Centuries of history live in Natchez, including hundreds of Antebellum mansions - most of them in pristine condition - along with museums and monuments of Native American and African American history. It's a small city with a big heart, sitting on the highest bluff along the Mississippi River in a beautiful location made for nature lovers. Explore the Old, Old South, including the culture that gave birth to the blues.
Natchez is home to the finest collection of Antebellum homes - 668 in total - many of which are open for tours all year round, along with the "Natchez Pilgrimage," a semi-annual event that sees private homes open to the public.
This area located below the bluff along the Mississippi River at the end of State Street is where you will find the remnants of the city's wilder past, including an old-style saloon and casino.
The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway begins in Nashville and ends in Natchez, following the ancient route used by Native Americans, colonists, and others. Today it's a picturesque route used for cycling, hiking, camping, and more.
Explore centuries of history in the city, including the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, 128-acre Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, and a beautifully maintained historic downtown perfect for walking tours.
Along with the rest of the state, Natchez is where American music began, from the music of the Natchez Indians to the songs of the African American slaves, and the birth of the blues. The city is on the Gold Record Road, with historical Blues Trail markers you can check out via the Visitor's Center.
With a subtropical climate, Natchez is a year-round destination where temperatures range from about 60 degrees from December to February, to between 85 and 92 degrees during the summer from May to October.
The closest airport is the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), about 85 miles south of the city. There is one bus per day to Natchez, so your most convenient option is renting a car and driving to the city.
There are extensive highway connections to and from Natchez, including the I-10 to Baton Rouge, the I-20 to Vicksburg, and I-49 to Alexandria, Louisiana.
Greyhound is the major carrier connecting Natchez to other centers in the region, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Stay inside a restored Antebellum mansion at the Dunleith Historic Inn, with period furnishings, a garden courtyard, and in-house restaurant. You'll enjoy modern, Southern-style comforts at the Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel, with the gaming tables to keep you entertained.
City Center - here, you can stroll the streets to admire the ornate historic architecture and enjoy a stop at a restaurant or cafe.
Kingston & Cranfield - this is where you will find the Natchez National Historical Park, including historic mansions, along with exhibits that detail the life of the Natchez Indians who gave the city its name.
Cloverdale - enjoy the great outdoors at the St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge, southwest of the downtown area.
Natchez Regional Transit provides bus service through the city and around the region. Fares start at $1.50.
There is some taxi service available in town, although it is not extensive. Fares within the downtown area should average $5 - $10.
Although you can walk through the downtown area, a car rental is probably the best way to explore the area.
You'll find a scene of small shops and boutiques in the downtown area. On the second Saturday of each month, the Second Saturday celebrations include extended store hours, music, entertainment and more.
Smoot's Grocery and the Uptown Grocery and Deli are located in the city center, with a Walmart Supercenter near highway 61. A gallon of milk costs about $3.50 and a dozen eggs approximately $3.
Dine on Cajun, Creole, and American favorites in the charms of yesteryear at Restaurant 1818, located in the Monmouth Historic Inn. Main dishes start at $20. The Cotton Alley Café offers contemporary takes on American, Cajun, and Creole cuisine, with mains starting at $14.