The Perfect Getaway

Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort

In the 1950s, my mother and grandmother used to steal away to Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort in Ocean Springs where they lounged by the pool and rode horses. Harkening back even further, the resort attracted the likes of Al Capone and Elvis Presley. Today, the refurnished hotel is one of many in the quaint Coastal Mississippi town, where unique accommodations have become the norm. There’s the Beatnik modern cabins, the ‘80s Bird House, The Hemingway atop a bank building in downtown Ocean Springs and the new boutique OS Hotel in the historic art district. And those are just some of the new offerings happening right now in Ocean Springs.

Don’t Forget: Steal away to Ocean Springs for a respite from the hurried life, but if you need some  seasonal fun, the town hosts the first parade of the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras season.

Day One

Morning – Start the day with a craft brew at Bright Eyed Brew Co., a small family owned and operated coffee shop that delivers big flavors. There’s outdoor seating so visitors may sit, sip and watch the folks strolling along Government Street.

Once fully caffeinated, head to picturesque Ocean Springs Front Beach, only a few minutes away. You can dip your toes in sea water, lounge in the sand or stroll along the paved walkway that parallels the Gulf waters. Bird watching is ideal here, as well.

Afternoon – Sit inside or out and enjoy craft beer, cocktails, tapas and vegan options at the eclectic Mosaic Tapas Restaurant, routinely a winner in the local newspaper’s “Best of” awards.

After resting up with a great meal, spend the afternoon enjoying the town’s unique art scene. Ocean Springs was once home to equally eclectic artist Walter Anderson and his work is honored at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Don’t miss the exquisite “Little Room” — Anderson’s art studio that was moved intact to the museum from his residence.

Bright Eyed Brew Co.

Walter’s cousin Peter Anderson worked in clay and his legacy continues at Shearwater Pottery, a short drive from town. There, you’ll find Anderson’s distinctive pottery, much of which is for sale, and sometimes watch current potters in action.

In addition to the Andersons, Ocean Springs offers a host of art galleries, with approximately 300 artist members in the Ocean Springs Art Association.

Evening – New to Ocean Springs is The Coffee Vineyard, a chic coffee-to-cocktail bar that’s true to its name. It’s a place to relax, enjoy a glass of wine and soak in the sophisticated atmosphere. (You can also come back for a morning joe or coffee after dinner.) For an elegant evening meal, Maison de Lu serves classic dishes with a dash of Mississippi flavor, everything from local shrimp to New Zealand lamb chops.

Mosaic Tapas Restaurant

Day Two

Morning – Forget the diet. You’ll want to try more than one donut at Tatonut Shop with its signature potato flour donuts. Their unique creations — with names like maple bacon and root beer float — are cooked up daily and served with hot or iced coffee and espresso drinks.

Burn off those calories with a hike through the Gulf Islands National Seashore, part of the National Park System. The park’s Davis Bayou, a short drive from downtown Ocean Springs, features a campground, visitor center, walking trails and several boardwalks overlooking bayous. A boat launch and pier extends into the Gulf.

Afternoon – Need some down time? Zen Den spa provides holistic experiences such as hot and cold plunge therapy, Himalayan salt chambers, infrared sauna and more.

Once refreshed, explore Ocean Springs’ new gathering spaces. The creative hub of The Collective opened this past fall, bringing together local artists and makers, in addition to the second restaurant for chefs Alex Perry and Kumi Omori, the husband-and-wife duo behind James Beard finalist Vestige on Government Street. There’s also indie bookstore The Book Porter and Corktown Wine Shop curated by local sommelier Sean Perkins to peruse.

Another newcomer to town is os1515 Downtown, a collection of locally owned business filling a full city block. Crave Food Hall contains eight chef-driven concepts and an indoor/outdoor bar and courtyard.

Vestige

Evening – Stop at The Wilbur Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail by candlelight within a hidden speakeasy. Then head to Vestige, where James Beard nominee Chef Alex Perry serves up seasonal menus sourced from local purveyors.

For more information on Ocean Springs and Coastal Mississippi, visit coastalmississippi.com.