Exploring the Gulf Shore

Heading down to Mississippi was not on our radar as a must see destination, but wow! were we happily surprised. At the invite of a couple, that became fast friends after we met in Tennessee, we headed down to the Gulf Shore. October is one of the best months to visit this area. The weather is warm and not too humid, it is the window with no pestering insects and hurricane season is winding down.

October 20, 2024 ~ Bay St Louis

About 40 min from Biloxi down the Gulf Shore is the cute little beach town of Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. It’s old, incorporated in 1882; it was a pivotal location in the war of 1812 with the British. But this little town gets brushed or hit by a hurricane about every 2 1/2 years, so its old but new again..and again..and again. This iteration is a row of bars where the locals come down in their golf carts, have a drink and listen to live music. We walked by 6 bars with 6 loud competing bands. It’s definitely a party vibe.

Music & Drinks in Bay St Louis Mississippi

The locals go all out for their annual Halloween golf cart parade.

The dogs had their first romp in the ocean and loved it. Then later an older lady, a local who “grew up around these parts,” corrected us that this was not the ocean, this was the Bay…so I will amend my earlier comment that the dogs had their first romp in salt water in the bay 😜 This makes sense actually, because the bay is the end of the road for the Mississippi River and it dumps all its water and silt here into the Gulf of Mexico. The mix of fresh and salt water makes the water less clear than the Caribbean. Despite that, it’s still fun to play in.

We wrapped up our stroll wandering through the marina. I guess we will never stop looking for a boat.

Bay St Louis Mississippi de Montluzin Boardwalk

October 23 ~ The Barrier Islands

We were invited on an excursion today and it exceeded our expectations. You can rent fishing charters or excursion boats to take you out to the barrier islands. However, we were fortunate to have an inside man. Our friend King took us on a personal tour. The barrier islands are about 10 miles offshore from Biloxi in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, we went to Horn Island, and had the beach to ourselves except for all of the local wildlife.

The Barrier Islands Gulf Shore Mississippi

Horn Island Barrier Islands Gulf Shore Mississippi

Sand crab at Horn Island Barrier Islands Gulf Shore Mississippi — Little sand crabs everywhere

Cow Nose Rays at Horn Island Barrier Islands Gulf Shore Mississippi — These 3 friendly little Cow Nose Rays kept following us as we walked along in the tide.

Monarch butterfly migration passing by Horn Island Barrier Islands Gulf Shore Mississippi — The Monarch butterfly is migrating through and the island bushes were covered in butterflies.

Sanderlings at Horn Island Barrier Islands Gulf Shore Mississippi — Little Sanderlings running up and down the shoreline.

Horseshoe crab at Horn Island Barrier Islands Gulf Shore Mississippi — Horseshoe crab

The guys got in some fishing, primarily redfish and flounder, and I wandered the beach.

Fishing at Horn Island Barrier Islands Gulf Shore Mississippi

October 24 ~ Biloxi, MS

Biloxi is known as the Vegas of the South. We counted at least 12 casinos along the Gulf coast here. If you want to get in a little gambling or catch a concert, Biloxi has got you covered. We are not big gamblers. Aside from taking a quick peek inside, we spent our time on the boardwalk along the shore. We visited the cheap tourist shops and had lunch at Shaggy’s with a great view.

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi Mississippi — The indoor lobby of the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.

West Beach Boardwalk Biloxi Mississippi — The boardwalk stretches on for miles along the shoreline and is great for biking or walking.

Shaggy's beachside restaurant Biloxi Mississippi — Shaggy’s is not named for Scooby Doo as I thought, but after Shaggy’s Tavern that was destroyed in hurricane Katrina.

Sharkheads gift shop Biloxi Mississippi — Shark heads is the local tourist shop for every trinket you might need.

All of the houses and many restaurants and shops are built on 10 to 20 foot stilts in anticipation of the next “big one.”

October 25 ~ Ocean Springs, MS

We have spent a good part of our week running in and out of Ocean Springs at least once a day. Just 10 min from Biloxi, this charming little community was voted one of the best places to live in Mississippi, and we can certainly see why. Lined with old oak trees, with little shops and restaurants, the harbor and beach is at the end of the Main Street.

Mural artwork in Ocean Springs Mississippi

Main street in Ocean Springs Mississippi

The District Coffee Company Ocean Springs Mississippi

Front Beach at the end of Main Street in Ocean Springs Mississippi

Dinner was at a cute little restaurant with live music, Lady May’s. There are tons of great bars, restaurants and coffee to choose from. We had excellent lattes at The Coffee District and the infamous Tato-Nut Donut Shop where the donuts are light and fluffy from potato starch. Visit Aunt Jenny’s for fried catfish and you get the bonus of visiting the Julep Room which was a frequent hangout for Elvis Presley.

Lady May's restaurant Ocean Springs Mississippi — Lady May’s Patio Dining

The Julep Room Ocean Springs Mississippi

Elvis The Julep Room Ocean Springs Mississippi

Ocean Springs was first discovered in 1699 by French explorer Pierre Le Moyne D’lberville. The community of Ocean Springs is incredibly protective of their small town heritage. They are actively fighting aggressive development from outside developers. Visit http://www.SaveOS.org to learn more 🙂

October 26 ~ Ocean Springs, MS

How can you not LOVE a town that has a witches ride!! We’ll plan our next visit here to time it perfectly. I want to join in the fun. This has officially become a bucket list item for me!