Wondering what you can do with one day to visit Natchez, Mississippi? This quaint historic town offers a rich blend of history, culture, and Southern charm. Here’s how we packed a full day of activities into our visit to Natchez.
The Most Important Meal of the Day
Kick off your day with fresh doughnuts and coffee from The Donut Shop. The staff are very friendly, and the doughnuts are excellent (the maple bacon and the maple glazed peanut butter were family faves)! We also heard from some of the locals that they have awesome burgers at lunchtime.
Visit Natchez National Historical Park
Start at the Natchez Visitor Center for itinerary ideas, ticket information, exhibits, and a gift shop. You can also find a National Park Services passport stamp station located within the gift shop. Fort Rosalie and Melrose Estate are both part of the National Historical Park.
Fort Rosalie has little remaining from the original fort and structures, but it does offer picnicking on the grounds as well as exhibits explaining the historical significance of the fort and settlement in Natchez.
Melrose Estate is just a short drive from the visitor center. Guided tours of the house are offered with ticket purchase. You can also take a self-guided tour of the estate grounds and other structures on the property at no cost. We visited in early spring where the trees and flowers were just starting to bloom; it was a beautiful day!
Lunch at Biscuits and Blues
Biscuits and Blues is a casual restaurant located in a historic building on Main Street. After a six-month trip out to west coast, we were looking forward to local southern fare and sweet tea! We enjoyed fried catfish, oyster po’boy, and ‘mini muffalettos’. All were fabulous! We also highly recommend the Natchez Beignet for dessert; it was filled with vanilla ice cream and covered in pecan-praline sauce, yum!
Downtown Natchez Historic Homes
Drive through Natchez to admire beautiful antebellum mansions and historic homes scattered throughout the town. You can also purchase tickets to tour museum homes like Rosalie, Stanton Hall, Auburn, and Longwood, as well as many select private homes.
Natchez Walking Trails
Wrap up your day with a stroll along one of Natchez’s many walking trails such as the Natchez Trail or Natchez Bluff Walking Trail. Head across the beautiful Natchez-Vidalia Bridge to Vidalia, Louisiana and enjoy Vidalia Landing and Riverview Park on the Mississippi River.
We stayed nearby and took advantage of the paved trail, watching barges and tugboats traveling up and down the river and while enjoying stunning views of the bridge.
Natchez, Mississippi is brimming with history, Southern charm, and beautiful scenery. From historic homes and picturesque estates to delicious dining and scenic trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With just one day, you can immerse yourself in the rich heritage and warm hospitality that Natchez has to offer.
Check out our other favorite destinations we have visited along our journey!
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