Ultimate Fun Guide
ENJOY A FAMOUS EVENT
We won’t get into the argument of who celebrated Mardi Gras first — New Orleans, Mobile or the Coast. But suffice it to say Carnival is one of the biggest events we celebrate, highlighted by tons of beads and parades. But there are many other nationally recognized events that have put the Coast on the map. Cruisin’ the Coast attracts car enthusiasts from more than 37 states and Canada once a year in October to showcase and to cruise a variety of antique, classic and hot rod automobiles. Cruisin’ has received many state, regional and national tourism awards. There’s Smokin’ the Sound, the first race of the Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association, which features more than 40 boats in seven categories. The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, which first began in 1948, has long been considered one of the largest sport fishing annual attractions in the world. It happens in July and is headquartered in Biloxi.
VISIT A FAMOUS ISLAND
The Coast is blessed with barrier islands south of the mainland. They buffer the shoreline from storms and create a haven for commercial and sport fishing. They also offer a tropical-like retreat of sand, surf and natural habitat. The Gulf Islands National Seashore islands are Horn, Petit Bois and Ship Island. Of all the barrier islands between Maine and Mexico, these three are some of the last still in a natural state. Just west of Ship and closer to shore is Cat Island, distinctive with its heavy tree cover. Still closer is Deer Island, which kisses the east Biloxi shoreline. Probably the most famous landmark on the islands is Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island. Construction of the fort began in 1859. It was occupied by a short time by the Confederates, however they later abandoned it to the Federals. The island was later used by the Federal troops to stage their invasion of New Orleans.