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Jackson, Mississippi

A- Overview:
Jackson, Mississippi is a fascinating blend of the old south and the 21st century. Jackson is a city of well preserved historic buildings, from the governor’s mansion to City Hall. Baptist and Presbyterian churches stand alongside antique shops and flea markets. Interspersed with Civil War memorabilia and plantations reminiscent of years gone by, are landmarks from the Civil Rights Movement. The Medgar Evers statue, the Woolworth sit-in site, and the Smith Robertson Museum attest to the active participation of local residents.

The state’s capital city is home to more than 184,000 people with a proud history that includes the world’s first heart and lung transplants, the first federal building in the country to be named after an African-American, and the home town of literary giants Eudora Welty and Margaret Walker Alexander. Founded in 1822 on the site of a trading post on the west bank of the Pearl River, the city was named to honor Major General Andrew Jackson who later became the seventh President of the United States. The city’s history has been turbulent. During the civil war, Jackson was ravaged and burned three times by Union troops under the command of General William Tecumseh Sherman. More recently, Jackson played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

In 2004, Jackson was named one of America’s Best Places to Live, Work and Play and one of the 30 most livable communities in the United States. The city’s motto “Best of the New South” is appropriate for a city that offers traditional southern hospitality alongside high-tech telecommunications. The Southeast’s most advanced state-of-the-art conference center is located in downtown Jackson, and the metro area boasts seven colleges and junior colleges, and 11 hospitals, including the nationally renowned University of Mississippi Medical Center. Jackson’s performing arts and cultural offerings are unparalleled for a city its size. They include the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the Mississippi Opera, the New Stage Theatre and the country’s self-guided Civil Rights Driving Tour.

Jackson is a major distribution center served by the Jackson International Airport and Hawkins Field as well as rail provided by Canadian National Gulf and Kansas City Southern. With its temperate climate and recreational options which include golf, tennis, swimming, and regional and national sporting events, as well as a professional baseball team, Jackson is an ideal location for both indoor and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Jacksonians take pride in their city and others are beginning to discover it as well. Committed to creating “The Best of the New South,” Jackson continues to renovate its historic homes and neighborhoods while working to maintain the downtown center as a thriving business and cultural center.

Mississippi’s Capital City is conveniently located at the crossroads of Interstate 55 (north-south) and Interstate 20 (east-west) in the heart of the “Hospitality State.” As the center for the Metro Jackson area, which is home to more than 425,000 people, the city of Jackson is steeped in history, music, performing arts, sports, and a truly Southern way of life.

Northeast of Jackson, off I-55, is the Natchez Trace Parkway. This scenic highway follows the historic trade route that once ran from Natchez to Nashville. Many Virginians and Carolinians passed through the area as they followed the Old Natchez Trace toward the Southwest. Named for Andrew Jackson, the city, sadly, earned the nickname Chimneyville when Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman burned it in July 1863. The Confederate trenches can still be seen in Battlefield Park.

Jackson is a city of beauty and charm. The Mississippi State Capitol, bordered by High Street to the north and President Street to the east, is the centerpiece. Built in 1903, this stunning structure was modeled on the United States Capitol in Washington. Two blocks to the south, on the corner of Congress and Capitol, is the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, a fine example of Greek revival architecture and one of the few buildings to survive the Civil War. In addition to its own historical value, the Old Capitol building contains the country’s most comprehensive museum on Mississippi history and culture.

Downtown is home to most of Jackson’s cultural outlets. Two blocks from City Hall is the Russell C. Davis Planetarium, one of the largest in the Southeast. It stands next to the Mississippi Museum of Art, where the world’s largest collection of folk art and crafts by regional artisans is displayed.

Recent restoration projects in Jackson’s historic downtown include beautiful Congress Street with its inlaid bricks, benches and period lighting, the Multi-Modal Transportation Center, and the Farish Street Entertainment District.

Two other buildings are worthy of note. The Governor’s Mansion, authorized in 1839 and completed in 1842, is the second oldest residence of its type in the nation and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Jackson’s City Hall, built in 1846, is still the working seat of municipal government after more than 140 years. The massively-columned three-story building and the gardens that surround it are two of the most photographed locations in the city. Due west of the Old State Capitol is the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, the regular site of many exhibitions, livestock shows and the annual State Fair.

Community support is strong for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the Mississippi Opera, and a professional baseball team, along with the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Natural Science Museum, Agriculture and Forestry Museum, and the Smith-Robertson Museum and Cultural Center and other venues.

In association with Varna, Bulgaria, Tokyo, and Moscow, Jackson hosts the world-class International Ballet Competition at the beautiful municipal auditorium, Thalia Mara Hall. The city-center arts complex also includes the Mississippi Museum of Art and the nation’s 10th largest planetarium. The Mississippi Arts Pavilion is home to the International Commission for Cultural Exchange, which has hosted several exhibits, including Palaces of St. Petersburg, the Splendors of Versailles, the Majesty of Spain and The Glory of Baroque Dresden exhibition.

Gourmet dining and nightlife sparkle on the Jackson scene. Many races and ethnic groups provide the city with cuisine that is truly international. One can choose Greek, Continental, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, French, Mexican, Thai, Mexican, Russian, or down- home, traditional Southern cooking.

A warm welcome and a walk through history await, in the pleasant Mississippi capital of Jackson.

B- City Information:
Population: 196,637

Elevation: 286 feet

Time Zone: Jackson is in the Central time zone. When it is 12:00 noon in New York City and 9:00 AM in Los Angeles, California, it is 11:00AM in Jackson, Mississippi. Daylight saving time is observed.

Average Temperatures:

Month
High
Low

January
57F
35F

February
62F
40F

March
68F
45F

April
76F
53F

May
84F
61F

June
90F
68F

July
93F
68F

August
92F
70F

September
88F
65F

October
79F
54F

November
67F
43F

December
60F
38F

Holidays Observed in Jackson:

Robert E. Lee’s Birthday Jan. 1

George Washington’s Birthday 3rd Monday in February

Confederate Memorial Day last Monday in April.

Jefferson Davis’s Birthday 1st Mon. in June

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25

New Year’s Eve Dec. 31

How to Get There:

By Air

Jackson International Airport (JAN)

Location: The airport is 5 miles (8km) from Jackson. (601) 939 5631.

Transfer between terminals: The terminals are connected by covered walkways.

Transfer to the city: Taxis are available for transport to Jackson city centre and surrounding areas. Shuttle van companies also provide shared door-to-door services and can be booked in advance.

By Train

Amtrak Station

300 W. Capital Street

Jackson, MS 39201

The City of New Orleans train runs through Jackson, providing service to Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans.

By Bus

Greyhound Station

300 W Capital Street

Jackson, MS 39201

(601) 353-6342

By Car

Jackson is centrally located at the junction of US Interstate Highways 20(E/W) and 55 (N/S). From Hattiesburg, take Route 49 north.

Getting Around the City

Public Transportation: JATRAN provides Fixed Route and Handilift services throughout the city of Jackson. JATRAN’S Fixed Route Service operates 13 routes, Monday through Saturday from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. JATRAN’S Handilift Service provides transportation to citizens with disabilities Monday through Saturday from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Neighborhoods

Downtown is a lively place from dawn to dusk. It is the site of many museums and the magnificent State Capitol building. It is the center of business and commerce in Jackson.

Ridgeland, located just a few miles from the city center, contains many shopping, eating and lodging opportunities, along with some nightlife. Tougaloo College is in the Ridgeland area. Tougaloo’s historic Woodworth Chapel was the site of many important meetings and events during the Civil Rights Movement.

Natchez Trace Parkway, bypasses Jackson through Ridgeland and neighboring Madison. The Trace was originally a trading route for Native Americans and is now part of the National Park Service. Ridgeland is also home to one of Jackson’s most popular recreational facilities, the 33,000 acre Ross Barnett Reservoir, created by the damming of the Pearl River. It serves as a summer playground for boaters, swimmers, fishermen and picnic-goers.

Mid North Mid North is home to many museums and recreational outlets, including LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. Offering fishing, camping and even a nine-hole public golf course, the park also houses the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Across the street, a large, state-owned complex is home to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum. Minor league baseball is played at Smith-Wills Stadium.

Farish Street The Farish Street Historical District comprises roughly 60 square blocks just to the west of downtown Jackson. In the years of racial segregation that followed the Civil War, this neighborhood became a center of African-American culture, politics, religion and business. At its peak, Farish Street was a thriving and vibrant community, and landmarks such as the Alamo Theater regularly hosted Louis Armstrong and many others. There are nearly 700 historical landmarks inside its boundaries, including churches, buildings and Civil Rights sites.

