Biloxi, MS

Leaving Florida and moving into uncharted ground was exciting for us. Last year, Biloxi was on our list of places to see but motorhome troubles caused delays and some places had to be cancelled Biloxi, MS being one. I decided on the Majestic Oaks RV Resort because of the great reviews and very friendly people. I would not be disappointed. It's a small resort by some standards but that's what we like.

The welcoming signage

Entrance to resort, pool on the left

Interior roads all paved

Our site # 33 beautifully landscaped

Biloxi, MS is a small city with a population of approximately 45,000. Lying on the Gulf Coast it is considered a subtropical climate with mild wet winters and hot humid summers. When driving along the coast a very well known landmark is the Biloxi Lighthouse. This lighthouse, made of cast iron and brick was built in Baltimore and shipped south to Biloxi where it was completed in 1848.

Biloxi Lighthouse, Gulf in background

Across the road is the visitors information center which was completed in 2011.

Antebellum style visitors center

You can't visit Biloxi without seeing and talking about the destruction and impact that Hurricane Katrina had on the city. Many hurricanes have hit the Gulf Coast but none like the one August 29, 2005. The storm surge level can be seen on the inside of the lighthouse.

Storm surge levels

The first cannery factory opened in Biloxi in 1881. The coast was dominated by shrimp and oyster boasts in the 1950. With legalized gambling in 1990's came the casinos. Biloxi became a tourist destination creating an important center for millions of dollars. Floating casinos dominated the coast. When Hurricane Katrina hit on that fateful night the barge casinos where ripped from their supports and thrown inland contributing to the damage. Years later the destruction has been cleaned up but the emptiness remains.

Empty beaches once riddled with casinos and restaurants

Across the road from the beach once stood large antebellum homes now the lots are vacant. All that remains are concrete pads and driveways leading to nowhere.

Just trees remain, sign says lot for sale by owner

Many owners chose not to rebuild because insurance cost made it unattainable. Also Biloxi city by-laws stipulates that a house has to be rebuilt in the old antebellum style. Well that sure isn't cheap.

Concrete pad and driveway is all that remains

Brick fireplace is all that remains

On that fateful night Hurricane Katrina came ashore at high tide with a storm surge of 27 feet. Ninety percent of the buildings in Biloxi and Gulfport were destroyed. Trees were also hard hit. But something good has come from this. Local artists sculpted the now dead trees into works of art.

We decided to try some of the local cuisine. A restaurant that has been a landmark here in Biloxi and one that was rebuilt on the beach after Katrina.



The first thing that hit us when we walked in was the wonderful smell of all the different spices they used when cooking. They had shelves of herbs, spices, potions, from hot to suicide and beyond. Susan and I both looked at each other and wondered if we would have a stomach after we left.

Cajun catfish, hushpuppies, and fries

Sole, hushpuppies, fries, and coleslaw

The food here was fabulous, my catfish was very spicy Cajun style. Susan's was mildly battered with a little bite. If in Biloxi I would highly recommend this place.

Watching the sunset after supper

Sightseeing, amazing food, wonderful sunsets how can we finish off Biloxi. The only way is spending some cash at the casino. We chose The Hard Rock Casino over the others for no particular reason and had a great time.

Hard Rock Casino