I love a small Mississippi town. There is just something to perfect about them and the charm they possess. We have stayed in Laurel and also Biloxi over the years, but Ocean Springs has been on my list.
I had been really needing some time away for the last few months. December is always a crazy month with the holidays and having family in town and this year we also were sick off and on throughout the month. I talked to Justin and told him how overwhelmed I was and that I just felt like I needed a reset. Some time without anyone having any expectations on me. I knew I didn’t want to go too far away so Ocean Springs seemed like the perfect getaway.
The charm of Ocean Springs is noticeable immediately. I parked on Government Street and walked to find lunch and shopping. The day I arrived it was so cold and damp, but it was still nice to be able to walk around. I found several restaurants and a donut shop that I will tell you more about below, but the choices were endless all-around town.
Stay
The Beatnik was my first choice for where I was going to stay. I have been following them on Instagram for some time and loved how they had individual bungalows. The bungalow was spacious and warm. There is a bedroom with a king-sized bed, tv and desk. The bedroom also leads out to the screened in porch. The center of the bungalow has a sitting area with a couch and small library. There is also a small kitchen attached. Spacious bathroom with an outdoor shower and a hammock. There is also a pool on the property that is heated in the winter.
The Beatnik
The Roost
Although I didn’t stay at The Roost it was on my way to The Beatnik and it looked so quaint and southern. It is on my list if I stay in Ocean Springs again.
Other locations that are in Ocean Springs and on Government Street.
The Inn at Ocean Springs
Front Beach Cottages
Government Street Cottages
Eat
Traveling for me is 100% focused on where I am going to eat. When Justin and I traveled alone before the boys were born, we often would plan out every place we were going to eat while we were out of town. I am also the person who checks out the menu of any new restaurant I try.
Before I left for Ocean Springs, I had scouted out a few places that I wanted to try. These are the places I was able to dine while I was in Ocean Springs.
Mosaic
Really aesthetically pleasing decor. It was a great cross between traditional and bohemian elements. I had the gumbo which was perfection on the cold day I was in town.
The Lady May
I shopped the Lady May Market before I ate dinner in their cute location. I was passing by on the street and saw that they had a variety of jams and other items for sale in their shop. I stopped in ad purchased some bourbon-soaked cherries and also some of their bacon jam. I returned for dinner and had the crabcakes and I couldn’t resist trying the mac and cheese.
Tatonut Donuts
I personally think the marking of a good town is the line at their donut shop. Not only was Tatonut packed after lunch the line was on the sidewalk the next morning. I was personally blown away by their red velvet cake donut.
The District Coffee Company
A relaxing trip on my own isn’t complete without an afternoon coffee breaks. I tried the lavender latte, and it was so good I went back the next morning.
French Kiss Pasteris
This location was quaint and, in my opinion, very Twee. The cabinet with all the beautifully stacked cakes were delightful. I picked up a Vanilla Bean Cheesecake and a Carrot cake for the kids. They were delicious.
Shop
My next priority after eating is definitely shopping. When I am in a small town there are three types of businesses, I am looking to visit: a candy shop, an antique store and a mercantile.
Moxie
Moxie was a lady’s boutique that had all curvy and plus size options. They had a great selection of Valentine’s Day sweaters as well as Mardi Gras and they were starting to get spring in too. One thing I noticed was they had plus size gowns in stock. It is not always an easy thing to find especially in a place where you can try it on. Definitely worth the drive.
The Candy Cottage
There is always a candy store in a small town. I got the boys each a homemade root beer sucker and I found some spiced pecans for Justin. The location was quaint, and the owner was so nice.
Ocean Springs Mercantile
I specifically went into this shop to check out the layout of the store for one of my social media clients. I wanted to scope out there set up. What I ended up finding was a gorgeous vintage hat which I took home with me for less than $20.
Buff City Soap Company
There was so much in this shop it was kind of intimidating. It was like a bath and body works with all homemade products. You can literally watch them making the soap, bath bombs and shave bars behind the counter. Nothing was overpowering and they fully disclose all of the ingredients. Loved the store and the owner was also kind and welcoming.
Antique Shop
Next to Buff City Soap was a sweet little antique shop. I cannot remember the name and I couldn’t find it online. They had an array of vintage brooches and other antiques. I also saw a mink hat which was gorgeous but out of my price range for this trip.
See
I wasn’t able to do anything on this part of the list, but I wanted to include it for you and for me when I go back. I definitely want to rent a bike the next time I am in the area if the weather permits.
Craft Advisory Brewing
Walter Anderson Museum of Art
Slow Ride Pedal Tours
Gulf Islands Seashore Visitor Center
Bike Rentals
Final Thoughts
Overall, I give Ocean Springs a 10. I would definitely go back with my friends or with Justin. I don’t know that I would bring the kids. It would depend on the time of year. I know in the spring there is a lot of family friendly fun in the area, but I may just keep this as an adult retreat for myself. If you want more information, I encourage you to follow the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce or GulfCoast.org
XO,
Tiffany
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