Attractions

Battlefield Park

Porter St And Langley Ave

Jackson, MS

Site of Civil War battle; original cannon and trenches.

Davis Planetarium/McNair Space Theater

201 E Pascagoula St

Jackson, MS 39201

(601) 960-1550

Daily; closed holidays

Programs change quarterly; 230-seat auditorium.

Manship House

420 E Fortification St

Jackson, MS 39202

(601) 961-4724

Tuesday-Friday 9 am-4 pm, Saturday from 10 am; closed holidays

Restored Gothic Revival cottage (circa 1855), was the residence of Charles Henry Manship, mayor of Jackson during the Civil War. Period furnishings provide excellent examples of wood graining and marbling.

Medgar Evers Home Museum

2332 Margaret Walker Alexander Dr.

601-977-7839. (Office of EDC at Tougaloo College)

The Civil Rights Movement leader was slain here, in the driveway of his home and represents just one of the thousands in Mississippi who sacrificed so that change could take place. For an appointment to visit the Medgar Evers home, telephone contact number listed above.

Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum And National Agricultural Aviation Museum

1150 Lakeland Dr

Jackson, MS 39216

(601) 713-3365

Toll-Free: (800) 844-8687

Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm; closed January 1, December 24-25

Complex, covering 39 acres, includes museum exhibit center, forest trail, 1920s living history town and farm. Picnicking.

Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

1152 Lakeland Dr

Jackson, MS 39216

(601) 982-8264

Open Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm

A variety of interactive exhibits can be found here, such as touch-screen television kiosks that access archival sports footage. Through interactive technology, visitors can play championship golf courses, soccer, or pitch horseshoes.

Governor’s Mansion

300 E Capitol St

Jackson, MS 39201

(601) 359-3175

Open Tue-Fri 9:30am-11am

In January 1833, the Mississippi legislature appropriated funds to build a capitol building and a “suitable house for the Governor.” Delayed by the Panic of 1837 and the ensuing Depression, construction of the Governor’s Mansion was not begun until 1839, the same year that the Capitol building was completed. Architect William Nichols (1780-1853), a native of Bath, England,designed the Mansion. Architectural historians consider the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion to be one of the finest surviving examples of the Greek revival style in the United States.

Mississippi Museum Of Art

201 E Pascagoula

Jackson, MS 39201

(601) 960-1515

Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday from noon; closed holidays

Exhibitions of 19th- and 20th-century works by local, regional, national, and international artists. The museum’s collection includes African-American folk art; photographs. Special exhibitions; sculpture garden; hands-on children’s gallery; restaurant, gallery programs, films; instruction, sales gallery.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

(601) 354-7303

2148 Riverside Dr

Jackson, MS 39202

Monday-Friday 8- 5; Saturday 9- 5; Sunday 1- 5.

The striking expanses of glass and octagonal skylights set the tone at this state-of-the-art facility. Life-size habitat displays include a 100,000-gallon aquarium system that houses over 200 species of native fish, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates. A 1,700-square foot greenhouse is home to alligators, turtles, and fish. A lush native plant garden, and over 2.5 miles of walking trails wind through the 300-acre natural area, extending the experience to the outdoors. Outdoor exhibits feature The Liberty Garden honoring the memory of those who perished on September 11, 2001 and The Millennium Grove which insures the perpetuation of America’s famous and historic species of trees.

Jackson Mynelle Gardens

(601) 960-1894

4736 Clinton Blvd

Jackson, MS 39209

Hours: 12-5:15 March-October; (8-4:15 November-February)

Mynelle Gardens typifies the southern garden. It began as a private garden created by Mynelle Westbrook Hayward and was acquired by the City of Jackson in 1973. It is a seven acre collage of distinctive gardens, with winding pathways, cascading pools, and uniquely designed bridges which lead across a pond to an island oasis. It is also a wildlife sanctuary and a haven for songbirds. Mynelle Gardens is accessible to the handicapped.

Oaks House Museum

823 N Jefferson St

Jackson, MS 39202

(601) 353-9339

Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-3.

This Greek revival cottage, built of hand-hewn timber by James H. Boyd, former mayor of Jackson, was occupied by General Sherman during the siege of 1863. Now owned by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, the museum is furnished with period furniture throughout, including a sofa from Abraham Lincoln’s law office in Springfield, Illinois.

Old Capitol Museum

100 S. State St

Jackson, MS

8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday; 9:30am – 4:30pm, Saturday and 12:30pm – 4:30pm, Sunday.

Built in 1833 and used as the state seat of government until 1903, this building is a National Historic Landmark. One of the country’s most elegant examples of Greek revival architecture, the museum houses exhibits that detail every significant period of Mississippi’s history. It also features the first permanent exhibit in the country on the Civil Rights Movement.

D- Family Fun Attractions:
Jackson Zoological Park

2918 W. Capitol Street

Jackson, MS 39209

(601) 355-5475

9:00am – 5:00pm, daily.

a 40-acre tract designed to recreate each animal’s natural habitat. Discovery Zoo, was rated one of the top five children’s zoos east of the Mississippi by the New York Times Travel Guide. It educates through entertaining and imaginative hands-on exhibits, such as Turtle Crawl, Ant World, and Create an Animal.

Davis Planetarium/McNair Space Theater

201 E Pascagoula St

Jackson, MS 39201

(601) 960-1550

Open Daily; closed holidays

Programs change quarterly; 230-seat auditorium.

Jackson’s impressive planetarium is one of the largest in the world, with a huge wrap-around screen that presents regular Sky Shows on astronomy, astronauts and space exploration. The planetarium, situated in the downtown cultural district, also features laser light concerts accompanied by the music of contemporary and classic rock and roll artists combined with the imagery of a powerful indoor laser system.

Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum And National Agricultural Aviation Museum

1150 Lakeland Dr

Jackson, MS 39216

(601) 713-3365

Toll-Free: (800) 844-8687

Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm; closed January 1, December 24-25

Complex, covering 39 acres, includes museum exhibit center, forest trail, 1920s living history town and farm. Picnicking.

Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

1152 Lakeland Dr

Jackson, MS 39216

(601) 982-8264

Open Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm

Mississippi Petrified Forest

124 Forest Park Road

Flora, MS (45 minutes north of Jackson)

(601)879-8189

Take a peek into a distant age 36 million years ago at what some call the “Grand Canyon of the Mississippi.” Thirty-six million years ago, a raging river deposited a grove of trees in this out-of-the-way spot, and there they still remain in the present day, petrified in their positions for posterity. A paved trail weaves through the petrified trees and is suitable for all levels of mobility. In the Earth Science Museum, there is a collection of fossils (including dinosaur footprints!), petrified wood, (of course), and minerals.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events

Late January-mid-February

Dixie National Rodeo and Livestock Show

1207 Mississippi St, Jackson, MS 39202

Featuring some of the best cowboys and the rankest rough-riding stock in the region, this national rodeo is a favorite among Mississippi locals. But rodeo is not the only thing happening during this 24-day extravaganza. Nearly every sort of livestock you can imagine are shown here, and growers compete for top prizes. The prize animals are then auctioned to buyers seeking the finest beef, pork, poultry and lamb. Judging and penning competitions are also held, along with performances by top entertainers. Some events charge admission.

Late February

Gem and Mineral Show

Location: A & I Building, Mississippi State Fairgrounds

Members provide exhibits and demonstrations and retailers sell all hobby related items.

Early March

Spring Outdoors Show

Location: Mississippi Trade Mart; Jackson, MS.

Exhibits, seminars and demonstrations on everything outdoors from camping, hiking, photography, fishing to gardening, canoeing, kayaking and turkey hunting. Children activities.

Mid-March

Zoolympics

Location: 2918 W. Capitol St.; Jackson, MS

Children test their skills against those of the animals in such activities as the Zebra Kick, the Cheetah Relay. Other activities include clowns, space jumps, face painting and more.

Third week in March

Mynelle Gardens Annual Spring Festival & Plant Sale

Location: Mynelle Gardens, 4736 Clinton Blvd.; Jackson, MS

Celebrate Mother Nature’s floral beauty.

Late March

National Cutting Horse Association Show

1207 Mississippi St

Jackson, MS 39202

(601) 961-4000

Entries from across the US participate in amateur to professional rider competitions.

