Trip to Natchez, Mississippi

♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA

Routes: Detailed travel itineraries in the United States (Free)

 

Natchez is a historic city of about 15,000 residents in the state of Mississippi, located on the banks of the Mississippi River about two and a half hours drive northwest of New Orleans.

 

 

The city, founded as early as 1716, is a charming city with impressive mansions, many of which can be toured either independently or with a guided tour. Before the Civil War, in the days when cotton crops were very profitable, every mansion was home to a wealthy family with dozens of servants. During that period, half of America's millionaires lived in the town. Today, some of the preserved houses belong to various organizations and some are private.

The city also has a lovely center, a riverfront promenade, and a bluff-top promenade where on one side are charming residential houses and on the other side a view of the river and the many ships sailing in it. Natchez was the first capital of the state of Mississippi.

 

 

Natchez reminds one more of a European city than an American one, thanks to the influence of various nations that ruled and lived in it over the years: from the French, through the British, to the Spanish, all with African influences from the slaves brought to work on the estates. This city is a wonderful destination in the music triangle on the "Blues Highway" between New Orleans and Memphis or on the way between Texas and New Orleans. A recommended walking tour in Natchez begins at the visitor center located in the town center at 500 Main Street. Pick up a map at the visitor center marking all the historic houses and stroll between historic homes and mansions, galleries, and shops.

Recommended Hotels in Natchez

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Vidalia Riverfront

A 3-star Marriott hotel. Located adjacent to the city of Natchez across the river bounding the city. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a gym. Free internet and parking.

Hampton Inn & Suites Natchez

A 3-star hotel close to the city center. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a gym. Free internet and parking.

Linden - A Historic Bed and Breakfast

A 4-star historic B&B. Recommended for those wishing to stay in a place with a historic atmosphere. The hotel has free internet and parking.

 

Houses and Attractions in the City

Among the impressive houses recommended to see in the city:

Longwood Mansion

A historic mansion and the largest octagonal house in Mississippi. Its construction began in 1860 but was never completed because the mansion's builders returned north due to the Civil War. The mansion is currently open for tours. It is located outside the city center on a large plot of land. Address: 140 Lower Woodville Rd

 

Magnolia Hall

Another impressive mansion also known as the Henderson-Britton House, built in 1858 in the Greek Revival style by a wealthy merchant. Antique furniture is on the lower floor, and costumes from that period are on the upper floor. Located at 215 S Pearl St.

 

 

 

Temple B'nai Israel

The synagogue was founded in 1872 by the small Jewish community that was present there. This community was mainly composed of merchants, shoemakers, etc., speaking French and German. The site is currently under renovation and cannot be visited inside. When it opens, it can be visited by prior appointment. Located at 213 S Commerce St.

Walk along the Riverbank Bluff

A 5.6-mile (9 km) trail leaves the visitor center, connecting the historic downtown to viewpoints and vistas of the Mississippi River. Continue on Main Street towards the river until you reach a walking trail on the bluff overlooking the river.

 

 

Turn right (northeast) and stroll along this trail by the river until Clifton Ave and continue on it. This is a lovely walking trail along the street with charming historic houses on one side and the bluff on the other.

 

 

At the end of Clifton Avenue, return through one of the streets parallel to Main Street back to your parking near the visitor center.

 

 

During the Christmas period, and naturally several weeks before the holiday, everything in the town is wonderfully decorated and the atmosphere is especially festive. It is possible and recommended to tour some of the beautiful mansions with very impressive decorations including dozens of decorated trees. Guided tours are available and highly recommended in some of these houses from late November to early January.

 

 

 

 

 

Natchez is also the starting point for the Natchez Trace Parkway – a historic road used by Native Americans and the first settlers in the area.