Southern Legacy: The Natchez Pilgrimage

Day 1

The annual Natchez Pilgrimage is a celebration of the antebellum history of our country. Twice each year, Natchez locals open their historic homes to visitors. Come along as we journey back in time to this more genteel time in the beautiful spring of the year. We make it as far as Sikeston, MO this evening for a one-night check-in at the Drury Inn & Suites.

Day 2

We motor further south, rounding Memphis and past Jackson, Mississippi and into Natchez early evening. Following check-in at a three-star property, enjoy an included dinner at a local eatery.

Day 3

After a great night's sleep, a local guide meets us for an historic driving tour of Natchez. In 1716 French colonists settled here making Natchez one of the oldest and most successful cities on the lower Mississippi River. The first route into Natchez was the Natchez Trace, originally a buffalo trail used by Native Americans and early settlers. Two years older than their little sister, New Orleans, the city has a rich heritage influenced by the French, Spanish, English and African communities. Known as The Little Easy, the former residents built their city for a perpetual party. Today the locals are more subdued but still know how to have a good time. During the Spring Pilgrimage, several privately owned historic homes are open to the public. With over 1000 structures and districts on the National Historic Register and 13 properties designated as National Landmarks, the wide variety of architecture and history provide a fascinating combination. Today, three private mansion tours will be on the agenda with an included luncheon at a local southern eatery in town.

Day 4

After breakfast, we travel to Longwood Mansion. Longwood, also known as Nutt's Folly, is a historic antebellum octagonal mansion. Built in part by enslaved people, the mansion is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. Later, Stanton Hall, one of the most magnificent and Palatial Greek homes in America, occupies an entire city block in downtown Natchez. This home stands 5 stories tall and was originally 14,000 square feet. Many original furnishings and beautiful antiques are displayed throughout the home as well as one of a kind arched millwork in halls and parlors. Enjoy a tour and included luncheon in the onsite Carriage House.

Day 5

This morning we depart Natchez for nearby Vicksburg. We start in the visitor center where we watch the orientation film Here Brothers Fought, which describes the historical events of the Vicksburg campaign and historic battlefield site. Following our visit, we continue travels northbound to our final overnight in Cape Girardeau, MO.

Day 6

The final day of our tour is here, We hope you enjoyed the hospitality of this southern destination and we'll see you traveling with us again soon!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner