Bed down in bed-and-breakfast inns
Each room, she says, is named after someone "who has played a significant role in Mississippi." And, don't forget the pool, which Erin says is the oldest in-ground pool in the state.
With a B&B, "the lodging becomes part of the vacation. It is a very special market that is growing," says Beth Carriere, executive director of Mississippi’s West Coast Visitor's Bureau.
Historic properties that survived Katrina are being turned into B&Bs, says Janice Jones, media relations director for Harrison County Tourism. "Some people just aren’t hotel people."
Those who are eco-friendly, may appreciate the Moss Point Oaks Bed and Breakfast, which has achieved ecocertification. Dan Brooks, owner, says the certification attracts people. Brooks says he hasn't tracked the numbers so far this year but that he initially found that, in 2005, 20 percent of his business was coming from people attracted by the ecocertification. By 2007, the number had increased to 35 percent.
The grounds of Moss Point Oaks are maintained as wildlife habitat with indigenous plants. Brooks says this also cuts down the cost of irrigation and maintenance on gardens. He said the inn has been "reducing, reusing and recycling" since the business opened.
Brooks says the Oaks promotes ecology-friendly living and that he has seen a big increase in the number of visitors and repeat visitors coming to the Coast for nature tours.
Visitors to B&Bs can expect a little more of the niceties, Mertz says, such as "inviting chocolates sitting on a coffee table, the offer of a glass of wine or being invited to store leftovers in the fridge or make themselves a cup of coffee."