Page 81 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2017

DOWNTOWNS something for everyone
With miles of white beaches, loads of fresh seafood right off the dock, unique shops, great restaurants,
and two new boutique hotels, Pass Christian is a special place to visit during the lazy days of 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. Stay until after dark, when the lights turn on for a magical evening walk through the park. The juried art show, Art in the Pass is held the first weekend in 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 west 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, steak to fish tacos or sit on the deck and enjoy a refreshing drink while overlooking the expanded harbor.
During the first week of October, the Pass (as we call it) will be one of the designated host cities for Cruisin’ the Coast (see www.cruisinthecoast.com). 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 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 theatregoers 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, and homeowners have worked to keep their homes in similar to original condition. Drive along this elegant street beneath its canopy of live oaks and you’ll see why so many have been drawn here through the centuries.
Pass Christian Main Street
228.452.3315 www.passmainstreet.com
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
August 2017 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 81
story and photos courtesy of Pass Christian Main Street