Page 93 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2023

story by Cherie Ward
You’ll find the William M. Colmer Visitor Center in Ocean Springs, with its headquarters in the Davis
Bayou area. This homegrown adventure has many fun- filled opportunities including fishing, hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Don't forget to pack a picnic basket and make plans to watch the sunset.
For some aficionados, the Gulf Coast is known as a Golfer’s Paradise. And with 17 award-winning,
challenging courses surrounded by picturesque landscapes, it’s easy to see why. Anyone can pick up
a new pleasure sport to further connect with family members or colleagues. Several resorts and casinos offer weekend golf package options and book golf outings at Shell Landing Golf Club and Grand Bear Golf Course, among others.
Explore the six sun-drenched barrier islands that sit just miles off the Coast. With white-sand beaches and beautiful Gulf waters, the islands of Cat, Ship, Deer,
Horn, Round and Petit Bois are an ideal day trip. While all of the barrier islands offer something unique that is worth exploring, Ship Island is the most accessible to island goers. Its ferry service runs out of Biloxi and Gulfport– and you might even see a dolphin or two playing on the way.
Step out of your comfort zone and try a new restaurant or café. The Coast has a huge variety of eateries with everything from beach shacks serving
the freshest Gulf seafood, to fine dining, and fusion cuisine. You, your family, and your friends will find something to please everyone’s tastebuds.
Get your culture fix at the world-renowned Ohr- O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi or discover the
beautifully eccentric world of the illustrious Anderson family of artists at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art or Shearwater Pottery’s showroom and workshop in Ocean Springs. And Bay St. Louis boasts a wonderfully walkable downtown amongst a canopy of ancient live oaks peppered with art galleries and feature many local artists.
And to get there, start on the Gulf Coast. The INFINITY Science Center and Museum is NASA's official visitor headquarters for the John C. Stennis
Space Center in Hancock County. The leading-edge test operations and research facility offers an eclectic blend of sciences about the earth and space and is seasoned with innovative programs in engineering and technology. It’s an experience you will not find anywhere but the Gulf Coast.
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