coast has many parks, splash pads, museums, and beaches for children to have a blast on. Because of this, in the summer month of June, we are celebrating FUN FOR KIDS Month. Enter our Facebook Photo Contest, and you can win a prize package including the following –
     4 tickets to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
     4 rounds of putt putt golf & 4 go-cart rides at Big Play Family Fun Center
     1 child & 1 adult ticket to the Biloxi Sunset Cruise
     Biloxi Shrimping trip kids t-shirt
     4 passes to Gulf Islands Waterpark
     2 passes to Scranton Nature Center
     2 tickets for Ship Island Excursions
     4 tickets to the Ringling Brothers Circus in July 2011
To be entered, send a picture of your kids enjoying things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast – whether it is at our beach, playing putt-putt golf, going bowling, enjoying a splash pad, or just taking it easy in their own backyard enjoying the warm weather. If you have any photos relating to kids having fun, SHOW US! All pictures must show someone you have permission to use in a photo.
All you have to do to enter is submit your picture to taryns@gulfcoast.org along with your name and a short sentence about the photo. Once I receive your photo, I will upload it to the FUN FOR KIDS album on our Facebook page. For each LIKE you receive on your picture, your name will be entered in to the drawing held on Thursday, June 30 at noon. GOOD LUCK!
By submitting your picture via email, you authorize the Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB to use your photo on their Facebook page for this contest and consent to your name being published as a winner in the CVB’s E-newsletter, on facebook.com/msgulfcoastcvb, and on Twitter at twitter.com/msgulfcoastcvb. Only one entry will be submitted for the drawing, however, you can submit as many photos as you'd like. Further, you hereby covenant and agree to waive, release and hold harmless the Harrison County Tourism Commission d/b/a Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau from and against any and all claims, demands, charges, liabilities and damages, if any, of every type or nature whatsoever, now or in the future, which arise out of, relate to or may be associated with your submission of any photograph in connection with the contest described herein.