About the Natchez Community
Overview: Rich in history, Natchez, (population 18,464) is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in all of the state.
It is home to the largest and finest collection of pre-Civil War architecture anywhere in the South. Over 500 antebellum buildings grace the city, many from the French, Spanish and English eras. Spring and Fall Pilgrimages are hosted annually at the Natchez Eola Hotel.
Antiquing is a favorite attraction. For nearly 30 years, the Annual Antiques Forum has offered fine historical pieces, attracting antiquers from across the country. The Eola, located in the heart of historic downtown, is on Antiques Row. The city's Annual Antiques Forum also is hosted at the Eola Hotel.
The city once was home to the second largest slave market in the South, and a large population of free blacks. Their history is told in the Museum of Afro-American History and Culture, located next door to the Natchez Eola Hotel.
Some of the most important Native American historical sites in the country are at Natchez. Five burial mound sites and two ceremonial mound sites are located along the Natchez Trace Parkway. The Grand Village of Natchez Indians, 128 acres, includes a museum, three mounds, picnic areas and walking trails.
Two blocks from the Eola Hotel, Natchez Under-the-Hill offers dining, shopping, and riverboat casino gambling. Three passenger paddle-wheelers, the Mississippi Queen, the Delta Queen, and the American Queen, still dock on Silver Street - the city's original waterfront. Night owls can take in the Isle of Capri, a posh 301-foot-long gambling boat with fine dining and entertainment onboard. The Isle of Capri features non-stop 24 hour gaming.
Central to downtown, the Beau Pre' Country Club offers a breathtaking golf course with tees for all golfers ability. Situated on the banks of stately Second Creek, Beau Pre' features a 90 foot sheer clay bluff, vast canyons with feeder creeks, abundant wildlife, rolling terrain and expansive sand areas. It offers a championship 18 hole golf course - one of the most challenging in the South, pro shop, dining, bar, driving range, putting green, and 3 hard/1 rubico tennis courts.
Walking tours: At only 14 square miles, walking tours are immensely popular, interesting and meaningful. Bicycle rentals and bike tours from Natchez Bicycle Center make the trek especially enjoyable.
Carriage tours: Horse-drawn carriage tours are offered through the heart of the Natchez Historic District featuring antebellum mansions & Victorian townhouses, over 30 antique shops, and the historic Natchez City Cemetery.
City Trolley: Also, with ten stops throughout downtown Natchez, the City Trolley will deliver you to the doorstep of downtown attractions. Trolley hours are 9am - 4pm Sunday and 9am - 5pm Monday - Saturday.
Auto Rental and Taxi: Enterprise car rental and Natchez Vidalia Cab Service & Transportation also available.
