Best places to see in Mississippi. (Vicksburg, Natchez: hotels, homes, university)

[Scotslass]

Originally Posted by jacksonian

If you're in south Mississippi, there's a place on Hwy 587 called Red Bluff aka Mississippi's miniature "grand canyon." It's an area with lots of dramatic hills and in one area the Pearl River has caused one of the largest hills to erode away over hundreds of years. It slowly consumes more and more of the hill every time it rains, so the highway has been rerouted several times - just recently they constructed a bypass. As a kid, we once took cardboard boxes with us and rode down the sandy ditches that the erosion caused. Here's a partial side shot, but it shows some it:

That looks cool!

[jhadorn]

Originally Posted by jacksonian

If you're in south Mississippi, there's a place on Hwy 587 called Red Bluff aka Mississippi's miniature "grand canyon." It's an area with lots of dramatic hills and in one area the Pearl River has caused one of the largest hills to erode away over hundreds of years. It slowly consumes more and more of the hill every time it rains, so the highway has been rerouted several times - just recently they constructed a bypass. As a kid, we once took cardboard boxes with us and rode down the sandy ditches that the erosion caused. Here's a partial side shot, but it shows some it:

Good addition to the list. I have heard something about a "Mississippi Grand Canyon" before, but never knew where or what it was. +1

[jacksonian]

Originally Posted by jhadorn

Good addition to the list. I have heard something about a "Mississippi Grand Canyon" before, but never knew where or what it was. +1

I should mention it's located just north of Columbia on 587, south of Monticello. That stretch of highway makes for a very nice sunday drive.

[Desert kid]

Okay, since last posting here I have been able to secure the trip to happen.

It has come down to the Capital/River region of Mississippi, including a small venture into Grenada and just another short venture to St. Francisville in Louisiana.

The towns chosen will be Vicksburg, Natchez, Raymond, Port Gibson, and Grenada. Any others I should be aware of?

[brickpatio]

Near Woodville, south of Natchez and just north of the Louisiana border is the Clark Creek Natural Area, which has trails through steep hills and waterfalls. Near Port Gibson is the Ruins of Windsor, known as one of the largest mansions before the civil war that burned except for the giant columns around all four sides that remain in tact today. On Ship Isand off the coast near Gulfport is a civil war fort that was inhabited I think by federal troops.

[Reivax]

Desert Kid, if you feel like it, try a stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Looking at your list of places, you could drive it for a bit between Natchez and Port Gibson. It sure is pretty.

[Desert kid]

Originally Posted by Reivax

Desert Kid, if you feel like it, try a stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Looking at your list of places, you could drive it for a bit between Natchez and Port Gibson. It sure is pretty.

That sounds like a good idea, looking at it I would be very well able to go along it. Thanks for the tip.

[Reivax]

Originally Posted by Desert kid

That sounds like a good idea, looking at it I would be very well able to go along it. Thanks for the tip.

No problem. We drove it around 5 in the afternoon, and we saw many, many deer, wild turkeys and the biggest owl I've ever seen, had to have 5-6 foot wingspan. No idea if that is normal or just a lucky day.

[JDC266]

Originally Posted by jhadorn

It's actually Biloxi that has the Hard Rock Casino and Cafe, but Pearl River Resort is cool as well.

Actually, just to clear up the confusion, he did have it somewhat correct...there used to be a Hard Rock at the Pearl River Resort, over by the water park...but that was closed down a few years ago.

[Desert kid]

Sorry that I have not replied much, I really appreciate the help. I have compiled a revised list of locations.

Vicksburg National Battlefield Museum, Vicksburg, MS
Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, MS.
William Johnson House, Natchez, MS.
Grenada Confederate Forts (near Grenada Resevoir), Grenada, MS.
Natchez National Historic Park, Natchez, MS
Grand Gulf Military Park, Grand Gulf/Port Gibson, MS
Port Gibson Battlefield, Port Gibson, MS.
Confederate Cemetary, Raymond, MS.
Raymond Military Park, Raymond, MS.
Cedar Hill Cemetary and Soldiers Rest, Vicksburg, MS
Rosswood Plantation, Lorman, MS
The Cottage Plantation, St. Francisville, LA
Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, LA
Rosedown Plantation, St. Francisville, LA

Is there anything else in that particular region that you native Mississippians may know about that an outsider like me may not?

I am counting down the days until July!