Late March

Taste of Mississippi

Location: Highland Village; Jackson, MS

A culinary tasting event featuring 35 of Mississippi’s finest restaurants, live music and both live and silent auctions featuring art and products donated by Viking Range Corporation. Proceeds from the event go to fight hunger in Mississippi.

Mid-April

Handworks Spring Market

Location: Mississippi Trade Mart, MS Fairgrounds; Jackson, MS

Arts, crafts and antiques show. Exhibitors from several states create a festive shopping atmosphere.

Mid-April

Zoobilation, “Kidsfest”

Location: 2918 W. Capitol St.; Jackson, MS

Annual celebration for the zoo which involves visits from cartoon and storybook characters. Local media celebrities and friends come out to join the fun.

Late May

Jackson Zoo’s Memorial Day Weekend Celebration

Location: 2918 W. Capitol St.; Jackson, MS

Kids of all ages with enjoy this special weekend with live animals and cartoon characters! Scheduled time is Sat, 11a.m.-5p.m.; Sun, 1-5p.m.

July 4

Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

Location: Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, 1150 Lakeland Dr.; Jackson, MS

This family event includes pony rides, train rides, carousel rides, lots of games and prizes, free watermelon, musical entertainment and other fun activities for children.

Mid-September

Celtic Fest

Location: Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, 1150 Lakeland Dr.; Jackson, MS

Immerse yourself in Celtic music and culture at an event that offers educational workshops and Celtic art. Fun for the entire family includes activities for children and concessions.

Mid-September

Festival Latino

1808 Spillway Road (Rapids on the Reservoir)

Jackson, MS 39047

This annual event is a celebration of Latin American culture. Dancing, food, music and crafts from Central and South American countries, as well as the Caribbean Islands. Free activities for kids. Information: (601) 960-8467

Early October

Mississippi State Fair

1207 Mississippi St, Jackson, MS 3920

(601) 961- 4000

This popular event, one of the largest state fairs in the South, features something for everyone. A mile-long midway, livestock shows, 4-H Village, food and craft booths, and 120,000 square feet of exciting exhibitions make for a weekend of fun. Free concerts are also planned throughout the event. The fair begins the first Wednesday of October each year and runs for 12 days. Admission varies depending on the event.

Early December

City of Jackson Christmas Parade

Downtown Jackson, This annual Christmas parade kicks off the holiday season. A tree lighting ceremony follows the parade, along with musical entertainment. For information: (601)960-1084

Throughout December

Olde Tyme Christmas

Mississippi Heritage Center, Jackson, MS 39205, MS

Agriculture & Forestry Museum

Sports

Veteran’s Memorial Stadium

2531 N State St

Jackson, MS 39216

(601) 354-6021

This traditional horseshoe shaped stadium (known to local fans as A.C. Butch Lambert Field) is the home of the Jackson State University Tigers football team and the famous Jaycettes. Besides the standard Saturday football games, the 60, 492 seat facility hosts the high school state football championships. It is also the place where big name national touring acts play in the summertime.

Coliseum

1207 Mississippi St

Jackson, MS 39202

(601) 353-0603

(601) 961-4000

Located at the Mississippi Fairgrounds Complex, the Mississippi Coliseum is one of Jackson’s premier indoor venues. In addition to hosting conventions, public shows, and musical concerts, the Coliseum is home of the Jackson Bandits professional hockey team. It has a permanent seating capacity of 6,500, with an additional capacity for 2,650 temporary seats. Special amenities such as light and sound facilities, comfortable dressing rooms, and ample parking make this a top-flight venue for all sorts of special events.

Arts and Entertainment

Alamo Theatre

333 N Farish St

Jackson, MS 39202

(601) 352-3365

The Alamo theatre opened in 1942 seating 406. It was built in the African-American professional and trade community of Farish Street. It originally screened westerns and African- American films and also hosted acts and performing artists such as B.B King, Nat King Cole and other top African-American performers.

In 1960 the Alamo closed and remained shuttered until 1992. A community effort at that time completely restored the interior to its original Art Deco style and refurbished the exterior. The marquee and the vertical sign were restored to their original design, including all the neon. It took several years to complete the project, and the theatre re-opened in 1997. It is now hosting all forms of art, music, dance and theatre.

Mississippi Arts Center

201 E. Pascagoula St.

8:00 – 5:00, Monday – Friday.

This cultural center hosts art and cultural organizations, including ballet Mississippi, Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, and the Mississippi Museum of Art.

New Stage Theatre

1100 Carlisle St

Jackson, MS 39202

(601) 948-3531

(601) 948-3533

New Stage is one of Jackson’s most celebrated cultural institutions. The theater produces a wide range of plays and musicals, from classic Shakespeare to hit musicals. The season includes a Christmas show and several children’s shows. The theater showcases original work in its Eudora Welty New Plays Series and in its free offerings at “Late Nite at New Stage”.

Biloxi, Mississippi

A- Overview:
Biloxi (pronounced bi lux i ) is a delightful resort city on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Casinos and resorts offer golf, charter fishing, spas, 24-hour gaming, dining and live entertainment. Frequent festivals in Biloxi and Gulfport celebrate everything from seafood to sand castles.

From 26 miles of white sand beaches to non-stop casino action, sophisticated shopping, culture, history, arts, delectable cuisine and championship golf courses, the Playground of the South has it all.

Outdoor fun continues year round in Biloxi’s mild climate. Get a bird’s-eye view of the entire shoreline with a parasail ride over the Gulf or hop on a jet ski, try your hand at windsurfing, sailing, skiing or motor boating. Water parks with everything from a wave pool, slides, bumper boats, and amusements such as miniature golf, rides and arcades are also among the list of favorite places on the Coast. The ferry will transport visitors to a nearby barrier island for the ultimate beach experience.

Much of Biloxi’s entertainment scene is swept up in the high-spirited fun of casino gaming. Twelve casinos have brought the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas to the beach, with table games, slot machines, and nightclub venues. All casinos are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many of the casinos offer supervised activities for children; many are complete resort complexes with golf courses and luxury hotels.

Biloxi is a haven for fishing and water sports. Sports fishermen can plan a day-long or overnight trip into Gulf waters, or they can fish the area’s many lakes and rivers. A seafood industry museum commemorates the significant role the seafood industry has played in shaping the region, and a marine education center teaches visitors about the Coast’s environment and displays aquatic life native to the Gulf of Mexico in a 42,000-gallon aquarium. At another marine attraction, Marine Life, visitors can see daily shows of trained dolphins and can view other inhabitants of the sea.

Over 20 golf courses offer challenges for every skill level with greens fees are surprisingly lower than those of comparable golf resort areas. With several courses recently refurbished and new courses open, the Gulf Coast is a choice destination for golf lovers.

Biloxi is a place of unparalleled beauty, with graceful live oaks, unique landmarks and antebellum homes. Historic neighborhoods provide examples of the notable architecture of the past, and annual tours offer an inside glimpse of the area’s gracious homes, some of which have stood for more than a century.

Art and history play an important role in the character of the Gulf Coast. Two museums are dedicated to the works of two of the area’s most famous artists, potter George E. Ohr and painter/sculptor Walter Inglis Anderson.

Locals sometimes say that the Gulf Coast has a celebration for every crustacean. The abundance of fresh seafood: crabs, shrimp, oysters, fish, crawfish results in festivals of all kinds. Everyone celebrates with cultural activities, music, and an overall spirit of fun, almost every weekend of the year.

Combine all there is to see and do with the hospitality of the Gulf Coast, and the result is a winning combination in Biloxi, The Playground of the South.

B- City Information:
Facts

Population : 53,403

The recent Census count confirms that Biloxi remains the second largest city in Harrison County and is the third largest in the State of Mississippi.

Time Zone: Biloxi is in the central time zone. When it is noon in New York City; it is 11:00 AM in Biloxi.

Elevation: 22 feet

Location: Biloxi is 37 miles west of Mobile, Alabama and 90 miles east of New Orleans

Weather:

The mild climate of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has long attracted tourists and industry alike. Annual average temperature is 68°, ranging from a 30-year average of 52° in the coldest month to 82° in the hottest month. Annual average precipitation is 61 inches, ample rainfall for the many beautiful garden flowers.

