Page 114 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2016

DOWNTOWNS something for everyone
PASS CHRISTIAN
Coastal town with art, jazz, theatre and historic homes
story and photos courtesy of
Pass Christian Main Street
228.452.3315 www.passmainstreet.com
With miles of white beaches, fresh seafood right off the dock, unique shops, great restaurants and new hotels opening, Pass Christian is
a special place to visit during late summer and early fall, and perfect for the mild winter and beautiful spring.
Stop by War Memorial Park, graced with wonderful Live Oaks and a majestic view of the gulf. Bring a picnic basket and let the kids run
and climb in the playground. After dark, the lights come on for a magical evening walk. The juried art show, Art in the Pass, is held the first weekend of April and boasts over 100 artists from across the United States. Jazz in the Pass is held during Memorial Day weekend with jazz bands playing free concerts all day on Sunday.
One block east of the park is the charming downtown with gift shops; jewelry stores; art galleries with beautiful locally made art pieces;
great coastal causal clothes; and hand- rolled cigars. You can also eat some wonderful food at the restaurants from Asian to American, sushi to yogurt or sit on the deck and enjoy a refreshing drink while overlooking the expanded harbor.
During the first week of October, the Pass (as locals call it) will be one of
the designated host cities for Crusin’ the Coast. Billed as “America’s Largest Block Party,” this festival celebrates antique, classic and hot rod vehicles, nostalgic music and related events with more than 6,000 registered vehicles.
The Pass Christian Theatre Project, a new community theatre, is located at the Randolph High School. Randolph was the city’s first African-American public school, built in 1928, and restored following Hurricane Katrina. Today, it also houses a senior citizen and community center. Providing four shows each season, including drama, comedy and musicals, PCTP attracts theatergoers from surrounding areas.
The Pass, with its cool gulf breezes, has historically been the place where vacationers from New Orleans and around the South have come to play. Lined with historic homes, some dating from the late 1800s, the Scenic Drive Historic District has been named to the National Register of Historic Places. Homeowners work to keep their homes in similar-to-original condition. The Tour of Homes is the first Sunday in May each year. Drive along the elegant street and see why so many have been drawn here through the centuries.
114 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2016
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