Spend Your Next Long Weekend in Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi is a vibrant city on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. This coast is particularly famous for its vast, sweeping sandbank that provides the perfect nesting spot for migratory birds. Even those who aren’t ornithologists will find something to enjoy in Biloxi. The town is also home to lots of classy casinos, making it a gamer’s heaven. Finally, there’s always great food to enjoy and being so close to the water means that Biloxi has more than its fair share of delicious fresh seafood. With all of this in mind, here’s how to see the very best of Biloxi in just one weekend.
Eat at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House
It wouldn’t be a vacation to a Southern state without starting with some food. There’s a great deal of choice in Biloxi, but Mary Mahoney’s Old French House really does take the cake. Set in the middle of Rue Magnolia, this eatery already has a headstart on many others thanks to its traditional surroundings. As soon as you come through the doors of the building dating to 1737, you’ll be greeted by the charming front-of-house staff who’ll show you to your table. In true Mississippi fine dining style, each of the tables is neatly laid with freshly starched white tablecloths and napkins. While the interior is certainly beautiful, the food has been enjoyed by presidents and dignitaries for over 50 years. Thanks to its location near the Gulf Coast, you’ll be able to choose from lots of super-fresh seafood. The fried soft-shell crabs are the perfect comfort food, while the stuffed fillet of snapper is a little more refined but no less delicious. Of course, if this is a no-expense-spared trip, then treat yourself to lobster with lashings of butter to dip in.
Visit the Gulf Islands
Once you’ve let your dinner digest, it’s time to walk it off a little. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a great spot to view local wildlife and enjoy the rugged coastline. The whole region is made up not just coastline, but also distinct islands that lay on the border between Florida, Mexico and Mississippi. Take a stroll along stunning white beaches, their divine color coming from the quartz that formed them many millennia ago. Once you’ve had your fill of white sandy beaches, you can venture inland a little and explore the bayous. These are full of wildlife as well, which is easy to spot from the marked trails. However, if you want to see the more unusual wildlife, then it could be worth chartering a boat and heading to some private areas of the nature reserve.
Stay & Play at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
It’s time to turn in for the night, but the fun needn’t stop yet. One of the most exciting places to stay in Biloxi is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, not just because this small resort has always got something fun going on, but also because the food is great, and the casino is hopping. If you’re a little wiped out after a day’s sightseeing, then there’s no shame in giving the hotel-casino a miss. It’s totally possible to make use of the free wifi and play at one of the best online casinos from the comfort of your hotel room.
For those who aren’t wiped out, enjoy some food in one of the 10 onsite restaurants and eateries (like Half Shell Oyster House and Ben & Jerry’s) and then treat yourself to a couple of games on the slot machines. Those who prefer table games will also find roulette and poker to play too, so there should be something for everyone in your party, not to mention weekly live concerts and a spa and pool with private cabanas.
