Travel Natchez, MS

You’ll enjoy your visit to Natchez Mississippi, the oldest civilized settlement on the Mississippi River, and the Antebellum capitol of the world. Natchez offers more Antebellum houses than any other place on earth. Over 40 historic homes welcome overnight guests throughout the year. Natchez has a unique selection of restaurants with everything from Cantinas to fine dining featuring the best Southern cuisine and local specialties. It's vibrant nightlife even offers a riverboat casino on the Mississippi.

Natchez is the legacy of the 19th century cotton boom when wealthy landowners whose plantations spread across Louisiana and Mississippi chose the bluffs overlooking the river as home. Today Natchez boasts more than 500 buildings in the National Register of Historic Places. Many grand houses are open for touring each day for those wishing a glimpse of the bygone era. The Civil War spared Natchez the fate of many southern cities and historic preservation is a social activity that has preserved the epitome of the Antebellum Southern cotton culture.

Many Natchez historic mansions are open year round but if luxurious antebellum houses make your heart beat faster you'll not want to miss the cities Fall and Spring Pilgrimages. The Fall Pilgrimage lasts three weeks and the Spring Pilgrimage is five weeks long, during which time visitors come to town for special tours of the Antebellum Homes. Here is a small sampling of Natchez’s finest:

Auburn (1812), Duncan at Auburn Ave, famous for its architecture and its beautiful free-standing stairway unsupported to the second floor.

Longwood (1860-1861), Lower Woodville Rd, the grandest octagonal house in America, construction was halted abruptly after the declaration of the Civil War. It remains unfinished to this day and stands as a document to the impact of the war on the economy of the South.

Rosalie (1820), Broadway St, overlooking the Mississippi River it served headquarters of the Union Army during the War Between the States and is now owned by the Mississippi State Society DAR.

Stanton Hall (1857), High at Pearl St, purchased in 1938 by the Pilgrimage Garden Club it server as the club's headquarters. Across the patio is the nationally known Carriage House Restaurant and Lounge which specializes in Southern fried chicken and refreshing mint juleps.

Whether you're looking to kick back and relax after a full day of touring or taking a mid day break lunch Natchez delivers an eclectic selection of clubs and restaurants. Our favorites are:

The Carriage House Restaurant at Stanton Hall — Offering contemporary Southern cuisine.
Fat Mama’s Tamales 500 S. Canal St — A spicy mix of Mexican and Cajun dishes.
Dimples Lounge 324 Main St. — A Natchez tradition with live bands every weekend.
Bowies Tavern 100 Main St. — Bar, Grill and Entertainment at Dunleith Mansion.
Under—The—Hill—Saloon 25 Silver St. — A long time favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Isle of Capri Casino 70 Silver St. — For the Riverboat Gambler in us all.

There's so much more to do and see in Natchez than we have space for here. CityOfNatchez.com will help you plan your trip.