Monday, May 07, 2007
Mississippi Gulf Coast Bikinis and Pork Bellys
If you love the sun, sand and water…a trip to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast is worth the drive. OK, I’ll admit it’s not the Caribbean or even up to par with Destin or Gulf Shores when it comes to beautiful beaches, but it’s our beach and it’s relatively close.
After a recent trip to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, I learned first hand how much our southern neighbors need us. Progress is being made, but it is somewhat slow and tourist dollars are vital in keeping the work going.
You won’t have much trouble finding a hotel or place to stay. From the high end at the Beau Rivage (about $200.00 a night this summer) to more moderate hotels like the Holiday Inn Beach (about $105 a night this summer) and the Isle of Capri (about $139 a night this summer)..you should find something within your budget near the beach.
There are also quite a few decent places to eat..but one place in particular you have to try. It’s about fifteen minutes from the coast in Ocean Springs. It’s called “The Shed BBQ” and its off Highway 57. It’s actually located in a trailer park and a bit out of the way…but you won’t regret the adventure. It’s some of the best BBQ I’ve put in my mouth…and you get a lot of it. In fact, if you try the sampler combo, be sure to bring along someone to share it with. Our Chief Photographer (a former Washington Redskin) ordered the sampler plate and couldn’t finish it and he’s a big boy…I mean a BIG boy. I shared my combo with my honey and we were stuffed.
Also, be sure to order up the potato salad as one of your sides. I’m not a fan of potato salad and would have stuck with beans and slaw…but was talked into the potato salad and it was fantastic. Smokey and delicious! You can find more on the “The Shed” at their website….www.theshedbbq.com.
If you have a free weekend or a couple of days off, do Mississippi and yourself a favor and head south to the coast. If you’re a beach lover, keep an open mind. It’s not the French Riviera…but it’s pleasant and if you’re like me and love the beach, it’s great for a quick “beach fix.“
Most importantly, along with a little sunshine, some great BBQ and some fun at the casino…you can see what kind of progress is being made and you can witness how nasty Katrina really was. The devastation is still evident and it’s something each of us should see first hand. It’s becoming a big part of our history and when you see how hard Mississippians and generous Americans from across the country are working to rebuild the area…you’ll come away proud and humbled.
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