Average Temperatures

Month
High
Low

January
61F
41F

February
65F
45F

March
69F
49F

April
77F
57F

May
84F
64F

June
89F
71F

July
91F
73F

August
90F
72F

September
86F
68F

October
79F
59F

November
69F
47F

December
63F
43F

When to Go

The weather is consistently warm from May to September

Winter is usually mild and short-lived (January and February), perfect for outdoor activities. Spring brings perfect weather. The blooming season is quite long, lasting more than seven months of the year, but spring is the most dramatic. Fall is mild and only a light sweater is needed in the evenings.

Precipitation is reasonably well-distributed and ample throughout the year .

Business Hours

Banks are usually open weekdays 9 to 3 and some Saturday mornings; the post office from 8 to 5 weekdays and often on Saturday mornings. Shops in urban and suburban areas, particularly in indoor and strip malls, typically open at 9 or 10 daily and stay open until anywhere from 6 to 10 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 5 or 6 on Sundays.

Holidays

New Year’s Day Jan. 1

Inauguration Day 3rd Mon. in Jan. every 4 years

Robert E. Lee’s birthday, 3rd Monday in January

Mardi Gras Day, Shrove Tuesday (varies)

Good Friday (varies)

Memorial Day last Mon. in May

June 1st Jefferson Davis’s birthday.

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.

Veterans Day Nov. 11

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25

New Year’s Eve Dec. 31.

Customs & Duties

Arriving in the United States

Contact the U.S. Customs Service (inquiries, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, 202/354-1000

Electricity

The U.S. electrical standard is 110 volts/60 cycles AC. Visitors from other countries, traveling with dual-voltage appliances will not need a converter, but they will need a plug adapter. The standard U.S. electrical outlet takes a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another.

Emergencies

Ambulance, Fire , Police (Phone: 911).

Mail

Every address in the United States belongs to a specific zip-code district, and each zip code has five digits. Some addresses include a second sequence of four numbers following the first five numbers, but although this speeds mail delivery for large organizations, it is not necessary to use it.

Money

ATMs

As with most of the US, credit and debit cards are accepted at the vast majority of shops, sit-down restaurants, and accommodations in and around Biloxi. Banks, as well as convenience stores, grocery stores, and hotel lobbies with ATMs are easy to find.

Tax:

Tipping

At restaurants, a 15% tip is standard for waiters; up to 20% may be expected at more expensive establishments.

Telephones

The country code for the United States is 1. The area code for Biloxi is 228.

All U.S. telephone numbers consist of 10 digits – the three-digit area code, followed by a seven-digit local number. If you’re calling a number from another area-code region, dial “1” then all 10 digits. For calls within the same local calling area, just dial the seven-digit number.

Directory & Operator Information

For assistance from an operator, dial “0”. To get a local or national telephone number, dial 411; in a few places it is necessary to dial 555-1212.

International Calls

International calls can be direct-dialed from most phones; dial 011, followed by the country code and then the local number (the front pages of many local telephone directories include a list of overseas country codes). To have an operator assist you, dial “0” and ask for the overseas operator.

Age Limits: You must be 21 years of age to enter a casino in Louisiana. You must be 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages in Louisiana.

Directions To The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport:

The Airport is on the Mississippi Gulf Coast midway between New Orleans, LA and Mobile, AL located in Gulfport, one mile South of l-10, exit 34A U.S. 49 South. Traveling south on U.S. 49, just follow the signs to the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

Complete private, corporate and charter aviation services are available from U.S. Aviation Corporation by calling (601) 863-2570

Amtrak – Sunset Limited
1-800-872-7245

Train Stops:

Bay St. Louis – 303 South Railroad

Biloxi – 860 Esters Blvd

Gulfport – 1419 27th Avenue

Pascagoula – 505 Railroad Avenue

Visitors are always welcomed at many of the private and public marinas. Many have hook-ups and shower facilities.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast hugs the Gulf of Mexico and is approximately an hour’s drive from New Orleans, Louisiana to the west and Mobile, Alabama to the east. Simply take one of the region’s major interstates (I-55, I-65, or I-85) to I-10 and then I-110 or State Highway 49 to US Highway 90, which runs along the Gulf waters.

Coast Transit Authority’s Beachcomber Line Trolleys and buses provide transportation seven days a week between Point Cadet and Biloxi US highway 90. Service is also available to Ocean Springs . Trolleys operate every 35-40 minutes from 9;00 a.m. till twenty minutes past midnight between Point Cadet and Courthouse Station in Gulfport, buses run every hour and 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m..

You may catch the trolley in front of your hotel for transportation to Restaurants, Casinos , Shopping, Attractions And Events By hailing the driver or by waiting at a designated bus stop bench. Buy a COASTour pass good for one day of unlimited travel, from the trolley operators at a minimal fee.

For exact schedule and route information , call (228) 896-8080 or (228) 875-8070

The new terminal complex, has increased airline passenger boarding and sets records yearly. A complete ground transportation network is provided, including courtesy vans, taxis, limousines, rental cars and charter services. Other amenities include a lounge, gift shop, newsstand, ATM, baggage carts, skycaps, meeting rooms, an office complex and restaurant.

C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Casinos

Palace Casino Resort

158 Howard Avenue

Biloxi, Mississippi

1-800-PALACE-9

The Palace Casino Resort Marina offers floating slips that can accommodate 25′ boats to 100′ yachts. Situated in a sheltered natural harbor adjacent to the lavish resort hotel with 236 rooms and a 43,500 sq. ft. casino, four restaurants, full service spa and salon, pool and a first class marina.

Beau Rivage Casino Resort

875 Beach Blvd.
Biloxi, MS 39530

General Information: 228-386-7111

1,740 rooms and 95 suites. 1500 seat theater, Las Vegas style gaming 24 hours a day.

Boomtown Casino Biloxi

676 Bayview Ave
Biloxi, MS 39530

Toll-Free: 800-627-0777

A dockside casino located on Biloxi’s Back Bay one mile north of the beach, Boomtown is the Gulf Coast’s only western-themed casino. More than 1,100 slot machines and 27 table games. Free, live entertainment in the Boots Cabaret and a hopping dance floor the Gulf Coast’s only motion theater ride, a party room, the wrangler club for kids ages three to 16, and the video arcade.

Isle of Capri Casino

321 Division St
Biloxi, MS 39530

Main Phone: 228-436-9845

A 24-hour gaming facility. There are 367 guest rooms in the Crowne Plaza Resort, outdoor pool, exercise room, game room, three restaurants, lounges, entertainment, golf package, and conference rooms.

Grand Casino Gulfport & Biloxi

265 Beach Blvd
[if !vml][endif]Biloxi, MS 39530

Main Phone: 228-436-2946

[if !vml][endif]The largest gaming resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, featuring golf, live shows and 24-hour casino.

Luxurious accommodations in 500 rooms, live entertainment in Biloxi Grand Theatre, nine restaurants, Kids Quest, Grand Arcade, Backstage Nightclub, 42,000 feet of meeting space, three gift shops, swimming.

Casino Magic Biloxi

[if !vml][endif]195 Beach Blvd
Biloxi, MS 39530

Main Phone: 228-386-4600
Toll-Free: 800-562-4425

A 24-hour gaming facility with 378 guest rooms, an indoor pool, exercise room, game room, restaurants, lounges, entertainment, golf packages, and conference rooms.

Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino

850 Bayview Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39530-1701

Live entertainment, six gift shops, nine restaurants and bars, 50,000 square foot meeting space, 600 seat Imperial Showroom theatre, six screen movie complex, shopping arcade, Comedy Club and children.

Boomtown Casino

676 Bayview Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39530-2307

Western-themed casino offering gift shops, live entertainment, children’s activities, two restaurants, family fun center with dynamic motion theater, video arcade, Boots Cabaret, bakery and coffee shop.

President Casino Resort

2110 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, MS 39531-5001
Visit this 24-hour gaming facility with 500 guest rooms, indoor and outdoor pool, exercise room, game room, three restaurants, lounges, entertainment, golf packages, and conference rooms.

Treasure Bay Casino Resort

1980 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, MS 39531-5214

Offers gaming aboard a replicated pirate ship. There are 256 luxurious rooms, beautiful pools complete with waterfalls and game room. Restaurants, lounges, entertainment, golf packages, and conference rooms.

Attractions

Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum

(228) 435-6320 for more information about the Museum and sailing times for the schooners.

The Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9 to 4:30, closed on holidays.

Admission is charged.

