Perched along the mighty Mississippi River, Natchez is a small town with big character. Known for its architecture, cuisine, music, and a layered history, this southwest Mississippi gem embraces both its past and its future. 

Once home to the second-largest slave market in the nation, Natchez has committed itself to telling the full story of where it has been and where it is going. Thanks to its unique Civil War history, hundreds of antebellum homes still stand today, and the city remains a significant site of the Civil Rights Movement. Today, Natchez invites visitors with world-class events such as the Natchez Food & Wine Festival. And for Texans—it’s just a short drive across Louisiana, perfect for a long weekend.

Where to Stay

I recommend fully embracing the history of the town and choosing one of the many B&Bs in the historic part of town.  A stay at Riverboat Bed & Breakfast took me back in time. The property’s clawfoot tubs and vintage family photos transport you to another era, while modern comforts make the stay relaxing. Owner Marybeth greets guests warmly and serves a homemade breakfast featuring eggs from her own hens, but she also gives guests the privacy they desire. Rooms perfect for a couple or a suite that would easily accommodate a small family are options.  My favorite part of this stay was having breakfast with two other couples also staying at this unique three guest-bedroom home. Only blocks from the River, the location was primo allowing us to walk to many of the sights and restaurants in the historical district of town. 

Start at the Visitor Center

I will admit, I don’t usually search out the visitor’s center when I travel, but I am telling you, do not overlook the delightful Visit Natchez at the Depot. Only a couple blocks from the Riverboat B&B, it is located along the Mississippi River. I recommend taking time to watch the newly produced 25 minute documentary of the town’s past, present and future, properly titled Natchez: From Past to Present. I was most impressed by having the opportunity to hear the whole story.  Natchez has a complicated history as it was once the location of the second largest slave trade in the nation, second to only New Orleans. Forks of the Road Slave Market is a Cultural Heritage Site. In the many years since, the people of Natchez have been on a journey to be better, and better they are. I do not want to give away too many secrets. Go watch the short film. And while you are there, have your photo taken by the computerized kiosk that will send the photo with a Natchez theme frame to your email.

Explore the Historic District

Clyde the Horse and his person Bob have been showing the historic district of Natchez to visitors for 12 years on the Southern Carriage Tour. I am quite sure Clyde could take you on the tour without Bob, but then you would miss out on the history and folklore that Bob does an excellent job of sharing. There are over 700 antebellum structures in this town. The antebellum homes in this southern city were not destroyed like many others were during the Civil War, partially because the town was favorable to Union soldiers, so there is much to see. The tours leave on the hour and last approximately 45 minutes. Even on a sweltering summer day there was a nice breeze and the carriage was covered. You may purchase your tickets from the visitor center or directly from the carriage driver. Meet up at the corner of South Canal & State Street.  Price: $30 per adult, and $10 for children under 11.

Must see Museums

The Dr. John Bowman Banks Museum, also known as The John Banks House, was the home of Natchez’s first black physician in the late 1800s, and a hub of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. I was given a tour by two delightful ladies from the Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest Black Baptist church in Mississippi and the keeper of the museum. A visit here tells the story of a powerful man that not only served the community with health care, but also was a co-founder of Bluff City Savings Bank, which at the time was the only African American owned bank in the city. The home served as headquarters for the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) during the Civil Rights Movement.  You will learn of the tribulations of the movement’s leaders and gain a better appreciation for how far this town has come since the Civil War. Unless you are there during the Fall Pilgrimage, you will need to make an appointment to tour this museum. No group is too small, and the cost will be $10-20 per person.

Longwood is a story of ambition, interruption, and loss—a monument to both antebellum wealth and the devastating impact of the Civil War. Longwood is different from the other antebellum homes in the town because it was never finished. It is intriguing to imagine what it would have been like to live in a house that was planned to have 32 rooms, 26 fireplaces, and 30,000 square feet, with lavish furnishings and imported materials. When the Civil War started, the skilled craftsmen from the North working on the house took off, leaving their tools behind, never to return. You will see sobering sights such as the handmade bricks with slaves’ fingerprints, which help to tell their story. Even in its unfinished state, the house has 750,000 bricks.  Purchase tickets in advance or at Longwood. Tours start on the hour and cost $20-$25.

What’s Going On?

There are many times during the year that you may be drawn to this southern town on the bluff of the Mississippi River. You can check out the events happening year-round but I was there for the Natchez Food & Wine Festival held annually during July. Go ahead and save the dates for the next one happening July 24-25, 2026. The main event is on Friday evening, Tastings on the River, where you get to enjoy cuisine from all over the state, without having to travel the state.  Wine, liquor, and beer were flowing. 

I enjoyed visiting with some of the chefs including Geno Lee from Big Apple Inn  in Jackson, Mississippi, and David Leathers of Foodsmith in Nashville (who won second place and best culinary theme). For a nightcap, we walked a couple blocks to the VIP Chef’s Afterparty at Smoot’s Grocery Blues Lounge. Open year round, not just during the festival weekend, enjoy live music and dancing in what was once a grocery but is now a restored juke joint-style blues lounge. On Saturday of the festival, there is a full day schedule of events to choose from, including many ticketed dinner options.

Eat and Drink Local

Not all smoked meat is created equal. Enjoy the best Mississippi BBQ in town at Pig Out Inn. The staff is super friendly. The plates are large. I enjoyed the best baked beans I have ever had as a side to the brisket. How can you not have an enjoyable time in a restaurant with flying pigs? This is a must do in Natchez. They have cool swag you can take home as a souvenir. Go pig out at Pig Out Inn.

Natchez has one of just a few wineries in Mississippi. Old South Winery makes wine with muscadine grapes. It is truly a sweet taste of the south. Their wines vary from dry to very sweet, in both white and red. They will soon be opening a new tasting room. This is a family tradition started in 1979 and now the wine makers are the third generation. My favorite was Carlos, a dry white wine. They have 10 different wines with names like Southern Belle, Sweet Magnolia, and Natchez Rouge. Go for a tasting of 5 wines of your choice or all 10 so you do not have to make choices. There was a steady flow of people coming in to do just that.

Already Planning My Return

I didn’t have time to fit everything in that I wanted to do, so next time I’ll take the Natchez African American History Trail Tour and book dinner at Frankie’s on Main. Natchez also shines during annual events like Angels on the Bluff, a candlelit tour of the city’s historic cemetery that blends history and storytelling.

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Cover Photo Giancarlo Pesco

Selena Swartzfager is a travel writer, nonprofit president, an amateur photographer, lover of adventures and life. Her favorite type of travel allows her to learn about history while enjoying things for the first time. Natchez checked all these boxes. Follow her on Instagram.