Springing Into Mississippi’s Natchez Trace Parkway

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Clinton French Camp Ridgeland Tishomingo Natchez Raymond Tupelo Trace Blog Mississippi Blog Trip Ideas

Springing Into Mississippi’s Natchez Trace Parkway

Springing Into Mississippi’s Natchez Trace Parkway

Spring break is just around the corner, and it is the perfect time to start planning a fantastic seasonal road-trip through the Mississippi portion of the Natchez Trace, exploring the towns of Natchez, Raymond, Clinton, Jackson, Ridgeland, French Camp, Tupelo and Tishomingo.

The state features scenic nature sites, history and culture, outdoor recreation and roots laid by the best artists and musicians in American history.

Southern hospitably abounds in Natchez as it is perched high on the bluffs overlooking the magnificent Mississippi River. Natchez, MississippiWith a fascinating history spanning more than three centuries, Natchez easily blends the old and the new. It is home to an extraordinary collection of historical structures, residences and churches, as well as immaculately preserved antebellum mansions, four National Park sites, prehistoric Indian mounds and the stunning Natchez Trace Parkway.

Raymond, a small antebellum city, is 40 miles north of Port Gibson. Raymond welcomes visitors with its picturesque charm and Civil War history. A driving tour highlights the historic Hinds County Courthouse and the Dupree House. The Confederate Cemetery and the Civil War Battlefield include a walking trail, allowing visitors to see where history was made in 1863.

 

Clinton, just southwest of Mississippi’s capitol city, offers a variety of unique experiences for visitors of all ages. The numerous historical landmarks, as well as the robust visitor center, will appeal to history buffs. The museum room highlights the history of the Natchez Trace through Clinton, hosts monthly “Mississippi Old Time Music Society” jam sessions and has changing exhibits throughout the year. Numerous walking paths and activities are available at one of Clinton’s many parks. The charming brick streets of Clinton’s Olde Towne complement a variety of unique shops, restaurants and hotels.

Jacksonians have a triumphant spirit and are passionate individuals. Thanks to their innate sense of genuine welcome, you’ll instantly feel at home. Jackson is the ideal location for your next vacation thanks to its attractions, award-winning chefs, distinctive restaurants, countless entertaining events, three historic cultural districts, plenty of visual and performing arts and hip nightlife.

Ridgeland presents a surprising fusion of nature and style to discerning tourists. Boutique and upscale shopping, outdoor adventures, dining of all types and the Bill Waller Craft Center help Ridgeland maximize Mississippi’s pleasant climate by fusing the inside and outdoors. Visitors are greeted by the natural beauty and exceptional recreational options of the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, whose north side skirts along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

French Camp’s Historic District sits directly on the Natchez Trace Parkway and offers a glimpse into the daily activities of early settlers. Set your watch back – to the 1800s – and stay a while as you a bed and breakfast, historic buildings and special attractions, such as the pottery studio, gift shop, restaurant and museum.

In Tupelo, at the Natchez Trace Parkway headquarters, visitors may immerse themselves in the road’s vibrant and thrilling history through recently redesigned and improved exhibits that mix learning with fun. The chance to participate in tasks like crafting corn shuck dolls, weaving baskets, beading and working with leather is provided by living history demonstrations for both adults and children. The city of Tupelo offers a wide range of lodging options, the birthplace or Elvis Presley and award-winning culinary experiences.

Tishomingo Swinging Bridge
Tishomingo Swinging Bridge

Tishomingo County is home to Woodall Mountain, Mississippi’s highest point, two award-winning state parks and a national park. It is located in the Appalachian Mountains’ foothills. Caverns, canyons, a swinging bridge, a covered bridge, miles of hiking trails and streams perfect for canoeing, fishing and swimming make this an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Mississippi abounds in historic and cultural experiences, mouth-watering food, southern hospitality and a climate made for year-round outdoor enjoyment, so get to planning your Spring trip now!