Situated on the eastern tip of the Biloxi peninsula, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is housed in a Spanish influence structure built in 1934 as part of a U.S. Coast Guard station. The Museum traces the 300year history of Biloxi from the time of its first Native American residents through its growth as a popular antebellum resort and bustling seafood processing center. Special exhibits describe the various crafts which are found in a maritime community such as boatbuilding, net making, marine blacksmithing and sail making. The Museum operates two replica oyster schooners, which are docked at the adjacent Point Cadet Marina.

Tullis-Toledano Manor

(228) 435-6293

Monday through Friday 10-12 and 1 – 5

admission is charged.

In 1856, Tullis-Toledano Manor was built for Christoval and Matilde Toledano. Located on Biloxi’s East Beach, the Manor is one of the Coast’s most unique examples of antebellum architecture. The Manor contains period furnishings which are used to interpret the house in an antebellum setting.

Mardi Gras Museum

435-6245

Located in downtown Biloxi on the Rue Magnolia

11-4 Monday through Friday.

Admission charged.

The Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum is housed in the restored antebellum Magnolia Hotel, which was constructed in 1847. Colorful exhibits tell the story of Mardi Gras in Biloxi since the arrival of the French in 1699. The Museum also traces the history of the Magnolia Hotel, a unique reminder of Biloxi’s pre-Civil War tourist trade.

The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art

136 G. E. Ohr St

Biloxi MS 39530

228 374-5547, Fax: 228 436-3641

Displays the work of the “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” noted throughout the art world for his unique pottery which boasts paper-thin walls and brilliant glazes. Hosts national and regional traveling exhibits, along with the works of local artists. Open Mon-Sat 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Groups rates available. Admission charged.

Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis Home & Presidential Library

2244 Beach Blvd

Biloxi MS 39531

228 388-9074, 800 570-3818, Fax: 228 388-7084

Retirement home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Includes Beauvoir House, Presidential Library, Confederate Museum, historic cemetery, Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier and gift shop. Open daily Mar – Oc , 9:00am to 5:00pm; Nov – Feb, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Admission charged.

Biloxi Lighthouse

Biloxi MS 39533

228 435-6308, 800 245-6943, Fax: 228 435-6246

One tour 10:00 am Mon-Sat. Admission charged.

The Biloxi Lighthouse was erected in 1848.

Old Brick House

Biloxi MS 39530

228 435-6121, 800 245-6943, Fax: 228 435-6246

Saved from neglect by the ladies of Biloxi’s Garden Clubs, the Old Brick House is now an historic house museum. Open Mon-Sat 11:00am to 4:00pm. Admission charged.

The Old Santini House Bed & Breakfast

964 Beach Blvd

Biloxi MS 39530

228 436-4078, 800 686-1146, Fax: 228 432-9193

Built c. 1837, this is Biloxi’s earliest example of the “American Cottage” and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Open for free tours from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Mon-Thu. Located across from the I-110 loop and Beau Rivage

The Redding House

770 Jackson St

Biloxi MS 39532

228 436-9700

This century old Greek Revival home is impressive with its custom mahogany and cypress mill work, ten fireplaces, fine art murals and heart pine floors. The lower level has several separate adjoining rooms that could be used for large dinner parties or for smaller, more intimate gatherings. Upstairs the open areas are perfect for large business meetings, banquet facilities or music with dancing. The ambiance is unique and the house exemplifies southern charm at its best. The Redding House offers guests the perfect setting for any special occasion.

Tullis-Toledano Manor

Biloxi MS 39533

228 435-6293, Fax: 228 435-6246

Built in 1856 on Biloxi’s East Beach for Christoval and Matilde Toledano. One of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s most unique examples of antebellum architecture. Admission charged. Open Mon-Sat 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum

119 Rue Magnolia

Biloxi MS 39530

228 435-6245, 800 245-6943, Fax: 228 435-6246

Housed in the historic Magnolia Hotel, the Mardi Gras Museum tells the colorful story of Mardi Gras along the Coast. Open Mon-Sat 11:00am to 4:00pm. Admission charged.

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

Biloxi MS 39533

228 435-6320, Fax: 228 435-6309

Preserve and interpret the maritime history and seafood heritage of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A film on Hurricane Camille runs every hour. Gift shop available. Open Mon-Sat 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; Sun 12:00 noon to 4:00pm (Memorial Day – Labor Day). Admission charged, group rates available with reservations. Handicapped accessible.

Moran’s Art Studio

110 Porter Ave

Biloxi MS 39530

228 435-9615

Original works of Joe Moran, pottery of George E. Ohr, artist originals of Mary Moran and Tommy Moran. Gifts, prints and coastal scenes. Home of ancient burial. Open Mon-Fri 10:00am to 5:00pm; Sat 10:00am to 1:00pm; closed on Sun. No admission charged.

Gulfport

CEC/Seabee Memorial Museum

5200 CBC 2nd St

Gulfport MS 39501

228 871-3164, Fax: 228 871-3163

The CEC & Seabee Museum is open for visitors Mon-Sat 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed Sun. The Museum depicts the history of the U.S. Navy’s Civil Civil Engineer Corps and the Seabees from their beginnings, WWII and the present. No admission charged.

The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

246 Dolan Ave

Gulfport MS 39507

228 897-6039, Fax: 228 897-1309

An interactive children’s museum designed for children under 12. Children communicate with robots, snoop through a cluttered attic, shop in a local market, produce a news show, operate a crane and explore the tree houses. Special event rentals available. Tue-Sat 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sun 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. Groups welcome. Admission charged.

Grass Lawn

Gulfport MS 39502

228 868-5907, Fax: 228 868-5787

Grass Lawn is an historic house built in 1836. Constructed of hand-hewn timbers, it has wide galleries supported by two-story columns. It is furnished with period furniture. Please call for hours of operations and special event information.

Gulfport Centennial Museum

1419 27th Ave

Gulfport MS 39502

228 868-5849, Fax: 228 868-5800

Contains hundreds of photographs and artifacts detailing Gulfport’s growth over the past 100 years. Free to the public Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm, Sat 9:00am to 3:00pm, closed for lunch and Sun.

Naval Construction Battalion Center

4902 Marvin Shields Blvd

Gulfport MS 39501

228 871-2393, Fax: 228 871-2456

The Gulfport Seabee Center is the home of the Atlantic Fleet Seabees, the Navy’s construction force. M-F 8 to 2, group tours available with a 30 day notice. Seabee Museum included.

Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial

370 Bienville Blvd

Ocean Springs MS

228 831-9886

Built in 1997 this beautiful Memorial is a tribute to the men and women that served in the Vietnam War. Open year round. No admission fee.

Stennis Space Center Visitors Center

near Bay St. Louis off Interstate

10. 9 a.m.-5p.m. daily;

no admission fee.

Details call (228) 688-2370.

Ole Biloxi Tour Train Board and debark at Biloxi Light House 90 minute open-air tour includes 30 points of interest in and around Biloxi.

Four tours daily at 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m.

Admission charged.

Gulfport

Gulfhaven Gardens

15429 CC Camp Rd

Gulfport MS 39503

228 832-6424, Fax: 228 832-6424

Daylily garden & nursery. Over 1,000 daylily cultivars featured from April-June. Open Mon-Sat, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, March 15 to May 30. Special appointments are available. After May, please call for schedule.

Harrison County Fairgrounds

15321 County Farm Rd

Gulfport MS 39503

228 832-8620, Fax: 228 831-0080

The Harrison County Fairgrounds hosts horse shows, rodeos & Celtic Fest. Home of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics. To book an event, call between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm. Admission charged per event

Sports

Biloxi

Aces High Parasail

P O Box 783

Ocean Springs MS 39566

228 432-9200, 800 993-4647, Fax: 228 872-9000

Operating modern winch boat on the coast, providing totally dry take offs and landings. Fun for the whole family. No experience needed. Located between the Beau Rivage and Grand Casinos at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor. Seasonal

Beach Bums Parasail

1731 James St

Biloxi MS 39531

228 435-7280, 228 699-BUMS, Fax: 228 435-7280

A 29′ winch boat, with a platform on the rear deck. Launch and land right on the rear deck. Also rent YAMAHA wave runners, paddle boats, umbrellas and chairs. Reservations can be made on the beach in front of Edgewater Village or by phone. Seasonal Mar-Nov 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Off-season and group rates available.

Biloxi Schooners

P O Box 1907

Biloxi MS 39533

228 435-6320, Fax: 228 435-6309

Two replicated 65′ two-masted, gaff rigged schooners, the Glenn L. Swetman and Mike Sekul, sail the Mississippi Sound and waters of the north central Gulf of Mexico daily. The schooners accommodate 49 passengers each. 2.5 hr, half-day, and full-day charters available. Vessels located in Biloxi Point Cadet Marina, behind the Isle of Capri Casino Plaza Resort. Admission charged. Call for schedule.

