Family fun at Mardi Gras

By Amy Hunter

For the AJC

New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration may get most of the attention, but towns along the Mississippi Gulf Coast host Mardi Gras celebrations of their own, attracting more than 450,000 visitors each winter.

One thing Mardi Gras in Mississippi has over New Orleans is that it’s a family-friendly affair where Moon Pies are tossed along with beads and doubloons to crowds along the parade routes.

Biloxi hosted the first Mississippi Gulf Coast Mardi Gras parade in 1908; today it is one of 23 parades held in the area. The season starts Jan. 30 with the 35th annual Elks Mardi Gras Parade in Ocean Springs and continues with parades every weekend until the season culminates on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 16. On that day, two of the biggest parades are held: The Krewe of Diamonds, the Gulf Coast’s only predominantly African-American krewe, marches through downtown Bay St. Louis; and the Gulf Coast Carnival Association marches through downtown Biloxi.

In addition to parades, there are plenty of other Mardi Gras events, including the Mo-Joe Festival, featuring games, rides, music and food, Feb. 5-14 in D’Iberville, and the Mardi Gras Mambo-cue barbecue competition Feb. 13 in Pass Christian.

For details on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Mardi Gras celebrations and related events, log on to www.gulfcoast.org/visitors/events/mardigras.

While you’re on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, check out some of these attractions and activities:

Fishing

Deep-sea fishing, oil-rig fishing, bottom fishing and barrier island tours are all experiences offered by charter operators along the Mississippi Sound. Experienced deep-sea anglers will enjoy the challenge of oil-rig fishing, with its opportunity for great catches under tricky conditions. Charters are available for tours lasting from a few hours up to all day. Most charters provide all the fishing equipment you need, including rods, reels and tackle, and some even provide food and beverages. Tour operators include Fins and Grins Charters 
(www.finsandgrinscharters.
com) and Biloxi Charter Fishing (www.biloxicharterfishing.
com).

Beauvoir

This restored house on the Mississippi Sound was the last home to the only president of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis. Guided tours are available and include access to the rose gardens, Davis’ presidential library, a veterans cemetery and the tomb of an unknown Confederate soldier. After the death of Davis’ wife, the house served as a home for Confederate veterans and their widows until 1957. The home was extensively damaged by Hurricane Katrina, but most parts have reopened. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Guided tours $9 adults, $5 children. 2244 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., 228-388-4400, www.beauvoir.org

Casinos

The gaming industry is thriving in the Gulf Coast region. Choosing a casino may be the most difficult part of your trip. Even members of your party who are not excited about gambling will find something to do at these resorts. Most include spas, shopping and golf courses. Nightly entertainment is common, and the dining is some of the best in the region. Biloxi casinos include Beau Rivage (www.beaurivage.com) and Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (www.hardrockbiloxi.com).

Lynn Meadows 
Discovery Center

In Gulfport, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is a children’s museum full of hands-on learning activities even adults will enjoy. An expansive outdoor play area and two-story climbing toy give kids an opportunity to blow off some steam. Located one block from the beach, the center can easily fill a day for someone with children. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Closed Feb. 16. Admission $7. 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport, Miss. 228-897-6039, www.lmdc.org

If you go

Getting there

Biloxi is about 390 miles from downtown Atlanta. If you’re driving, plan on taking six hours. Direct flights are available through Delta Air Lines and AirTran.

Where to stay

Chateau Blessey: The only home on the beachfront that survived Hurricane Katrina, this bed-and-breakfast dates to 1903 and has been restored to its original look. Breakfast features local seafood, eggs and produce. $175-250. 1012 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. 877-524-5694, www.chateaublessey.com

The Edgewater Inn: Economical accommodations across the street from the beach. Starting at $69. 1936 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. 800-323-9676, www.gcww.com/Edgewaterinn

Where to eat

Mary Mahoneys: Elegant dining, seafood, steak. Signature dishes, their most popular, are $33. Reservations recommended. 110 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi. 228-374-0163, www.marymahoneys.com

Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant: Easy 5-mile drive from Biloxi. Family-style dining. Shrimp, catfish, chicken, $9.95-$12.95. 217 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs. 228-875-9201, www.coastseafood.com/jennys.html

Visitor information

Harrison County Tourism Commission, 228-896-6699, www.gulfcoast.org

Provided by Demand Studios