French Camp Pioneer Day

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French Camp Attractions Attractions Mississippi

French Camp Pioneer Day

Pioneer Day, etc 198
Local artisan, Susan Donald, demonstrates mosaic work. Susan is also the potter at French Camp Academy’s Children of God Pottery Studio.

The whole family will find plenty of fun things to do and see on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Pioneer Day in French Camp, MS. Activities start at 9:00 and wrap up around 4:00. Admission to the festival is free.

You can step back in time as you wander through the Natchez Trace Historic District, where the air will be filled with invigorating sounds of music and tantalizing aromas of food. Artisans, showcasing their crafts will welcome you to watch, or maybe try your hand, at pottery, chair caning, wood carving, quilting, basket weaving, and more.

The Log Cabin Gift Shop will be stocked with Children of God pottery and beautiful handcrafts by local artisans. The Council House Café will serve up their famous sandwiches and desserts. (Proceeds are used to support FCA students.)

French Camp, MS, is located at the crossroads of MS Highway 413 and the Natchez Trace Parkway, about halfway between Jackson and Tupelo.

For updates on Pioneer Day, visit our website www.frenchcamp.org/historic. If you are interested in being a vendor or demonstrator, call Brittany Henderson at 662-547-6482.

Harvest Festival: French Camp, MS

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Communities French Camp Attractions Lodging Restaurants Mississippi

Harvest Festival: French Camp, MS

French Camp Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 12, 2013.  French Camp, MS.  Features a grand auction of homegrown and handcrafted items beginning at 9:30 AM in the French Camp Academy gymnasium. Quilts, pottery, woodcrafts, produce, artwork, and jewelry are some of the items for auction.  The Country Store features more of the same already priced. Concessions are available. At noon the auction stops for dinner on the grounds behind the FCA dining hall, and resumes at 1:00.

The Natchez Trace Historic District will feature craft demonstrators, musicians, and concessions, also.

French Camp is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway at mile marker 181, the intersection with MS Hwy 413.For more information visit www.frenchcamp.org or call (662) 547-6482.

 

Much To Do at French Camp Harvest Festival
Much To Do at French Camp Harvest Festival

Pioneer Day at French Camp

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Attractions Lodging

Pioneer Day at French Camp

Pioneer Day at French Camp

Second Saturday in May

Annual Festival

 

Load the wagons and bring your family and friends – join us on the annually on the second Saturday in May at the French Camp Historic District for Pioneer Day! Take a step back in time and wander through our historic village of cabins, museum, antebellum home, and more. Enjoy a self-guided boardwalk tour, learn from period demonstrators or sit back and enjoy live music from local artists.

The event is open to the public and there is no entry fee. Concessions are available.

For more information or directions, visit us online at www.frenchcamp.org/historic or call us at 662.547.6482.

The French Camp Historic District is located at Mile Marker 181 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. All proceeds from Pioneer Day benefit the students of French Camp Academy.

Pioneer Weekend Getaway

Interested in a weekend getaway? Contact French Camp Guest Services for more information on our getaway packages!

French Camp Guest Services
(662) 547-6835
guestservices@frenchcamp.org
Click here to reserve online

The Christmas Star Program at Rainwater Observatory, Friday, December 9, 2011

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Attractions

The Christmas Star Program at Rainwater Observatory, Friday, December 9, 2011

Rainwater Observatory in French Camp Mississippi will be offering a free program for the Christmas season called “The Christmas Star”. This program will be presented on Friday, December 9, 2011, starting at 7:00 p.m. by Edwin Faughn, managing director of Rainwater Observatory.

The Christmas Star” or “Star of Bethlehem” has been debated among scientists and theologians for centuries. Was it a comet, supernova, planetary conjunction or a totally supernatural event that announced the birth of Jesus Christ? Edwin will lead us on an exciting and informative journey and help us discover more about this incredible celestial event using the latest biblical as well as scientific research.