The Ultimate Rush

1751 Beach Blvd

Biloxi MS 39530

228 435-3555, Fax: 228 435-3555

Mon-Fri 5:00pm to 12:00 midnight; Sat-Sum 11:00am to 1:00am.

Combine sky diving, bungee jumping, hang-gliding and soar through the sky. We hoist you to the top of our 115′ tower where you pull your own ripcord

The Green Woods Stables

15800 Pea Patch Rd

Biloxi MS 39532

228 396-5005, 228 326-3333 (Cell

82 acres of beautiful wooded riding trails. Ride on a guided or unaccompanied trail ride. Riders must be experienced to ride unaccompanied. The Stables are only a 10-minute drive from Biloxi’s Lighthouse on Highway 90.

Harrison County Skate Park and Hockey Complex

269 Debuys Rd

Gulfport MS 39507

228 604-4045, Fax: 228 896-9206

Tuesday-Sat. 12 – 8, Su 12 – 5.

Ramps for aggressive inline skating & skateboarding. 4 sections (advanced) 12 foot 1/4 pipes to 4 foot 1/4 pipes, (cement bowl) 10 foot deep,( half pipe) 1 14 foot half pipe and 1 6 foot half pipe, and beginner.

Gulfport Dragway

Race Track Road

Gulfport MS 39503

228 863-4408, Fax: 228 822-0604

1/4 mile drag strip. Exit 31 of I-10. Gates open every Wednesday 6:00 pm, weather permitting. Admission per race car and racer.

The Mississippi Sea Wolves

Get Hooked on Hockey

601-388-6151

The Mississippi Gulf Coast’s own professional Hockey team is the Mississippi Sea Wolves. All home games are played at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, Biloxi MS.

D- Family Fun Attractions:
Attractions of Interest to Children

J L Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium

115 Beach Blvd

Biloxi MS 39530

228 374-5550, Fax: 228 374-5559

44,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico tank and 47 other aquariums, touch tank, changing art/educational exhibits, films, gift shop. Group programs by reservation. Open Mon-Sat 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission charged.

Magic Golf

1785 Beach Blvd

Biloxi MS 39531

228 432-0635, 228 392-5524, Fax: 228 396-3568

Year round 10 to 10 daily.

Family amusement park with 2 18 hole minature golf courses, go-carts, batting cages, arcade, concession stand.

Slippery Sam’s

1728 Beach Blvd

Biloxi MS 39531

228 435-3140, Fax: 228 396-3568

Family water park, 3 flumes water slide, concession stand, kiddie pool and bumper boats. Daily 10 to 9. Group rates for 10 or more.

Time In Family Fun Center

220 Eisenhower Dr

Biloxi MS 39531

228 388-5038, Fax: 228 388-5038

The largest indoor playground on the coast. Indoor putt putt golf, 2 story soft playground. Video redemption games, food. Parent-Child I.D. system. Drop off 7 to 12 years old. Call for hours. Group rates available.

Marine Life Oceanarium

863-0651

Summer hours 9:00 -6:00 ; winter hours 9:00 -3:00 .

Come see and interact with trained dolphins and sea lions, Enjoy the reef tank, touch tank or you can watch divers hand feed hundreds of different sea animals including Giant Sea Turtles.. See the exotic birds ride bikes and sing. Try to hold your balance and watch water run uphill on the SS Gravity Ship. These are just a few of the exciting and educational things that you will experience when you enter Marine Life on the beach in Gulfport.

Wet Willy’s

1200 Beach Blvd

Gulfport MS 39507

228 896-6592

Three, 400′ water slides into a 30,000 gallon wade pool. Small kiddie pool. Open 9:30 am to 9:00 pm daily Memorial Day to Labor Day. Groups welcome. Admission charged.

Get Wet Inc

Biloxi MS 39535

228 897-5481

Umbrellas, chairs, wave runners, aqua cycles and jet skis. East of Edgewater Mall. Daily 7-7, seasonal.

Wet N Wild Inc

5591 Whetstone Rd

Biloxi MS 39532

228 374-7962, , Fax:

Wave runners, aqua cycles and umbrellas. Drinks and seafood. On the beach in Biloxi beside Sharkheads.

Buccaneer Bay Water Park

(228) 467-2580, (228) 467-3822.

Buccaneer State Park, Beach Blvd, Waveland

Open daily through Labor Day, 11 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. Adults $9, Children 3-12 $7.50. Under 3 free. Season passes and group rates available upon request. Rates include all-day use of two-flume water slide and children’s activity pool, as well as the wave pool; also includes tube rental. No food or beverages may be brought in; concessions available

Boomtown Casino’s Family Fun Center

1-800-627-0777

Fantastic Fun awaits you and your whole family on the back bay of Biloxi at the Boomtown Family Fun Center. Virtual games, kiddie games, collect your tickets and cash them in for prizes. Ride the newly remodeled motion theatre ride, you’ll feel like your are actually in the midst of all the action in the 7 different settings .

E- Events & Entertainment:
Arts and Entertainment

Biloxi Little Theatre

Biloxi MS 39533

228 432-8543, Fax: 228 863-6742

An all volunteer community theatre. Presents four major productions annually, plus two youth productions and two special fund raisers.

Center Stage

240 Eisenhower Dr

Biloxi MS 39531

228 388-6258, Fax: 228 388-6238

Live theatre entertaining Mississippi’s Gulf Coast for over 27 years. Year round schedule featuring an array of popular musicals, dramas, comedies, and children’s productions.

Saenger Theatre for the Performing Arts

Biloxi MS 39533

228 435-6291, 800 245-6943, Fax: 228 435-6211

Open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Mon-Fri closed 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm for lunch. Home to the Gulf Coast Opera Theatre, Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, KNS Theatre, JAMO as well as local dance companies and community arts organizations.

Events

February

Mardi Gras season, with festivities, parades and carnival balls. It’s the biggest party of the year and has been celebrated on the Gulf Coast longer than in New Orleans. Some carnival crews sell tickets to the public to attend their balls, and some allow guests to view their festivities for free.

April

spring pilgrimage time, when some of the area’s most beautiful homes open their doors for tours.

March

salutes the Irish in all of us with parades and festivities celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Call the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 237-9493 for a complete schedule of events.

May

Great Biloxi Schooner Races and Blessing of the Fleet. The Blessing of the Fleet is held every year to open the shrimping season. This celebration includes a street festival, the coronation of the Shrimp King & Queen, and a parade of gaily decorated boats receiving a blessing for a safe and bountiful shrimping season.

June

enjoy ten days of family fun at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Summer Fair & Music Festival.

July

The Fourth of July holiday brings fishermen from near and far to the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. This is the biggest event of its kind in the world! The rodeo transforms Gulfport’s harbor area into a family fun festival, with carnival rides, food concessions, arts and crafts booths and much more.

The Fourth also is the time for the Annual Crab Festival in Bay St. Louis, where you can have crab dishes prepared any way you can imagine. Call (228) 467-6509 for details.

For sailing enthusiasts, July is the month for one of the area’s most popular sailing regattas, The Race for the Case. Call (228) 435-6320 for details.

August

The annual Mississippi Coast Pro Rodeo. and the all female Regatta take place in August from the Pass Christian Yacht Club.

September

The Mississippi Blues Festival takes place in at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Regionally and nationally known blues, soul, and gospel entertainers perform inside and out during this event.

Annual Sand Sculpture Contest.

During September, there is also a sand sculpture with cash prizes sponsored by The Sun Herald.

October

The Gulf Coast pays tribute to Scottish heritage with the annual Scottish Games and Celtic Festival.

Beauvoir conducts its annual Fall Muster, which recreates Civil War times.

Cruisin’ the Coast comes roaring back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It’s back to the 50’s and 60’s with classic car cruises, big name entertainment, “Show-n-Shine” auto cruise-ins, etc.

December

Gulf Coast dresses up for the holidays in with colorful events such as Biloxi’s Christmas on the Water Boat Parade and a display of ethnic Christmas trees at the Tullis Manor. Call (228) 435-6293 for more details.

Bloomington, Minnesota

A- Overview:
Bloomington is best known as the home of the Mall of America and of Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. A visitor could deplane at the airport, take a shuttle for 1.5 miles to the Mall of America, and literally spend an entire vacation just exploring and enjoying that enchanting place.

