Just down the road and off the beaten track there are true gems to discover in the Magnolia State. In this ongoing series, we earmark some great accommodations in Mississippi. Here's Part 3: Natchez.

Natchez

Getting to Natchez is easy enough: just follow the stunningly scenic Natchez Trace Parkway all the way down from Nashville. Once you’re there, you’ll be strolling in a picture-perfect, deeply Southern decor lined with over 1,000 historic structures and majestic antebellum mansions, giant porches, stained glass and Spanish moss. Moreover, Natchez’ people are the friendliest around, its views of the Mississippi are unmatched and the city even throws in a spectacular annual Balloon Race for good measure.

Opulent

Most of Natchez’ mansions are privately owned, so the only chance you’ll get to take a peek inside are the very popular annual Spring and Fall Pilgrimages. No worries if your travel plans should clash with those dates: Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens is one of several antebellum houses that welcome visitors all year round – even for a good night’s rest. The opulent National Historic Landmark has rooms and suites on offer, paired with gracious Southern hospitality, a lush garden, the excellent restaurant 1818 and historic tours of the breathtaking antebellum mansion.

Foodie heaven

Twin Oaks might be a decidedly smaller affair, but it will make your mouth water nonetheless. This charming bed & breakfast is run by chef Regina Charboneau, without a doubt one of the quintessential authorities on the fine art of Southern cuisine. Regina's Cooking Class Weekends are a must for foodies, if only for her world-famous biscuit recipe. Spoiler: her secret mostly revolves around four sticks of butter.

Eclectic

Shanty Bellum - pictured above - is an excellent alternative if you’re willing and perfectly able to make your own breakfast. Its owners lovingly restored three residences to their 1880 glory and decorated their interiors with an eclectic collection of twentieth-century boho chic, ranging from leather, velvet and driftwood finishings to Route-66 neon and an upright bass. Bonus: the Mississippi River and the classic Natchez local Under-the-Hill Saloon are only a stone’s throw away from your bed, so you can indulge in some extra swagger in your step.

Read more: Part 1: Clarksdale and Part 2: Greenwood.

Sound good? For more info, email us at mississippi@deep-south-usa.com