Edwin Faughn is also an artist and lecturer specializing in space sciences and has presented hundreds of presentations to diverse groups including but not limited to universities, museums, science centers, schools, churches of most major denominations and other faith based and civic organizations. His original artwork has been featured in and on the covers of numerous international space science magazines, exhibitions and planetarium productions. A few of his credits include Scientific American, Federal Express World Headquarters and the world premiere of Titanic: The Exhibition. He also served nearly 20 years as the art director for the Sharpe Planetarium of the Pink Palace Family of Museums in Memphis, Tennessee.

After the presentation, weather permitting, an observing session will be held using Rainwater’s collection of telescopes including the largest in Mississippi. The planetarium can be used if the outdoor observing is clouded out. Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium is located one mile east of the Natchez Trace Parkway off MS Highway 413 near the village of French Camp in Mississippi.

For more information contact Edwin Faughn at Rainwater Observatory: 662-547-7283 or info@rainwaterobservatory.org.

Sign up for our free e-newsletter on the homepage at www.rainwaterobservatory.org

Looking for Lodging? French Camp Bed and Breakfast Inn is located a mile from Rainwater Observatory.

The Council House Cafe is also located a mile away from Rainwater Observatory.

Bed and Breakfast Inn

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Lodging

Bed and Breakfast Inn

French Camp Bed & Breakfast
Comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and gracious hospitality await you at the French Camp Bed & Breakfast.

Treat yourself to a refreshing night’s stay at the French Camp Bed and Breakfast Inn. The rustic appeal of 1800’s log cabins combined with 21st century amenities make this a unique B&B. You could choose a room  in the main cabin, or spend the night in the carriage house, where Greenwood Leflore’s historic carriage is displayed. Two other cabins can host families or small groups. Each room  or cabin has a private bath and access to comfortable living space. The charm of an 1800’s farmhouse and hospitality of your hosts will make you want to “stay awhile.” Enjoy a full southern breakfast before you head out to enjoy the other sites of French Camp or travel to your next Trace destination. You will be full, rested, and satisfied that you planned a stop at the French Camp Bed and Breakfast.

Contact Guest Services at (662) 547-6835, visit www.frenchcamp.org/historic or click here to make a reservation.

bedroom at B&B
A view of one of the guest rooms in the French Camp Bed & Breakfast.

Rainwater Observatory

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Attractions

Rainwater Observatory

Established in 1985, Rainwater Observatory is now a premier, nationally known center for teaching astronomy and observing the heavens. Groups, individuals, schools, and amateur astronomers from across the nation come to programs and events. Teacher workshops are hosted for earning CEU’s. The annual Mid-south Stargaze in April brings those interested in the heavenly orbs from Central and South America as well as the good ole’ USA.

For scheduled events and contact information, visit www.rainwaterobservatory.org.

Camp of the Rising Son

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Attractions Lodging

Camp of the Rising Son

Hall Lodge overlooks beautiful Lake Anne at the Rising Son Conference Center.

Located just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Natchez Trace, Hall Lodge, rustic cabins, and modern motel-style rooms await the young and young-at-heart. Initially styled to host the 6 weeks of summer camp for ages 7 – 17 year olds. Camp of the Rising Son now serves as a year-round retreat and camp center.

French Camp Academy started CRS in the early 1980’s with a few camp activities and has grown to offer over 17, plus off-site adventures.  During the remaining weeks of the year, family reunions, businesses, church and civic groups can take advantage of activites such as canoeing, horseback riding, swimming, hiking, or rocking on the back porch. Large and small meeting areas are well equiped, and catering is available.

Contact Camp of the Rising Son offices for summer camp information at (662) 547-6169. Guest Services can help with meetings, retreats, and conferences: (662) 547-6835.

www.campoftherisingson.com www.frenchcamp.org

Sorghum Molasses, The Old-Fashioned Way

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Attractions

Sorghum Molasses, The Old-Fashioned Way

historic district
Steam rises as sorghum syrup is made into molasses on the open firepit at French Camp, MS.

