Nestled along the Mississippi River, Natchez, Mississippi continues charming visitors and residents alike, boasting beautiful historic homes, lush gardens, and a rich history that dates back centuries. While many people think of Natchez as a perfect destination for a spring and fall pilgrimage, the city also offers plenty of activities to enjoy during the summer months. If you haven’t already, make sure to put these on your to-do list this summer:
- Visit Historic Homes: Natchez is home to over 1,000 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 13 of which are designated as National Historic Landmarks. Over 15 homes are open year-round, with many others open for special tours or events. You will love the step back in time as you explore the elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and fascinating history of these historic properties. Of course, starting with a Linden house tour. Little Easy Tours
- Explore: Experience the beauty, history and adventure of Natchez through our favorite tour sites. There are many other tours and activities outside of historic home tours to fill your days, Ghost Tours, Carriage Rides, Tales of Murder and Mayhem (City Cemetery), Open Air Tours, Eco Tour Taste of the South, African-American History Tour, Tour of Natchez Churches, Natchez Indian Tour, Canoe Rentals, ATV rentals, Dining Experiences, and Shopping Hot Spots. Tours Natchez And don’t miss out on our favorite, Sips & Quips: Reenactment Tour complete with a generational favorite, milk punch at Linden! Miss-Lou Tours
- Explore the Bluff: Natchez’s historic bluff overlooking the Mississippi River is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the stunning views. Be sure to visit the Natchez Bluff Park, which offers a great vantage point for watching the river traffic.
- Tour the Natchez City Cemetery: Take a guided tour of the Natchez City Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many prominent citizens of Natchez. Learn about the city’s history, architecture, and culture as you wander through the beautifully landscaped grounds.
- Attend a Festival: Natchez hosts several festivals and events throughout the summer months, including the Natchez Food and Wine Festival, the Natchez Balloon Festival, and the Natchez PowWow. These events offer a fun and lively way to experience local culture and hospitality. A great source for on-going events throughout the year can be found at VisitNatchez.org.
- Explore the Natchez Trace Parkway: Take a scenic drive or bike ride along the Natchez Trace Parkway, a historic route that stretches for over 400 miles through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area as you explore historic sites, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. A great resource for Natchez Trace information is Natchez Trace Travel.
- Shop and Dine in Downtown Natchez: Downtown Natchez is home to a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants that offer a taste of southern hospitality. Browse for antiques, souvenirs, and handmade crafts, and then relax with a meal at a local eatery.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Natchez has something to offer everyone in the summer months. So grab your sunscreen, pack your bags, and head to this charming southern city for a summer adventure you won’t soon forget.