Before You Go
On the Map…31.5604° N, 91.4032° W
Baton Rouge, LA to Natchez, MS…91.7 miles
Driving Time…1 hour and 40 minutes
Why Natchez?
Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking to spend time with the family in a slow-paced, easy-going setting, Natchez is the place you will want to be. Natchez is dubbed one of the South’s most charming cities and is rich with history. Numerous historic homes, buildings, churches, and heritage sites await for your discovery.
Where to Eat
Fat Mama’s Tamales | 303 S. Canal Street | Natchez, MS 39120
While they are known for their delicious tamales, Fat Mama’s Tamales doesn’t stop there! During your visit, make sure to order the Fire and Ice Pickles. Everyone in the family will certainly find something to indulge in whether it be through the homemade chili, the delicious nachos, the sweet pralines, or the decadent chocolate chip and pretzel cookies. ■ fatmamastamales.com
Magnolia Grill | 49 Silver Street | Natchez, MS 39120
At Magnolia Grill, you will find Southern hospitality in its truest form. Located right on the mighty Mississippi, Magnolia Grill is all about keeping things casual so everyone in the family can have a delicious meal in a comfortable setting. The cuisine consists of family favorites including burgers, soups, salads, and sandwiches, and desserts. ■ magnoliagrill.com
The Donut Shop | 501 John R. Junkin Drive | Natchez, MS 39120
Try the Fruity Pebble donut, the peach cobbler donut, or keep things simple with the traditional glazed donut when visiting what many refer to as “the best kept secret in Natchez.” In the mood for a burger instead? The Donut Shop will serve you one between two donuts. ■ thedonutshopnatchez.com
Pig Out Inn Barbeque | 116 S. Canal Street | Natchez, MS 39120
Take a fun picture with the pig in front of Pig Out Inn Barbeque before feasting on pulled pork, brisket, sausage, baked beans, cole slaw, and potato salad–basically all of the usual barbeque favorites. ■ pigoutinnbbq.com
What to Do
Let the fun begin at the Natchez Visitor Center. If you’re interested in learning how Natchez came to be, watch the short film, The Natchez Story, before exploring the center. Check out the interactive, paneled exhibit depicting the development of the area, step behind the life-size paddle wheel, feel real cotton, and play an interactive game that allows you to take a journey down the Mississippi River. ■ visitnatchez.org
Stroll through the hallowed ground of the home of the city’s original inhabitants at The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians. There are ceremonial mounds at the site, a replica of an Indian dwelling, and a museum complete with artifacts that have been recovered on and around the site over the years. ■ nps.gov
Climb aboard a six passenger GEM car to explore the area with Open Air Tours. The tours cut out the traffic and the having to stop and go from place to place. With the tour, you can hop on and see all of the local history quickly and easily. The Choctaw building, Myrtle Bank, and the John Smith House are just a few of the sights you will see while on the tour. And children ages six and under can enjoy the tours for free! ■ openairtoursntz.com
Used by American Indians, “Kaintucks,” settlers, and future presidents, Natchez Trace Parkway played an important role in American history. Enjoy a scenic drive or go hiking, biking, horseback riding, or camping while at the site. Also, children ages six and up can become a Junior Ranger at the Parkway by completing the activities in the Junior Ranger Activity book. ■ nps.gov/natr
Give your feet a break and enjoy the beautiful downtown area in a horse-drawn carriage. Travel in style with a professional tour guide on a 45-minute tour that features antebellum homes and local landmarks. ■ visitnatchez.org
Travel to nearby Ferriday, Louisiana to tour Frogmore Cotton Plantation and Gins, an 1800-acre working plantation complete with restored slave cabins and a 19th century cotton gin replica. Visitors will also have an opportunity to pick their own cotton and have it weighed. ■ frogmoreplantation.com
