After a scenic drive down the Natchez Trace Parkway, one of the most beautiful roadways in the South, my friend Adeina and I rolled into Natchez shortly before sunset. With moss-draped trees and gentle curves, it was the perfect prelude to stepping back in time in the oldest city on the Mississippi River.
Staying at The Guest House
I had booked us at The Guest House, a stunning circa-1840 brick inn in the heart of the historic district. With 16 rooms, wide wraparound porches, and a classic Southern feel, it oozes antebellum charm. We stayed in Room 154, one of only a couple rooms with two beds, and loved the blend of historical character with modern comfort. While relaxing with wine in rocking chairs on the porch, it started raining so we opted to dine in the on-site restaurant instead of exploring. We split a salad along with shrimp and grits.
Locals’ Coffee Favorite and A Walk Through History
The next morning started with a quick bite and coffee from Natchez Coffee Co.. While the cheese grits were a bit too salty for my taste, the biscuit and local charm of the café made up for it. Fueled by lattes, we were ready to explore.
Natchez is rich in layers of American, French, Spanish, and British history. Settled by the French in 1716, it became a commercial hub of the Old South due to cotton and river trade. We wandered a bit of the Natchez North Trail, passing historic sites like the Prentiss Club, built in 1904 for a literary and social men’s group, and the James Andrews House, dating back to the early 1800s. The city feels like an open-air museum, and every corner has a story.
At the corner of North Canal and Jefferson, we paused at the spot where Andrew Ellicott raised the American flag in 1797, claiming the Natchez Territory for the U.S. Across the street is the House on Ellicott Hill – one of the oldest structures in town – before returning to The Guest House to check out.
Gazebo Views and Fort Rosalie’s Fierce History
A stop at the bluff-top gazebo gave us a sweeping view of the Mississippi River and the iconic bridges connecting to Louisiana. From here, you can spot the “Under-the-Hill” area, another historic stop. Nearby is Fort Rosalie, originally built by the French in 1716. It’s the site of the tragic 1729 Natchez Uprising, where Natchez Indians massacred most of the French soldiers stationed there. The event sparked brutal retaliation and left a deep mark on the area’s colonial history.
Exploring an Estate
Before heading out of town, we stopped at Melrose Estate, part of Natchez National Historical Park with Fort Rosalie and two other sites. While it’s free to walk the grounds, if you have time, the $12 guided house tour would be worth it to appreciate one of the best-preserved antebellum estates in the Deep South. It’s best to reserve a tour slot in advance.
From there, we crossed the bridge into Vidalia, Louisiana, soaking in one last look at the mighty Mississippi and the timeless charm of Natchez, wishing for a little more time in this historic city.