Feb 21, 2002 11:01 PM
3110 Views
(Updated Feb 21, 2002 11:08 PM)
Biloxi, MS is located on the Gulf Coast (Gulf of Mexico) and has lots of historical value which I will touch on later in the review. First, I'd like to say that Biloxi has grown into a very commercial venue in the last 15 years with the addition of many casinos. It reminds me of a mini Vegas at night with all the casino lights glaring at you from every direction.
Tourists are welcome here and greeted with good old Southern hospitality. There are many tourists attractions here that you may or may not want to see, depending on your personal taste. I will mention a few of the more worthwhile ones in this review.
Attractions
The Biloxi Lighthouse
The Biloxi Lighthouse has been standing since 1848 and guiding ships safely into harbor since. It is located in the center of a four-lane highway, now is this unique or what? They charge a small admission fee for a tour and are open M-F.
Beauvoir
This is my very favorite attraction in Biloxi. Beauvior is the retirement home of former Confederate President Jefferson Davis. It served as home to the Mississippi Confederate Soldier's during the period 1903 to 1957. You will also see the tomb of the ''Unknown Confederate Soldier'' there. The home has been completely restored and is now open daily for tours. Come and see the former president's home that served as home to the soldiers, hospital, and cemetery during the Civil War. This place is truly beautiful!
Keesler Air Force Base
Biloxi is also home to the Keesler Air Force Base which provides electronic and computer training to U.S. Air Force. The base hosts free drive through tours on weekdays.
Museums!!
If visiting museums is your cup of tea, Biloxi has several to offer.
The Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum was once a pre-Civil War hotel. You will find all kinds of glittering and sparkling costumes here and learn all about the ''Fat Tuesday'' celebration.
George E. Ohr Arts and Culture Center hosts exhibitions from local artists. There is also a nice gift shop for visitors to buy souvenirs from the area.
Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum tells the story of the seafood industry along the Gulf Coast. You will get hungry looking at all the photographs of seafood here so don't go in hungry! You will also see boat engines, a replica of ''Schooner'' which is an early shrimping boat that sailed in the late 1800's.
Historical Homes
There many old and historical homes in the area but a couple of the more popular ones are mentioned below. I love touring these old homes!
Old Brick Home was built in the early 1700's and is located on Bayview. It is one of the oldest buildings left standing in Biloxi!
The Father Ryan House is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was once the home of Father A.J. Ryan, a poet of the Confederacy. This is where Father Ryan wrote his most memorable poetry! The Father Ryan House is now a historic bed and breakfast inn.
I could go on but this review is getting quite long so I better close before you all quit reading! I just wanted to share some of my favorite places in Biloxi with you.
