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Biloxi Mississippi
is a city with a rich cultural heritage, situated on 26 miles of white sand beach along the Gulf of Mexico’s Mississippi Sound. The area surrounding Biloxi was first discovered by French-Canadian explorers in the late 1600s, but it wasn’t until the mid 1800s that it began to develop from a primitive area into a favored summer resort for many southerners. Rich New Orleans businessmen and plantation owners from Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana came here to build large summer homes along the waterfront. Soon immigrants from France, England and Spain, Ireland and Scotland settled in the area, creating the unique, cultural melting pot that it is today. In the year 2000, the Mississippi Gulf Coast was ranked as one of the top three “up and coming” destinations in North America by Foders/ASTA Annual Hot Spot Survey. As a reflection of that, Biloxi’s major industries are tourism, hospitality, construction and gaming. In 1992, the state of Mississippi decided to allow legalized dockside gambling, and today Biloxi is home to nine casinos, which adds even more to its’ appeal as a popular vacation spot. Biloxi is also home to historical attractions such as the Biloxi Lighthouse, constructed in 1848, and the Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis Home & Public Library. Tours of historic, downtown Biloxi are also available. There are museums and art galleries, unique specialty shops, stately homes and architecture; plus some of the very best restaurants featuring Cajun seafood this side of the Mississippi River. Shrimping is a very big part of Biloxi’s heritage, and they are known for their delicious, fresh shrimp and oysters.
Biloxi has beaches with palm trees and wooded areas filled with oaks, pine, dogwood, cypress and magnolias. The town is right in the middle of Magnolia Country, and if you’re lucky enough to visit in late April and May, you’ll be treated to a stunning display of magnificent magnolia blossoms. There are five barrier islands off the coast of Biloxi, and the swamps, bayous, rivers and bays provide lots of recreational opportunities. Biloxi’s Sound is very popular for sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, fishing, crabbing, and boat racing. Bottle-Nosed dolphins are often spotted as you cruise the Sound or out among the islands. Most of Biloxi’s activities are centered on or around the coast, but you will find plenty of other non-water-related activities, such as golf. There are over 20 golf courses in the Biloxi area, open to the public and for all levels. You can take a self-guided walking tour of historic downtown Biloxi, or a train tour that celebrates over 300 years of Biloxi’s fascinating history.
You’ll find other interesting towns in the region, all with their own appeal, attractions, festivals and special events. Just across the bridge east of Biloxi is the town of Ocean Springs, a quaint, artistic community, and across the bay is Bay Saint Louis, an artist colony also known for its antiques. Take a drive along this coast with its breathtaking views of white sand beaches, grand oceanfront, antebellum homes and giant, old oaks, and you’ll see why Biloxi and The Mississippi Coast is called “The Riviera of the South.”
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