The Best Small Town In Mississippi For A 3-Day Weekend
The beautiful Gulf Coast draws an innumerable number of visitors every year across Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Each of these states features miles of coastline, but Mississippi might have a leg up on small communities on this shoreline with the kind of attractive power to fuel a three-day excursion. When you are looking for southern hospitality punctuated by art galleries, shops, and history, take a long weekend and come to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Finding Your Place to Stay
Among the best places to stay in Ocean Springs, and by far the most unique, is the Roost Boutique Hotel. This stop began as a vintage 1950s motor hotel and has evolved into a high-end design boutique accommodation. The 19 rooms blend mid-century style with modern amenities, featuring custom-designed furniture and artwork by local artists, and all rooms offer either patios or balconies. Each suite in the structure has a theme with hand-picked furniture and artwork to match. Because of its location on Porter Street, only a few blocks from the busy Government Street, it is no trouble to find your way to downtown galleries and restaurants.
You can also find an interesting local accommodation for your three-day excursion right on the main strip. For a look at Ocean Springs' history and a decisive leap towards the future, check out the high-end, modern accommodations at the os1515 hotel at 1515 Government Street. Built from the bones of a long-standing garment factory that shut its doors in 2002. Years later, the minds behind this luxurious hotel preserved the original architectural features and enhanced them with art, with the most remarkable example being the massive mural by world-renowned artist HOXXOH.
Businesses You Will Only Find Here
Ocean Springs is full of dining options, art centers, and shopping experiences that are unique to this small slice of the Greater Biloxi area of Mississippi. For regional dining, start with Mosaic Restaurant. In this community living room, locals and town tourists alike come to savor expertly crafted drinks and delicious prepared meals. Located on Government Street in a historic, newly refurbished building with exposed brick, Mosaic is a showcase for local talent far beyond the incredible dishes. Their menu is a mix of fresh, local, regional, and organic cuisine, including imaginative breakfast, lunch, and brunch selections. You can consult the calendar on their website to find the local artist who is playing the night you decide to visit.
Art is alive and well in Ocean Springs, and should be part of your three-day exploration of the community. The Mary C. O'Keeffe Cultural Center is both an art gallery and a community resource, celebrating the preservation and presentation of the visual arts. Founded in the historic elementary school building, this arts center presents changing exhibits within several galleries, a permanent collection emphasizing local artists, and education programs for all ages. The current exhibits are free and open Tuesday through Saturday.
When you are ready for some retail therapy, there is plenty of that to be found for your long weekend as well, along the side streets of Government, like this one on Washington Ave. Ocean Springs Mercantile captures the spirit of independent retail that runs strong in Ocean Springs. This carefully curated general retailer offers an interesting mix of home goods, kitchen staples, accessories, apparel, and gift items that appeal to nearly any shopper. There will be Southern preserves, hot sauces, and cocktail mixers made in Mississippi, along with some thoughtfully selected housewares.
The Historical Importance of Ocean Springs
Fort Maurepas Park Historic Site commemorates the spot where French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville founded the first permanent European settlement in the Mississippi region in 1699. Although the original fort no longer exists, the coastal park features signs that explain the significance of the settlement, which served as the starting point for French claims to the land that would become the Louisiana Territory. Enjoy Biloxi Bay views, a fishing pier, and a beach. The historic site is open daily during daylight hours and is free to the public. Spring and fall are the best seasons for a pleasant visit, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds, though the ocean breeze keeps temperatures pleasant during the summer months.
See the Natural Landmarks
There is no shortage of natural wonders to be found amid the art and history for which Ocean Springs is known, starting with Davis Bayou, a Gulf Coast gem that offers a unique experience in the Mississippi wetlands. This 400-acre preserve, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, features hiking trails, boardwalks, and a boat launch, allowing enthusiasts to access salt marshes, tidal creeks, and woodlands.
Birders can look for dozens of marsh birds, including herons, egrets, and seasonal visitors. The visitor center features informative exhibits on Gulf Coast ecology and the formation of barrier islands. There is no reason not to make this part of your exploration of Ocean Springs, as admission is free from sunrise to dusk. If you are coming in the warmer seasons, early morning visits are best for spotting wildlife and staying cool.
Planning Your Visit
The compact size of Ocean Springs makes a three-day stay the perfect visit, without having to branch out beyond what the community offers. The central business district along Government Street packs all the art galleries, restaurants, and shops into a compact strip, and the natural spots are close by. The whole community is designed to reflect the Southern hospitality and charm that the Magnolia State embodies.
What sets the Ocean Springs experience apart is the combination of culture, nature, and genuine local flavor, which can't be found at a more ordinary beachside vacation spot. There are no monstrous hotels and no cookie-cutter franchises to be seen; instead, the town retains a quaint small-town atmosphere and a cultural scene rich enough to lure the more curious travelers to slow down, take a look around, and properly embrace the authentic spirit of the Gulf Coast. Whether you are coming for the Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival in November or you are looking to see the wildlife at the Davis Bayou up close, a visit to Ocean Springs is a memorable one.
