MS has 3 of the best neighborhoods for outdoor dining in the US, new report says. Here’s where
As the sun begins to set earlier and the summer fades to fall, one way to make the most of the last days of warm weather is by enjoying a lovely meal outside.
To help you know where to dine al fresco, Advance Funds Network — an organization focused on funding small and medium businesses — has released a list of top neighborhoods in the United States for outdoor dining, and three Mississippi neighborhoods earned spots on the list.
“These neighborhoods didn’t top the list just because of great food — it’s the businesses themselves that create spaces people want to return to,” Irving Betesh, chief revenue officer of Advance Funds Network, said in an Aug. 19 news release.
The survey of more than 3,000 self-proclaimed food-lovers was taken in August and includes 150 top ranking U.S. neighborhoods for al fresco dining.
Here are the Mississippi neighborhoods that made the list and what makes them so great when it comes to open air dining.
Bay St. Louis Old Town
With a “front-porch pace” of life, Bay St. Louis Old Town ranks #50 on the list.
In this coastal and artistic community, people take their time, especially when it comes to dining. The neighborhood rests along the Mississippi Sound, an embayment of the Gulf of Mexico.
Restaurants on the waterfront offer both delicious food and peaceful views of sailboats, making it a top spot for plein air dining, according to Advance Funds Network.
“The Bay is the place where you can unwind and indulge in some good food, good fun, and where everyone feels welcome,” according to the Bay St. Louis Old Town Merchants Association’s website.
The city of Bay St. Louis recently ranked among the Gulf Coast’s most unhurried places, the Biloxi Sun Herald reported. See the full rankings here:
Downtown Oxford
Coming in at #125 is Downtown Oxford, a mostly quiet neighborhood except for the sound of “clinking glasses and weekend chatter,” according to Advance Funds Network.
Since Oxford was incorporated in 1837, community members have gathered around the Square — a home to several restaurants, shops and boutiques, according to Visit Oxford.
This neighborhood offers a plethora of outdoor dining options served alongside some real southern charm.
Fondren District, Jackson
Located in Mississippi’s most populated town, Fondren District in Jackson is ranked #141 on the list of best neighborhoods for outdoor dining.
This neighborhood is known for its music and visual arts scene and has more than two-dozen culinary options, including restaurants, coffee shops, bars and bakeries, according to Visit Jackson.
The town ranks among the top spots to enjoy a meal outside because of all the options, strong sense of community and relaxed atmosphere, according to Advance Funds Network.
Top 10 U.S. neighborhoods for al fresco dining
1. Santa Fe Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico
2. Downtown Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California
3. Savannah Historic District in Savannah, Georgia
4. Park Slope in Brooklyn, New York
5. 12South in Nashville, Tennessee
6. Downtown Lafayette in Lafayette, Louisiana
7. Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii
8. North Beach in San Francisco, California
9. French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana
10. The Pearl District in San Antonio, Texas
