Page 18 - Play Coastal Mississippi - Fall26 - Winter27

PLAN YOUR PLAY
LIVE LIKE a local
Story by Cherie Ward
Just a hop, skip, and a jump off the interstate, you’ll find the
fascinating towns of Coastal Mississippi. Each of these charming
beach cities has scrumptious seafood, culturally rich and diverse
art, and outdoor adventures just waiting to be explored and
appreciated. Now, you're probably daydreaming of steaming
Gulf shrimp platters, freshly shucked oyster trays washed down
by the most unique beer you've ever tasted, or shopping in one-
of-a-kind boutiques. But where are the best places to make all
your Coastal dreams a reality?
Local artist Katie Brace Peterson has a few thoughts on the matter
and named the Flying Llama Brewery in Biloxi as her choice to
grab a tasty beer. “They have the best beer, and I’m not even a
beer drinker. But their Mardi Gras beer is the best beer I've ever
had,” she said.
Peterson, who is an up-and-coming live wedding painter, spends
a lot of time at event venues throughout the Coast. Her favorite
upscale party and celebration destination is the crown jewel,
Centennial Plaza in Gulfport. “It’s such a fun, classy place,” she
said, adding she and her husband, Drew, live in D’Iberville, but
grew up in Ocean Springs.
When they go out for a well-deserved date night, they have quite
a few favorite spots. Hatsukoi is their favorite Ocean Springs
place for spoon-licking pho while Maison de Lu is their go-to fine-
dining experience. For cocktails, nothing beats a Honey Bunny at
the Red Apple Lounge, located in Downtown Ocean Springs. This
venue was inspired by famed Screenwriter and Director Quentin
Tarantino. And if they want a little something Latin-inspired,
Empanola in Ocean Springs is a tasty treat!
When lunch and shopping are on the agenda, they spend the day
at the Promenade in D’Iberville. “There are just so many great
places to go to, and there’s always something new to try. It’s really
hard to pick a favorite,” she said.
> Centennial Plaza
> Hatsukoi Restaurant & Sushi Bar
18 PLAY COASTAL MISSISSIPPI I OCT 26-MAR 27 COASTALMISSISSIPPI.COM