Visit French Camp, Mississippi on any Saturday in October for a first-hand look at making sorghum molasses. You’ll see the grinding of sorghum on a horsedrawn mill, cooking the syrup over an open firepit and packaging fresh molasses for you to take home. You may even be offered fresh homemade biscuits with hot molasses poured into the center. By the way, it’s okay to lick your fingers.
Please check ahead of time in case the weather isn’t cooperative: 662 547-6835 www.frenchcamp.org/historic

French Camp, MS Harvest Festival, October 13, 2012

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Attractions

French Camp, MS Harvest Festival, October 13, 2012

Begins at 9:30 in the Cain-Patterson Gymnasium at French Camp Academy. An auction of handcrafted items including quilts, woodcrafts, ironwork and other items highlights this day in the fall. Other activities include: sorghum molasses processing, bluegrass music, craft demonstrations, dinner on the grounds, concessions and country store. Contact 662 547-6482 or www.frenchcamp.org/historic.

handcrafts
Just a sample of the handcrafted items available at the Harvest Festival Auction.

Christmas Display in December

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Attractions

Christmas Display in December

Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem to be taxed…

Beautifully crafted Christmas displays line the lane running through the French Camp Historic District. Designed by the Community Club, these lighted scenes depict the Biblical account of Christ from the Annunciation through His Ascension. Enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk or drive through from the first week of December through the 26th

Council House Café

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Restaurants

Council House Café

 

Be filled to the gills with delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts served up with a smile at the Council House Cafe

Stop in to enjoy a hot, satisfying bowl of potato soup, some sweet and crunchy broccoli salad,  and a smoked turkey sandwich with a glass of sweet tea at the Council House Café. Follow it up with bread pudding topped with caramel sauce or Mississippi mud cake with a dollop of ice cream. All of our sandwiches are made on freshly baked French Camp bread.  Several choices of meats, soups, and salads are waiting for you. We would love to have you join us for a meal  Monday – Saturday. We open at 10:30 and close around 7:00.  COME SEE US!

We are thankful for all our patrons. Eating at the Council House Cafe is not only a satisfying culinary experience, but profits go directly to support deserving young people through scholarship aid at French Camp Academy. For take-out orders  or to make reservations for groups of 10 or more, please call 662-547-9860. Tour buses welcomed with advance notice.

French Camp

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Featured Communities French Camp Attractions

French Camp

FC historic
The Log Cabin sits at the gateway to the French Camp historic district to welcome you.

Located at mileage marker 181 on the Natchez Trace, French Camp is a delightful mix of the
old and new. Discover how early Americans lived in the Natchez Trace Historic District of French Camp Academy. Walk through the authentic antebellum home, visit an old graveyard, and reminisce in the museum. Spend the night in the rustic (but fully modernized) French Camp Bed and Breakfast, constructed from log cabins. Dine at the Council House Cafe and shop at the Log Cabin Gift Shop. See the galaxies through research grade telescopes at Rainwater Observatory. Stop by the bakery for a fresh loaf of homemade bread. Plan a conference or retreat at Rising Son Conference Center. Get a visitors pass and schedule a tour of French Camp Academy, a Christian boarding school serving young people and their families since 1885.

Ninety miles north of Jackson, Mississippi, this timeless treasure abounds with a colorful past of generals, pirates, explorers, Indians, bootleggers and buried gold. The real French Camp Story is not about a place, but about the people. The pioneering spirit and resourcefulness of the first settlers carved a way of life from the abundant Mississippi wilderness. Their community-wide commitment to the education and spiritual development of their children provide the foundation for French Camp Academy, a school born of humble beginnings in the nineteenth century.

For more information call (662) 547-9464 or visit or website, www.frenchcamp.org/historic