Scattering Sunlight

Dad had a meeting in Atlanta a few days before we left Mississippi for Idaho. So mom and I spent a night and a day in the historic town of Natchez, located on the Mississippi River.

We stopped at Dog Ear Books & Wild Fox Coffee in Brookhaven on the way. The coffee was perfectly flavorful and not bitter which is quite important. They had a journal for the guests to write, draw, or leave advice. I loved the cozy house- bookstore vibes and the book clock.

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We stayed at the Grand Hotel that sat right by the river. It was a great location for access to local restaurants and shops. And perfect to walk along the Mississippi River at night.

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Our dinner was delicious flatbread and salad from a cute little Italian restaurant. Our waitress gave us recommendations of which mansions and other attractions were worth visiting.

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We watched the sunset “under the hill” overlooking the river. The red poppies and deep green hills were quite lovely.

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The only open coffee shop was one who hadn’t updated their equipment or beans since the 70’s, which made us very sad. We got our morning walk in at least.

We stopped at very old building with a museum dedicated to William Johnson, the barber of Natchez.

One of the locals told us there are 300 antebellum buildings, one hundred of them houses. It was crazy to see dates like 1750 even 1820 on the homes downtown. Natchez was founded in 1716 by French settlers and temporarily served as the capital of Mississippi.

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The city cemetery was a place we could have spent much more time in. Rolling green hills with rich history and previously ornate headstones. It felt a little like what I imagine Ireland’s cemeteries would be; and there were numerous people from France, Germany, and Britain buried there.

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Originally we hadn’t planned to tour Rosalie Mansion & Gardens, but Mom went into the gift shop and the tickets were half price. They told us it was a self guided tour but a sweet lady took us through the house anyway. Photos weren’t allowed inside but it was beautiful. From the preserved original furniture and children’s toys to the breathtaking art by one of the ladies who lived there.

The history of Rosalie is worth reading about.

The kitchens that were built separately from the houses intrigued me so much. I understood that the upstairs served as guest quarters. I’m not sure that it’s very practical but if I bought a southern house with one I’d love it; at least for summer/ canning season.

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Longwood is a five floor, octagonal mansion with only the basement finished. Plantation owner, Haller Nutt, commissioned architect, Samuel Sloan to build his home. In 1861 the craftsmen left to join the Civil War, which left Longwood unfinished.

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I loved exploring some of the south, although it has some of the saddest parts of American history. If you have an opportunity to visit some of these places, please take it.

•charlotte alayna faith•