Is Coastal Mississippi Worth The Drive from Dallas?? (Jackson, Laurel: condos, hotels)

[fallguy]

Hi-
Is Coastal Mississippi Worth The Drive from Dallas??

I've only been to Jackson on the way to a friend's wedding in Laurel 2 mos. ago. I flew to Jackson, rented a car & drove to Laurel b/c I heard the Dallas to Laurel drive is a tough one. One month ago I went with a friend from Dallas to Winnsboro where I have an old (pushing 90!!) cousin of my mother's late father to Tyler where I have friends to Shreveport to Monroe b/c I like the actress Parker Posey who lived in Monroe briefly but was born in Laurel in 1968 & claims there b/c she was mostly raised in Laurel.

Thanks,
fallguy

[ggluvbug]

It all depends on what you mean by "worth it". What kinds of things are you interested in?

[ausmerika]

The area is still in recovery, but there are businesses, restaurants and yes--casinos--open along the MS Gulf Coast. The sun glistening on the water is as beautiful as ever, but you'll see lots of empty spaces where houses and other stuff once stood. To me, it just breaks my heart when I go back, knowing what once was there. As luvbug said, it depends on what you are interested in. Take a drive--it's worth it on many levels.

[darylwi]

Heck yeah it's worth it. I think the drive along 90 looking out at the gulf is beautiful and I'm glad MS opted to build that road there instead of putting condos along the beach like Alabama and Florida have done.
It's come back a lot since the hurricane but there are plenty of empty lots as well, especially over towards Hancock Co.
It's worth it just to go check it all out.

[Phil75230]

Agreed,

Mississippi's stretch of the Gulf Coast is a lot better than the AL and FL ones precisely because they have no condos along the coast, which ruins the view and public accessibility for everyone in the latter two states.

BUT, don't think you'll see huge swells of surf from Hwy 90, as the barrier islands really block the swells from the main Gulf of Mexico. Even so, if the ferry to Ship Island is back up and running, it's worth it to stop your car and board the ferry out there. Ship Island is one of the few truly natural beach settings left on the Central Gulf Coast.

[Tama]

Sorry to be negative. This poster is going to drive from Dallas-a long ride-for what? To see some beach from the car? It is lovely and I would agree a nice beach. I don't think it is worth such a drive and gas money. If you like the casinos by all means come. There are many choices and there are good eats there. I would come for the casinos.If you don't have any interest in them, I would say the MS coast isn't ready for prime time yet.

[Gretchenfur]

Originally Posted by Phil75230

Agreed,

Mississippi's stretch of the Gulf Coast is a lot better than the AL and FL ones precisely because they have no condos along the coast, which ruins the view and public accessibility for everyone in the latter two states.

BUT, don't think you'll see huge swells of surf from Hwy 90, as the barrier islands really block the swells from the main Gulf of Mexico. Even so, if the ferry to Ship Island is back up and running, it's worth it to stop your car and board the ferry out there. Ship Island is one of the few truly natural beach settings left on the Central Gulf Coast.

Unfortunately, they are working on the condo thing. With all of the casino hotels, it might as well be AL or FL.

I spent this past New Year's in Gulf Shores. Loved it.