Featured City: Ocean Springs

On the eastern shore of Biloxi Bay, perfectly situated on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is the charming city of Ocean Springs. One of the oldest cities in the United States, Ocean Springs was founded in 1699, under the authority of King Louis XIV, as Fort Maurepas by Pierre LeMoyne d'Iberville.

The name Ocean Springs was coined in 1854 by Dr. William Glover Austin who believed the local springs had healing qualities. Ocean Springs became a prosperous resort town and later became a history-oriented residential community. Today, this vibrant small town is one of the real jewels on the Gulf Coast. From arts festivals to outdoor adventure, Ocean Springs offers visitors a wealth of activities to pursue.

Ocean Springs is known and treasured by travelers from around the world as an "arts community." The historic downtown area features streets lined by Live Oak trees and is home to several art galleries and an eclectic array of inviting shops.  It is also home to a number of ethnic restaurants, as well as traditional, fresh seafood dining opportunities that are not to be missed.

From colonial times to present day, seafood has been celebrated all along the Gulf Coast. Ocean Springs is no exception. Here you'll find that locals and tourists alike can still purchase freshly-caught shrimp, fish, crabs, and oysters because of the thriving seafood industry and the abundant waters of Ocean Springs backyard-the Gulf of Mexico.

There are many outfitters, guides and charter services who will take you on a Mississippi Gulf Coast fishing adventure of a lifetime. One of the most active in the Ocean Springs area is Chandeleur Outfitters, which offers fly fishing gear, as well as fly fishing or light tackle charters around the Gulf barrier islands. Go to www.chandeleuroutfitters.com to see what's available. For birding and wildlife viewing aficionados, there's a multitude of spectacular opportunities, particularly in the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park. The Davis Bayou Birding and Wildlife Viewing Area is a favorite spot among visitors to Mississippi. The Gulf Islands National Seashore Park Birding and Wildlife Viewing Area is on a wilderness island 12-14 miles offshore-very exciting!

For the golfers in your family, the Preserve Golf Club in nearby Vancleave was selected by Golf Digest as one of the Best New Courses in the Best New Public $75 and Over category. The Preserve Golf Club is eighteen holes of "pure golf" designed by U.S. Open champion and award-winning golf course designer, Jerry Pate. The course encompasses 245 pristine acres, surrounded by an additional 1800 acres of dedicated nature preserve. The native surroundings of pitcher plant bogs, cypress swamps, long leaf pine savannah, live oak groves and native grass prairies have been integrated into the design of the 18-hole, par-71 layout. For more information, go to http://www.preservegc.com.

Other outdoor opportunities are available including the myriad activities available at the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park (including the famous East and West Ship Islands, Horn Island ad Petit Bois Island) at the Visitor Center, where you can see special exhibits, learn about the park's nature trails, ranger programs, campgrounds and picnic areas. Be sure to visit www.nps.gov/guis for all the details.

Cyclists enjoy taking on the Live Oaks Bicycle Route, which begins at the historic L&N Train Depot and extends 15.5 miles along the streets of Ocean Springs.

To fully realize and appreciate Ocean Springs' artistic legacy, stop by the Walter Anderson Museum of Art honoring this eccentric and world-renowned artist's distinctive work. Enjoy the vivid, colorful depictions of plant and animal life on the Gulf Coast. See original paintings, block prints, and even brilliant murals he painted on the walls of his "cottage of solitude" where he often worked, which has been moved to the museum. Learn more about Walter Anderson and the museum at www.walterandersonmuseum.org.

Don't think for a second that Walter was the only artist in the Anderson family. His brother Peter established a 24-acre remote artists' colony named Shearwater Pottery, encompassed by thick green woods, which includes a studio and gallery housed in rustic cabins. You'll be amazed by the dinnerware, vases and sculptures sought by art lovers from around the world. Walter Anderson's works can be difficult to obtain. That's why Realizations is a shop dedicated to making it easy to get his incredible works of art. In the gallery, you'll find silk-screened prints and multi-colored posters. In the fitting room, you'll find silk-screened clothing and textiles. And in the library you'll find books about the Anderson family. The shop is in the historic L&N Train Depot in downtown Ocean Springs. Check it out online before you go in-person by visiting http://www.walteringlisanderson.com

So as you can see, there's plenty to see, do and experience in Ocean Springs. And coming up in the next few weeks, there are some special events that will make your trip even better. July 4, the city strikes up the band and gets out the fireworks for the annual Fourth of July celebration. July 25-25, shop at the city-wide Sidewalk Sale for excellent values at some of the city's favorite boutiques. It's an event everyone enjoys. More information can be found about these two events-and many more events and attractions in Ocean Springs-by going to http://www.oceanspringschamber.com.

Start planning your trip today to Ocean Springs. To make it easier than ever before, be sure to go to http://www.visitmississippi.org to plan your trip every step of the way.

From: Mississippi Tourism's e-Newsletter, June 17.

Sights of the Mississippi Gulf Coast