Page 194 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2016

THEFINALSAY DOROTHY
SHAW
Manager of Community Relations/ Government Affairs,
Ingalls Shipbuilding
What’s not to love about the Mississippi Gulf Coast? If you hang around long enough, you’ll find many things that compel you to make this place your home. I was not born here but I have been here so long I can’t imagine calling any other place home. This is the place to which I will always return no matter where my travels take me.
I love to get in my car and drive down streets where majestic oak trees create a canopy and unforgettable views. I am also drawn to water views, and there is nothing
like the palette created by beautiful sunsets that blend
into the horizon. From Moss Point to Bay St. Louis is one continuous scenic view of the Coast. You can spend an entire day meandering from city to city and never see it all.
I love to take a boat tour of the Pascagoula River and hear the history of the river as only the McCoy Brothers can tell it. The Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss Point is one of my favorite places. Natural resources abound with the many parks, beaches and bike trails. Whether you’re a birder, fisherman, biker or just looking for a place to take a lazy stroll, the Coast will accommodate you.
I love taking a picturesque stroll through Ocean Springs with its many boutiques, art shops and festivals.
The cultural, religious and ethnic diversity of the Coast offer anyone a chance to experience other cultures without having to get on an airplane. I am amazed at the caliber of local talent. There are world-class museums with changing exhibits to satiate the appetite of arts enthusiasts. There are countless entertainment venues where one can experience anything from jazz to blues to country and western to gospel to Broadway productions. The Coast has it all and I love it all.
We can’t talk about the Coast without talking about the cuisine. My husband and I enjoy eating out and with
the number of restaurants on the Coast, we can go to a different one each time. There is nothing like enjoying local seafood while sitting on a deck watching a gorgeous sunset and birds diving for their catch of the day.
I don’t like cold weather so the weather on the Coast is absolutely perfect for me. I rarely have to wear a “real” coat. Even in the summer when we all complain about the heat and humidity, I’m still happy to be here.
The crown jewel of the Coast is its people. People know each other by name. They are generous and caring. Neighbors help neighbors and strangers even help when the need arises.
Ease of travel is another great thing about living on the Coast. With quick access to I-10, travel to points east and west is not a problem.
If you want a post-secondary education, it’s available on the Coast with several colleges and universities having branches here.
I love this place and I think I’ll stay a while.
194 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • May 2016
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