Travel Taleswith Mike Siegel

Biloxi, Mississippi

by Mike Siegel

An hour outside of New Orleans, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has a flavor of it’s own.

Mike’s Snapshot Review

  • When: February, 2013

  • Why: press trip sponsored by Gulf Coast Tourism for Mardi Gras celebrations

  • Duration: 3 days

  • Accommodation: Imperial Palace (IP) Hotel/ Casino.

POSITIVES

  • cleaner and safer than New Orleans, especially during Mardi Gras.

  • Great** fishing, golf and water sports**.

  • Family friendly.

  • Suprisingly diverse population.

  • Large, Vegas-style hotel/casinos for your gambling pleasure, if that’s your thing.

  • Lots of** history** here, both good and bad.

  • Excellent seafood and Southern cuisine.

  • Friendly locals.

NEGATIVES

  • Still a smaller city lacking the big city excitement and options. Moves at a slow pace.

  • Economically hard-hit region. Hurricane Katrina damage still evident in wide swaths of vacant land.

  • The name Mississippi still carries a lot of negativebaggage, and it’s still awkward for this Yankee to still see the Confederate flag flown proudly.

MUST DO

  • Eat the local seafood– it’s all I ate and never had a bad meal.

  • Mardi Gras parade was accessible, free, and still rowdy enough for a good time.

  • If fishing is your thing, charter a boat and start reeling ’em in.

  • There’s good golf in the area, but I didn’t get in a round.

Recommended?

Yes, but depends on what you’re into. The area caters to families in driving distance and seniors who have retired to the area. I had a good time for the few days I was there, but then again, I was treated on a free press junket. For all it’s problems, I still find New Orleans to be one of the most unique, interesting cities in America. If I ever found myself on the Mississippi Gulf Coast an hour away from the Big Easy, I’d be headed toward Bourbon Street without pause. But that’s me. If I were older or with kids, the Gulf Coast would be cheaper and do just fine.

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