The country’s largest shopping complex and Number 1 visited attraction in the U.S. welcomes over 42 million guests each year. The Mall of America is an unprecedented mix of retail and entertainment, offering the chance to shop in your favorite stores, see a movie, ride a roller coaster, and build a LEGO castle. The Mall has over 525 specialty stores, 4 national department stores, over 60 restaurants from fast-food to fine dining, 7 nightclubs and 14 movie theaters. Because of the Mall, Bloomington has grown from a semi-rural village to its current status as Minnesota’s third largest city.

Inside the climate controlled mall are: the LEGO Imagination Center, a fantasy LEGO factory with more than 6,000 square feet of models and interactive activities; Jilian’s Hi Life Lanes, with more than 100 electronic games and a Bowling alley; the NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway, with indoor simulated racing machines, and a 14 theater movie complex.

Camp Snoopy is another prime Mall of America attraction. This seven acre family theme park features more than 25 rides and attractions, including a traditional roller coaster, a 40 foot waterfall plunge, a Ferris wheel, entertainment by the Peanuts characters, and a spinning roller coaster called the Timberland Twister.

Another feature of the Mall is a walk-through aquarium containing more than 4,500 sea creatures including sharks and stingrays.

Outside the mall, no matter what the season, Bloomington has recreational opportunities to offer, such as golf, tennis, biking, hiking and skiing.

Named for its colorful, flowering fields, Bloomington is a city of picturesque lakes, ponds, and parks combined with an exciting and healthy business and hospitality industry. Permanent European settlers arrived in Bloomington in the 1840’s, moving into the area along the Minnesota River near Fort Snelling.

Bloomington gained recognition in the early 20th century as the home of racehorse Dan Patch, holder of the international pacing record. It was also the headquarters for many years for The Twins and the Vikings, Minnesota’s professional baseball and football teams. When both of the teams moved from Met Stadium in Bloomington to the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis in 1982, the blow to the local economy in Bloomington was devastating. Tragedy turned to triumph in 1986, however, when the 78 strategically located acres of the former Met Stadium were slated for development by the group that was to build the Mall of America. The mega complex opened in 1992 and gave Bloomington a new lease on life.

There is so much to see and do in Bloomington! If local history is your interest, be sure to visit the Bloomington Historical Museum. This museum in the 1892 Town Hall takes the visitor back in time through the highlights of regional history. In June and August, a must see event is the annual Art in the Parks festival. Enjoy beautiful summer nights in a friendly park setting and hear music from swing to country to jazz to classic rock. Watch performances by dance, choral and theater companies.

Bloomington is fortunate in having four distinct seasons. Summer is very comfortable with high temperatures near 80 degrees. It is the perfect time to experience the outdoors; especially the city’s numerous parks. Winter is the time to enjoy ice skating, ice fishing and watching Nature at it’s finest as the snowflakes gently fall to earth forming thick blankets of snow for skiing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding. Spring brings rain and a profusion of plants and flowers. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the colors of the season as the leaves turn and the cooler temperatures return.

Because of its proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul, many visitors to Bloomington use it as a base to visit the numerous sites and attractions of these nearby cities. Minneapolis is the home of numerous professional sports teams, excellent theatre, fine orchestras, and a host of art museums and fine dining. St. Paul hosts the Winter Carnival in January and February and the Minnesota Horse Expo and Rodeo and the Festival of Nations in May.

If you visit in late August, be sure to take in the Minnesota State Fair, in St. Paul. This is Minnesota’s premier festival: a twelve day event that attracts over one million visitors annually. Featuring family fun, prestigious animal judging events, Grand Stand shows, a Mighty Midway and a large variety of food, has been dubbed the “Great Minnesota Get-Together”.

While in the vicinity of Bloomington and the Twin Cities, don’t miss the Grand Rounds, a 50-mile recreation area tour that can be followed on one huge trail maintained by the city of Minneapolis. This path, which was designated as a National Scenic Byway in 1998, is broken into seven districts. The tour offers many impressive views of the downtown skyline. The sites are green and lush and are lined with waterways. Attractions along the route include the historic Stone Arch Bridge, Minnehaha Falls, the Walker Arts Center’s Sculpture Garden, and the historic mill district. Overall, the Grand Rounds provides a natural, urban, historic journey and is the first natural scenic byway totally located in a major urban area. The speed limit on Grand Rounds parkways is 25 mph to encourage leisurely driving.

No matter what the season or what the occasion, Bloomington, is waiting to welcome you.

B- City Information:
Population: 85,172

Elevation: 848 feet

Area: 35.5 square miles

Location: Located just south of Minneapolis and the intersections of I-35W and I-494

Nearest Cities: Minneapolis (9.5 miles)

Time Zone: Bloomington is located in the Central Time Zone (when it’s noon in Bloomington, it’s 1:00pm in New York City and 10:00am in Los Angeles. Bloomington observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October.

Weather:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Average temp. (°F)
12.8
19.8
31.9
46.6
59.2
68.3
72.8
70.3
60.9
48.7
32.3
18.4

High temperature (°F)
21.8
28.3
40.6
57.2
70.3
79.0
83.1
80.3
71.3
58.8
40.1
26.3

Low temperature (°F)
3.7
11.2
23.1
35.9
48.2
57.5
62.4
60.2
50.4
38.6
24.5
10.4

Precipitation (in)
1.0
0.8
1.9
2.4
3.4
4.4
4.1
4.2
2.9
2.2
2.0
1.0

Climate

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Days with precipitation.
9
7
10
10
11
12
10
10
10
8
8
9

Wind speed (mph)
10.5
10.4
11.3
12.2
11.1
10.4
9.4
9.2
10.0
10.6
11.0
10.4

Morning humidity (%)
76
76
76
74
75
78
81
84
84
80
80
78

Afternoon humidity (%)
69
67
64
55
55
58
59
61
63
61
68
71

Sunshine (%)
53
59
57
58
61
66
72
69
62
55
39
42

Days clear of clouds
8
8
7
7
7
7
10
10
10
10
5
6

Partly cloudy days
7
7
7
8
9
10
12
11
8
7
6
6

Cloudy days
15
14
17
15
15
12
9
10
12
14
18
18

Snowfall (in)
10.7
8.1
10.5
2.8
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.5
7.8
9.4

Local Seasons:

Bloomington is lucky to have four distinct seasons. The summer is very comfortable with high temperatures near 80 degrees. Winter is also a great time of year for those who enjoy snow-related activities. Spring has the most rain, nourishing the earth and the flowers. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the colors of the season as the leaves turn and the cooler temperatures return. Whatever the season, Bloomington has something for every visitor to experience and enjoy.

How to Get There:

By Air

Minneapolis-St. Paul International (code MSP) is the closest airport to Bloomington. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, with more than a half million takeoffs and landings each year. MSP has been ranked among the top five airports worldwide for overall customer satisfaction. The airport is served my most of the major airlines, many regional carriers as well as a variety of charter operators. There are two main terminals at the airport.

By Car

Bloomington is easily accessible by car as it is conveniently located just south of Minneapolis at the intersections of I-35W and I-494

By Train

Amtrak does not serve Bloomington

By Bus

Greyhound Bus Lines serves Bloomington at the following location:
Great Bear Tire
9000 Lyndale Avenue Sourth
Bloomington MN 55420

952- 887-2116

How to Get Around:

Bloomington is serviced by Metro Transit

560 Sixth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411

612-349-7510

Call for schedules and additional information

National Holidays:

New Year’s Day Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President’s Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day last Mon. in May

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25

New Year’s Eve Dec. 31

C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Mall of America
60 E Broadway
Bloomington 55425
952-883-8800

Admission Free

Just minutes away from downtown Minneapolis in Bloomington, Mall of America has more than 520 stores, a seven-acre amusement park, a walk-through aquarium, an entire level of restaurants and bars, a 15-screen movie theater, and much more.

Other family attractions include Camp Snoopy, the nation’s largest fully enclosed theme park, spanning seven acres and featuring 28 rides and attractions and Underwater Adventures, a 1.2-million gallon walk-through aquarium – one of only three of its kind.

Mall of America is an unprecedented mix of retail and entertainment, offering visitors the chance to shop their favorite stores as well as see a movie, ride a roller coaster, meet their favorite celebrity or build a LEGO castle.

Mall of America has become the model for combining signature attractions with retail to create an outstanding entertainment venue and is now one of the most visited destinations in the United States.

