Pilgrimage in Natchez, Mississippi: A Visit to the Grand Old South
Have you ever seen Gone with the Wind and wished you could go back in time for a few days to live among the oak trees at Tara Plantation? Well, the closest you’ll get is an annual event in Natchez, Mississippi known as Spring Pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage, an annual open house for around 25 antebellum mansions, began in 1932 as a way to generate income to keep property taxes paid and homes maintained. However, these are not just old houses; these houses are the cream of pre-Civil War grandeur.
After recently returning from my seventh trip to the holy land of Natchez “Gone with the Wind,” I decided I really should take some time to encourage you to make plans to visit the charming town. The city actually hosts two annual pilgrimages, one in the spring and one in the fall. The spring pilgrimage is a larger event, but both offer the opportunity to see different mansions that are not open all year.
I love visiting Natchez any time of year, but the pilgrimage offers some events that are only available during that time. There are ten incredible mansions in Natchez that are open all the time. However, approximately 18 additional homes are open during the pilgrimage alone. These houses are very special as most of them are private residences. There is something very special about meeting a lovely lady, dressed in full southern belle attire, and having her show you a house that she has been in her family for six or seven generations. She will feel as if she is traveling back in time as she walks through grand arched doorways into the rarefied world of the ancient and peaceful south.
Here are some tips to get the most out of the pilgrimage in Natchez:
*Pay special attention to the tour schedule. Notice that the houses are grouped in groups of 3 houses labeled by color. For example, the “Rosado Tour” will include three private houses that are touring in the morning on one day, then off for three days, and then again. Then another tour, the orange tour, will operate in the afternoon. There are a total of 8 tours, so it takes 4 days to do all the tours. So if you want to see all the houses, or if there’s a particular house you think you must see, be sure to check the pilgrimage’s website to find out what day the house is on tour. If you have time, plan on spending four full days; you’ll find plenty to do! A tour of 3 houses is $24 per person or $18 for children (6-13).
*Take advantage of additional tours of Rosalie’s and Longwood’s homes. These houses are open all year. However, instead of the usual $12 per person for admission, you can add them to any color tour for $10 each. Both houses are “can’t miss” homes in Natchez. Rosalie stands out for her sheer beauty overlooking the Mississippi River. Longwood, however, is often cited as a visitor’s favorite house… even though it was never finished! Dr. Haller Nutt was in the process of building Longwood, intended to be the largest octagonal house in the country, when the Civil War broke out. Most of the craftsmen who worked in the house were from the North. As soon as they knew the war had begun, they left their tools and brushes where they were and fled north. The family lived in the basement of the house (the only floor of the six to be completed) during and after the war. Dr. Nutt died after the war of disease, although legend has it that he never got over the disappointment of not being able to finish his fabulous mansion, a mansion that became known as Nutt’s Folly.
* Try a night show! Four different shows are offered on various nights during the Romería. The Historic Natchez Parade is a time-honored tradition presented by more than 200 local performers who wear pre-war costumes and present short vignettes from Natchez history. It’s small town tradition at its finest. You can also see Southern Road to Freedom; southern exposure; and Songs of the South on alternate nights.
* Enjoy a good dinner. The Carriage House Restaurant is a fabulous lunch restaurant behind the exquisite Stanton Hall mansion in the heart of the city. Carriage House is known for its tiny butter cookies and reasonably priced southern fare. The Castle is a world-class restaurant on the grounds of Dunleith, another colonnaded mansion (which also serves as bed and breakfast) in Natchez. The food and atmosphere are amazing. Finally, don’t miss your chance to enjoy a prix fixe dinner at the chef’s table at Monmouth (another world-class bed and breakfast).
* Take a carriage ride. A modest fee of around $15 per person will take you on a half-hour tour in a horse-drawn surrey with an expert guide. I like to start my visit with this type of tour to get an overview of the history of the city.
*Frogmore Plantation. If time allows, consider a short 10-mile trip across the river into Louisiana to Frogmore Plantation. Frogmore Plantation has been selected by Rand McNally as a “must see site”. Frogmore contrasts the working cotton plantation of the 1800s with today’s mechanized plantation and gin. At Frogmore, guests have the opportunity to pick their own cotton – a huge hit with my daughter!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to travel back in time as you visit historic Natchez, Mississippi anytime! Be warned though, the history and hospitality are addictive. You may find yourself coming back again and again urging others to do the same!
