A Day in Natchez
Set on the banks of our country’s second largest river, the city of Natchez is regarded as the birthplace of Mississippi. This quaint, quintessential southern town is rich with culture and heritage. Our Natchez Trace Parkway bike tour starts with a full day to experience just what they mean by southern hospitality, including a baking class with the Queen of Biscuits herself. This is a day in Natchez.
Morning
Our day in Natchez kicks off with an orientation at the city’s Visitor Center. Guests are encouraged to explore the exhibits chronicling the history of Natchez while our guides prepare bikes and gear. After introductions and a run down of the day, it’s time to jump on our bikes to experience the history and culture first-hand.
The story of Natchez plays out before us as we pedal through town. Our ride features captivating tales of enchanted statues, fascinating characters, and the town’s split personality. Additionally, we enjoy the sheer beauty of the town throughout the ride with blooming trees in the spring, and deep rich color in the fall.
The “Turning Angel” appears to turn and watch as we pedal past. After a tragic gas explosion at the Natchez Drug Company in 1908, a monument of a solemn angel was built. According to some, the angel turns to look at passersby. The effect is said to be accentuated when headlights hit the statue as cars round the bend of the road.
Next, we encounter a curious tomb built by a grieving 19th century mother to soothe her daughter during storms. The grave of 10-year-old Florence Irene Ford was fitted with stairs leading down to a small window to view the casket.
During her life, Florence was terrified of storms and sought comfort from her mother Ellen. When the little girl succumbed to yellow fever, Ellen couldn’t bear the thought of her daughter being all alone. Metal trapdoors protected Ellen from the wind and rain as she read and sang to Florence while storms passed.
The grave has changed very little since 1897. Cemetery visitors can still sit with young Florence during storms.
Late Morning
After seeing Natchez’s more proper side on top of the river bluffs, the group descends into the city’s historic underbelly–“Under-the-Hill.” This district was described as one of the rowdiest ports on the Mississippi River by 19th century travelers. The main street was lined with taverns, gambling halls, and brothels during the port city’s hay day.
More solemnly, we ride by the former site of the South’s second largest slave market. Forks of the Road is now part of the Natchez National Historical Park. The small park features exhibits chronicling Natchez’s role as the center of slavery during America’s darkest period.
The city is dotted with iconic historic homes that were the setting for life in the 19th century. We have the chance to tour two contrasting homes that offer a glimpse into life during the Antebellum Period in the deep south.
Before lunch, we visit Stanton Hall situated right in the center of town. Built in the 1850s, the home represents one of the most lavish quintessentially antebellum mansions to remain. After being declared both a National Historic Landmark and Mississippi Landmark, the building operates as a museum.
Fun Fact Stanton Hall inspired the design of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion attraction.
Afternoon
Following a delicious Southern-tinged lunch at The Little Easy, we visit the second home. Longwood, also known as Nutt’s Folly, is a much different take on an antebellum estate. It is the largest octagonal house in the United States, and on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
At the conclusion of our historic journey around some of the most iconic landmarks in Natchez, we head to our lodging at Monmouth Inn. This beautiful, old mansion now serves as one of the nicest accommodations in town. Set on 26 acres, guests get to live in history as they wander the gardens and sleep in rooms revived with period furnishings.
Evening
After a little rest at Monmouth, we head back into town for some world class biscuit-making. The Queen of Biscuits herself, Chef Regina Charboneau, leads the group with a hands-on class all about the flaky, buttery pastry. Guests can expect to get their hands down and dirty into some flour and butter.
The day ends with a lovely group meal at Monmouth Inn’s Restaurant 1818. Indulge in a classic, southern meal in what was once the Men’s and Ladies’ Parlors of the Main House.
After dinner guests can stroll the gardens or head to their rooms to get some shut-eye in preparation for 45-miles of riding on the Natchez Trace Parkway on Day Two.
Photos provided by Visit Natchez and G. Douglass Adams Photography
Wilderness Voyageurs operates fully supported, inn-to-inn bicycle tours across the United States. We offer more rail-trail tours and biking destinations than any other U.S. based bike tour company.