This year marked a milestone birthday for both my mother and my mother-in-law. Instead of buying gifts, my wife and I decided to give them something more valuable: memories. We planned a special weekend trip over Labor Day to historic Natchez, Mississippi.

Growing up, many of my dad’s family lived in Natchez, so I visited often as a child. However, we rarely did the “tourist” activities, which made this trip a fun chance to see the city through new eyes.

Where We Stayed: Guest House Bed & Breakfast

Because this was a birthday celebration, we skipped the chain hotels and chose a historic bed & breakfast. After researching, we landed on the Guest House, which had excellent reviews and a charming, historic vibe.

Day 1: Saturday

We arrived in time for lunch at Biscuits & Blues in downtown Natchez. The service was excellent, though the food was average. The atmosphere seems to be the main draw.

After lunch, we explored the riverfront and walked the bluff trail near the “Under the Hill” district. The steep climb back up in the summer heat was a workout, but the view was worth it!

That evening we dined at Pearl Street Pasta, a must-visit restaurant. The portions are huge, the pasta is some of the best I’ve ever had, and the service was fantastic. Highly recommended!

Day 2: Sunday

Breakfast at the Guest House is included and features a full southern meal served with true hospitality by Mr. Henry. Afterward, we stopped by the Natchez Visitor Center intending to take the hop-on/hop-off tour bus, but it was unexpectedly closed. Instead, we toured Melrose Estate, a beautifully preserved antebellum home managed by the National Park Service.

For lunch, we visited The Camp Restaurant in the historic “Under the Hill” district. The food was excellent, especially the fried pickles and sliders. Southern hospitality was in full swing.

We also visited the Natchez City Cemetery, which is rich with history and filled with unique wrought iron gates, mausoleums, and centuries-old graves. Afterward, we toured the stunning St. Mary Basilica, the first cathedral built in Mississippi, featuring breathtaking stained glass and gothic architecture.

Finding dinner that evening proved challenging—many Natchez restaurants close on Sundays. After a few failed attempts, we ended up at Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant. The food was simple but good, and the staff was friendly.

Day 3: Monday

We enjoyed another southern breakfast before checking out. On the way home, we stopped at the William Johnson House, a free National Park site. Johnson, born into slavery and later freed, became a successful entrepreneur in Natchez. His story is fascinating and worth the 30-minute visit.

Final Thoughts

While some plans didn’t work out exactly as we hoped, the trip was filled with great food, rich history, and priceless family memories. Natchez is a gem of southern charm and history, and I highly recommend it for a weekend getaway.

Planning a trip to Natchez? Contact me and I can help you create the perfect itinerary for your next getaway.