Page 125 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2023

seaside townscape is enchanted with endless vistas such as
the historic oak-lined avenues on Main Street complete with courtyards hidden in canopies of bougainvillea to the seaside charisma of Front Beach. Infused with quirkiness and a walkable laidback attitude, the stroll-worthy downtown is beaming with delightful cafes, mouthwatering seafood bistros, and captivating boutiques.
And there’s plenty to explore, including the beautifully crafted black granite monument, the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Situated on the grounds of the Ocean Springs
Civic Center on U.S. 90, the site memorializes the hundreds of Mississippians who lost their lives or were declared missing in action during the Vietnam War and also serves as a living tribute to those who made it home. This devoted memorial includes names and photos of almost all of the casualties.
In addition to Vietnam veterans, the site also honors veterans of WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. After viewing the memorial, check out several strategically placed flags, which are the flags of the nations that fought alongside American troops in Vietnam. There’s also a walking path to stretch your legs adorned with plaques of Mississippi Congressional Medal of Honor winners and displays that include a helicopter and torpedo.
If you’re on the hunt for a little magic, the centuries-old garrison Fort Maurepas Park at Front Beach is a lovely little slice of paradise. Thought to be the original landing of French explorer Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville who first colonized
TOP LEFT: The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center.
TOP RIGHT: Evergreen Cemetery. LEFT: Fort Maurepas Park.
ABOVE: Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
the area in 1699, the spot is now complete with mesmerizing pavilion views with rhythmic seagull lauds that yield a relaxed mindset.
After all of the art, culture, and beach laze, grab a bite at any of the sundry restaurants, the city has more than 100 eateries. Many are award-winning and several are historic, including a former antebellum home nestled under giant, 500-year-old oak trees that’s now a catfish cafe. The restaurant is whispered to be the preferred spot of Billie Holiday and Elvis Presley. Marilyn Monroe is rumored to have visited the restaurant’s decades-
old cellar lounge, a popular underground bar that’s accessible through a back entrance. And watch out for the phantom patron. He might ask you to buy him a drink, only to disappear after making his request.
At night, the streets are filled with the sounds of the blues from live music venues on Government Street in the heart of the downtown. There’s a mix of music, art, and tasty food to sample, and you might even discover the exact spot where the infamous pirate Paddy Scott buried his loot in the early 19th century.
Not just a beach town, Ocean Springs is a true haven for nature and art to combine and create a unique experience.
The city is filled with fascinating history, southern charm, and genuine splendor that creates lasting memories because Ocean Springs is the coastal town where strangers become friends, and friends become family.
Ocean Springs is the place to be.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
October 2023 | 125