Page 99 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2017

Gulfport also has a flourishing Downtown. “I think it all
began with the rebuilding and revitalization of the facades
and street scape Downtown,” says Main Street Director Laurie Toups. “Since then we have
been working on the community aspects that have the human tribe touch! Fishbone Alley, has been a great contributor, opening quite a few more doors to what’s happening Downtown.”
Toups points out a few of the newest additions. “The Rackhouse Steak & Spirits; if you haven’t been there yet,
you are definitely
missing a great
meal, and PJ’s
Coffee is under new
management with
a wonderful lunch
special every day.”
With a happening restaurant and
bar scene, Toups says Downtown Gulfport could
use more retail, and of course
shoe shops to make the ladies happy.
Special events are enticing people to Downtown Gulfport, including the newest, Wednesday after work. “It’s a lot of fun. Almost every place is offering live music, great food and beverage specials and even some games,” Toups said. “We are excited to announce a great new experience from Gulfport Main Street called Sip at Sunset, happening August 31. And, the Christmas Parade is returning to Downtown. We are all working together to make it bigger and better than ever.”
Wiggins, as with most downtowns, has many challenges related to aging and dilapidated
properties and overgrown
lots, says Betsy Rowell, Stone County Economic Development Partnership Director, but positive strides are being made with new attitudes and a new energy for revitalization.
“Pine Hill Avenue is the center of activity for Downtown and has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years,” she said. “Small clothing boutiques, antique shops, a specialty skin care and home care products shop, and professional offices are located there. At the top of Pine Hill Avenue, you’ll
find Whistle Stop restaurant, nearby
is the Klose Kloset, Alexander’s Hardware
and The Frosty Mug.” Ideally, Rowell
would like to see a small bakery and
coffee shop and a few other options.
“There’s buzz about the trend in craft beer breweries and bars, and young
entrepreneurs are looking for opportunities in areas where the rents are
lower and owning a business is possible,” she said. “As a college town, anything that attracts students would be excellent too.”
Among events to lure people Downtown are Pine Hill Festival in the Spring, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, BBQ & Blues Competition in October, and a series of Hometown Holiday activities in December.
“A bike/walking trail between Flint Creek Reservoir into Downtown makes it easy for campers to enjoy year-round access to special events and shopping,” Rowell said.
Pine Hill Festival in Wiggins, MS
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August 2017 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 99
Fishbone Alley in Gulfport, MS
It’s getting very exciting down here!