Page 91 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2025

And with South Mississippi getting
its first-ever Bass Pro Shops, outdoor enthusiasts will soon have lots to reel in. The D’Iberville location will anchor the upcomingLemoyneLandingdevelopment on Mallet Road, a major project poised
to bring new energy to the Interstate
10 corridor. Positioned just miles from
the Mississippi Sound, the Magnolia State’s only saltwater fishing destination, the store is expected to be a hotspot for anglers, hunters, and outdoor adventurers from across the state.
At nearly every corner of South Mississippi, you’ll find art, history, education, museums, and southern soul.
In Ocean Springs, the arts thrive among more than 200 galleries, shops, and cafes. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art showcases the legacy of its namesake, whose whimsical depictions of Coast life remain beloved.
Biloxi’s Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum pays tribute to the region’s seafaring traditions, while the historic 100 Men D.B.A. Hall in Bay St. Louis stands as a symbol of the Coast’s rich African
American musical and cultural history. The Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport offers both education and adventure, complete with cutting-edge virtual reality experiences.
Entertainment is never in short supply. The Coast’s bustling casino scene features marquee names like Beau Rivage, Hard Rock Biloxi, and Island View Casino Resort, combining luxury stays, gaming, and big-name concerts under one roof.
Just down the road in Gautier, the Sound Amphitheater has quickly made waves
as one of the region’s premier live music venues, drawing national acts to perform under the coastal sky. And exciting things are continuing to grow with the highly anticipated Mississippi Songwriters Performing Arts Center, a project that promises to celebrate the state’s rich musical roots while fostering the next generation of talent.
Set on the former Singing River
Mall property, the impressive two- story, 10,000-square-foot venue is part of the broader Gautier Town Center development plan, designed to breathe
new life into the heart of the city. At the center of the project is the
Mississippi Songwriters Alliance Hall of Fame, which will highlight the stories and legaciesofthemanysongwritinglegends who call Mississippi home. But this isn’t just a museum, it’s a fully functional, creative space. The center will feature
a professional music recording studio, flexible indoor and outdoor performance areas, and classrooms dedicated to nurturing aspiring artists and musicians.
With its prime location near The Sound and its focus on both history and innovation, the Mississippi Songwriters Performing Arts Center is set to strike the right chord for Gautier’s future when completed next year.
And when it comes to cuisine, Coastal Mississippi serves up fresh Gulf seafood with signature Southern flair. From casual oyster bars to acclaimed waterfront dining, the flavors of the Gulf are on full display with a rhythm to coastal life that keeps visitors returning again and again. On average, tourists stay about three days, often just long enough to wish they had more time.
Gulfport.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net August 2025 | 91