Photo: The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint
“The South came with me wherever I went. My manners, my palate, my accent, my appreciation of humidity.” – Allison Glock
I wasn’t lucky enough to be born in South Mississippi. I was transplanted there for six years by way of the U.S. military, and I always count myself as one of the fortunate ones to have been able to experience the magic of the Coast.
The Coast taught me what sweet tea is supposed to taste like, that strangers can turn to neighbors and friends and that there’s truly no better place to call home than the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
My time in the South has been my most profound because of the impact the people made on my life. Although my six years on the Coast have passed, it’s still home to some of my favorite memories and is the number one destination whenever I get a chance to travel.
From Ocean Springs to Pass Christian, the following itinerary served my weekends well when I lived in the South.
EAT
These recommendations are always the hardest because the food on the Coast is SO GOOD! These were a few of my favorites.
The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint is where you go for the meat, because this barbecue can’t be beat. The sauces are award-winning for a reason. If you’ve had one too many beers one night, get the pulled pork with slaw and the Nanner Puddin’. It will make you sing your blues away. You can also catch the real blues here on Fridays and Saturdays. That’s live music, y’all!
The ShedHeds in Mississippi have the best joint in the south. The string lights make you think of fireflies, and when you’re full on BBQ, have a beer and are listening to the blues—you will definitely feel blessed.
The Ole Biloxi Fillin’ Station had a previous life as a gas station, but locals love it because of the amazing seafood, creole and Cajun dishes. Go for the all-you-can-eat crawfish on Sundays. Those crawfish boils are my most quintessential southern memory.
Salute is perfect for a Saturday night out if you’re in the mood for delicious cocktails and Italian cuisine with a Southern flare.
Harbor View Café has such a beautiful view of the Coast and is accompanied by a delicious menu!
REST
Chateau Blessey is one of the few B&Bs on the Gulf Coast with an ocean front view. Another plus—the staff will treat you with utmost southern hospitality.
The historical site is close to the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum, the Maritime and Seafood Museum, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum (hosts major entertainment performances) and many casinos. You’re able to charter boats to sail the Gulf, only minutes away from the inn.
DRINK
Crooked Letter Brewing will show you the works from tasting to tour. On Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. you can get a tour and taste for only $5. It’s located on Government Street in Ocean Springs, where there are also many adorable shops to peruse.
Shaggy’s is the perfect place to grab a drink if you value a good view and salty breeze. A beach-front shack featuring eclectic décor and commitment to improving life in The Pass, you couldn’t ask for a better place to relax, knock back a few and enjoy the slow southern breeze.
Bankhouse Coffee – This was my favorite local coffee shop on the Coast. Fashioned out of the old Hancock County Bank building, Bankhouse Coffee offers an amazing house roast, as well as a create-your-own coffee menu so you can customize your cup!
HAVE A GOOD TIME
Government Street in Ocean Springs is going to be your main go-to for day trips and night life. It’s one of my favorite streets filled with eclectic shops and bars. Karaoke here is always fun, even if you couldn’t carry a tune if you had a bucket with a lid on it. Be sure to check out festivals, art museums and other fun adventures to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, too. Here’s where to have a real good time:
Government St. Grocery is a great burger and sandwich joint with tasty brews and some of the best live music on the Coast. It’s pet-friendly, too. You know where your neighborhood gathers is a great place to be!
Mississippi Juke Joint has everything you need for a perfect weekend on the Coast: live music, cold beer and great food. This venue has an outdoor stage, big deck and plenty of friendly faces.
