Page 22 - Play Coastal Mississippi - Fall, 2024

PLAN YOUR PLAY
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 or 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, which is a newcomer to Downtown Ocean Springs and was inspired by the films of famed screenwriter and director Quentin Tarantino.
And since empanadas are currently taking the Coast by storm, when they want a little something Latin-inspired, they venture over to Empanola in Biloxi. 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.
Hatsukoi Restaurant & Sushi Bar
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PLAYCOASTALMISSISSIPPII FALL2024
COASTALMISSISSIPPI.COM
Centennial Plaza