Open daily, call for hours of operation

Basic Brown Bear Factory
154 N Garden
Mall of America
Bloomington 55425

952-883-0822

Admission Free

Open-Monday-Sunday from 10 am-5 pm.

Stuff and dress your own bear.

Camp Snoopy
Mall of America
Bloomington 55425

952-883-8500

Admission Charged

Welcome to Camp Snoopy, the largest indoor theme park in America! It’s seven acres of indoor excitement, with over 30 thrilling rides and attractions, plus unique shops, games to test your skills, fun-filled entertainment and many places to dine or simply grab a treat. It all adds up to a world of fun for the whole family!

Call for dates and hours of operation as they vary by season

Imation IMAX 3D Theatre
12000 Zoo Blvd
Apple Valley 55124

952-431-4629

Admission Charged

Thrill your senses with exciting and innovation IMAX 3D

Call for dates and hours of performances

NASCAR

Mall of America

952-854-7700

Admission Charged

If you’ve got a need for speed, satisfy it here! The roar of 700 horse power engines and 195 mile per hour speeds are all part of this electrifying, high tech indoor stock car racing competition. Slide into the cockpit of a professional stock car and speed off! This is stock car racing as real as it gets.

Call for hours of operation

Minnesota Children’s Museum
10 W 7th St
St. Paul 55102

651-225-6000

Admission Charged

Hours: Museum Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday (Memorial Day through Labor Day): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Play to learn! Learn to play! Minnesota Children’s Museum creates experiences that spark children’s learning. The Museum is at the heart of where fun meets learning. It’s where kids can touch, climb, splash, crawl, push, pull, and press it all! Children ages 6 months through 10 years and their adult guests can explore seven galleries packed with extraordinary hands-on adventures. Burrow through a giant anthill, take the stage in a music studio, get nose-to-beak with a turtle, operate a big crane, climb a tree fort and more! Two galleries host new and delightful special exhibits throughout the year.

Underwater Adventures
120 East Broadway
Mall of America

888-DIVETIME
Admission Charged

Imagine traveling 14 feet underwater where sharks, stingrays and giant sea turtles swim so close, you’ll feel like you can reach out and touch them! With over 1.2 million gallons of water, this aquarium features a 300 foot-long curved tunnel, complete with a moving walkway that simulates a scuba diving adventure – but without getting wet!

Call for dates and hours of operation

Bloomington Historical Museum
10206 Penn Ave S
Bloomington 55431

952-948-8877

Admission Charged

Regional history displayed in 1892 town hall

Call for dates and hours of operation

Hyland Hills Ski & Snowboard Area
8800 Chalet Road
Bloomington 55438

952-835-4250

Admission Charged

Enjoy a day crisp day on the hill with the family

Open seasonally, call for dates and hours of operation

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
3815 E 80th St
Bloomington 55425

952-854-5900

Admission Charged

Call for dates and hours of operation

An outdoor experience as primitive and natural as any state or national park. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is one of only four urban wildlife refuges in the nation, a place where wild coyotes, bald eagles, badger, and beavers live next door to three million people.

Normandale Japanese Gardens
9700 France Ave S
Bloomington 55431

952-832-6269

Admission Charged

Call for dates and hours of operation

Visitors are invited to enter and stroll the garden path of Normandale’s lovely Japanese Garden, finding at each turn a new view of this artfully created world.

D- Family Fun Attractions:
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
3815 E 80th St
Bloomington 55425

952-854-5900

Admission Charged

Call for dates and hours of operation.

Minnesota State Fair

1265 Snelling Avenue North

St. Paul, MN

651-6-3-6810

Admission Charged

Minnesota’s premier festival – a twelve day event ending on Labor Day attracts over one million visitors annually. Featuring family fun, prestigious animal barns, Grand Stand shows, a Mighty Midway and a large variety of food – on a stick too! It has been dubbed the “Great Minnesota Get-Together”. Fun for the family.

Mall of America
60 E Broadway
Bloomington 55425
952-883-8800

Admission Free

A great place to take the family for one day or everyday. There’s so much to do!. Mall of America is an unprecedented mix of retail and entertainment, offering visitors the chance to shop their favorite stores as well as see a movie, ride a roller coaster, meet their favorite celebrity or build a LEGO castle.

Open daily, call for hours of operation

Basic Brown Bear Factory
154 N Garden
Mall of America
Bloomington 55425

952-883-0822

Admission Free

Open-Monday-Sunday from 10 am-5 pm.

Camp Snoopy
Mall of America
Bloomington 55425

952-883-8500

Admission Charged

Call for dates and hours of operation as they vary by season

NASCAR

Mall of America

952-854-7700
Admission Charged

Call for hours of operation

Minnesota Children’s Museum
10 W 7th St
St. Paul 55102

651-225-6000

Admission Charged

Museum Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday (Memorial Day through Labor Day): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Underwater Adventures
120 East Broadway
Mall of America

888-DIVETIME
Admission Charged

Call for dates and hours of operation

Hyland Hills Ski & Snowboard Area
8800 Chalet Road
Bloomington 55438

952-835-4250

Admission Charged

Enjoy a day crisp day on the hill with the family

Open seasonally, call for dates and hours of operation

E- Events & Entertainment:
Theatres/Museums/Cultural Attractions

Bloomington Art Center
10206 Penn Ave S
Bloomington 55431

952-948-8746

Admission Charged

The Bloomington Art Center exists to stimulate creativity by making high quality arts programs accessible to people of all ages, skills and abilities.

Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-10:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday 1:00-5:00 pm

Events

Mid January

Winter Fete

952-563-8878

Admission varies by program

Winter Fete is a counterpart to the City’s annual Summer Fete event. It works to promote recreation and exercise during the winter months. The event is a host of programs being held all over the city, and being sponsored by a wide array of groups.

Call for complete list of programs, dates, and hours

February

Bloomington Loves Its Kids

952-563-8891

Admission Free

February is Bloomington Loves its Kids (BLIK) month. Each year Parks and Recreation teams with Bloomington public schools, Northwestern Health Sciences University and various community businesses, clubs and organizations to sponsor this month-long event. BLIK combines community and family fun with educational programs and recognition ceremonies.

Call for exact dates and hours

Summer

Art in the Parks

952-563-8877

Admission Free

Get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful summer nights in a friendly park setting. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy music from swing to country to jazz to classic rock, as well as performances by dance, choral and theater companies. So shake off those summertime blues and join us in the park for shows that will keep your toe tappin’ all year long!

Arts in the Parks also provide a wide variety of children’s entertainment including theatre, puppetry, mime, magic, juggling, clowns, music, storytelling, and more! Programming is designed to provide participatory, educational experiences for children in a wholesome, outdoor park setting. Everyone is welcome to come to the free performances.

Scheduled from June through September.

Call for exact location, dates, and hours of operation.

May – October

Summer Flower Show

Cosmo Park Zoo & Conservatory

1225 Eastbrook Drive, St. Paul, MN

651-489-8200

A parade of annuals in the pinks, blues, yellows, and whites of the summer season.

Call for exact dates

Late August – Early September

Minnesota State Fair

1265 Snelling Avenue North

St. Paul, MN

651-6-3-6810

Admission Charged

Call for exact dates

Early September

Annual Scrapbooking Festival

Mall of America

800-879-3555

Admission Free

Join Mall of America and Archiver’s for the annual Scrapbook Festival! An event so large, only the nation’s largest Mall can hold it! Three full days are packed with creative make and take projects, demonstrations, inspiring classes, the newest products, and shopping.

Call for exact dates and hours of the Festival

Mid-September

School Days and Rendezvous Day

Parks and Recreation
952-563-8877

Admission Free

This wonderful festival is a chance to experience living history at the Pond-Dakota Misson Park in Bloomington, Minnesota. Its goal is to demonstrate the lifestyles of people living in Minnesota between 1830 and 1870 through story-telling and interactive, hands-on demonstration!

Public Rendezvous Day (no registration necessary). Come join us for River Rendezvous this year! It is a chance to experience life as the Native Americans, Fur Traders, and Settlers living along the Minnesota River Valley did in the 1800s. Call for exact dates and hours

Early November – Early March

Snow Slide

Minnesota Children’s Museum

10 West Street, St. Paul

651-225-6001

Admission Charged

Minnesota’s Children’s Museum is where children ages six months to 10 years can touch, climb, splash and explore their way through six galleries packed with extraordinary hands-on adventures.