Gems of the Gulf Coast

Arrival in Mobile Bay
After hotel check-in, visit the new Mobile Carnival Museum . National Geographic says the coronations in Mobile rival those of the coronations in Europe . Marvel at the beautiful gowns and robes worn by Mardi Gras royalty of past celebrations. Learn first-hand how the original Mardi Gras in began. This evening, enjoy an exclusive dinner in the Carnival Museum and be entertained by the “Murder Mystery Theater”. This two hour production gives guests a rare glimpse of Mobile and the antebellum South.

Touring Mobile Bay
Begin with Breakfast at the “Spot of Tea” in historic downtown. Then, your guide will give a brief tour of downtown, including the beautiful Cathedral Catholic Church, Three Georges Candy shop and several historic neighborhoods. Lunch on your own at one of Mobile ’s local seafood restaurants specializing in fresh, gulf coast cuisine. The afternoon will begin at beautiful Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Nestled among oaks, Spanish moss and scenic Fowl river, the 65 acre gardens boasts a bloom every DAY of the year. The Bellingrath Home features its original collection of treasured antiques, furniture, silver, china, crystal and cut glass. Later. travel to Biloxi and check into your hotel before Dinner at a casino resort.

Touring Biloxi
After Breakfast, see downtown Biloxi on a narrated open air tram. See the new Hurricane Katrina Memorial built by Extreme Makeovers at the site of the Biloxi Town Green. Tour St. Michaels Church, experience the hurricane devastation first-hand and the see plans for reconstruction of this historic property. Then, enjoy an excursion aboard the Biloxi Shrimp Trip. Enjoy Corrie Eleuterius’ tales of shrimping, fishing and Biloxi history. Lunch on your own at one of the nearby restaurants. One, Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, built around 1737, now a world renowned restaurant and a favorite of John Grisham. This complex houses the Old French House Restaurant, a sidewalk Cafe, an Irish Pub and several special shops. See the huge live oak in the courtyard, named The Patriarch, which has been determined to be over 2,000 years old. This afternoon, stop by the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art to experience the creations of renowned potter, George Ohr. You could even try your hand at some pottery creations of your own. *Fall date, tour will visit Beauvoir, The Jefferson Davis Home (scheduled to reopen summer 2008), circa 1852, is the stunning home of the President of the Confederacy and the place where he penned his memoirs. The estate, fronting the Gulf of Mexico , was also the site of the Mississippi Confederate Soldier’s home which cared for hundreds of veterans and their wives.

Touring Ocean Springs
In the morning travel east to the Old Town area of Ocean Springs. Spend the morning visiting the many boutiques, galleries and restaurants of this quaint artisan town. Don’t miss the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, affiliated with the Smithsonian to enjoy the works of this celebrated artist. Then, travel to New Orleans. Upon arrival into New Orleans your first stop will be a jazz Brunch in a famous courtyard in the French Quarter. Following lunch, enjoy a memorable Walking Tour of one of the oldest communities in the, the Vieux Carte or French Quarter. Check into the hotel with the remainder of the afternoon free to explore this fascinating city. This evening you will be on your own to explore the tastes, sights and sounds that make this city so special.

Touring New Orleans
Today you will start your DAY with a traditional New Orleans breakfast of Cafe Au Lait and Beignets at an outdoor cafe. Following breakfast you will tour the city by motorcoach where you will travel through unique neighborhoods, tour an above ground cemetery referred to as “Cities of the Dead”, Lake Pontchartrain, then follow the St. Charles Avenue streetcar past stately mansions and churches and universities before touring the Arts and Warehouse District home to the National World War II Museum. This evening you will savor the beauty and romance of New Orleans while dining on a Creole Buffet and listing to the sounds of a Dixieland Jazz Band.

Homeward Journey
Depart after Breakfast, taking with you warm memories of the gems of the Gulf Coast!