Fun Friday

Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.

Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to the beautiful state of Mississippi

1.) Beauvoir located in Biloxi hours of operation are 8:30-5pm Price of Admission is roughly $14 Home of Ex-Confederate President of the Confederate States of America where he lived his remaining 12 years of his life (post-war) and where he wrote "The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government." Golf Carts are now available to rent. Guided tour of the home showing how life was lived by the President and his family and self guided grounds (Varina's Garden, Cemetery, and nature trail), Museum, separated into 3 sections: Rotating Gallery, Soldier's Exhibit, and President Davis Exhibit. Research Library including reference books to accommodate most genealogy research focused on the Civil War.

2.) Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art located in Biloxi hours of operation are 12-7pm We invite you to enjoy all that makes our museum unique: the artists, the architecture, the history, and the landscape. The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art celebrates the innovative, independent, and creative spirit of our namesake, Mississippi master potter George Ohr - "The Mad Potter of Biloxi." In a fitting tribute to Ohr, artist and architect Frank Gehry designed an award winning campus of bold, intriguing, and self sufficient structures. These buildings and the exhibits therein offer visitors separate but not isolated experiences - together creating a single unified vision connected by the expansive brick plaza and the majestic Live Oaks. Just have one day? Come see art exhibits that exemplify the creative spirit of George Ohr and the Southeastern US. Stay a bit longer and enjoy taking ceramics classes in our expansive ceramics studio. Stay for good and become a member to experience all that the museum has to offer - including events that enrich and educate our coastal community.

3.) Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum located in Biloxi hours of operation are 9-4:30pm The Museum exhibits hundreds of one-of-a-kind artifacts and an unrivaled collection of vintage photos, which tells the story from the time of the first Indian settlement through generations of immigrants whose journey contributed to the melting-pot culture of the Gulf Coast. The Grand Hall features the "Nydia" , a 30' gaff rigged cabin sloop built in Biloxi in 1898 at the Johnson Shipyard. Featured exhibits include shrimping, oystering, recreational fishing, wetlands, marine blacksmithing, net-making, boat building, hurricanes, featuring Camille and Katrina, all the while telling the tale of over 300 years of history, culture and heritage. The Museum is available for special events, meetings, weddings, etc.

4.) The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies located in Gulfport hours of operation are 9-4pm The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 for the purposes of public education, conservation, and research on marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild and under human care. IMMS's Ocean Adventures Marine Park is open to the public year-round, reservations are not required. The Park is open seven days a week from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. All admission and interactive program proceeds go toward our conservation efforts. IMMS has been an active participant of the National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the premier stranding organization in the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast with the capability and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals and sea turtles. IMMS serves as an important educational resource for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, incorporating programs for conservation, education and research of marine mammals, sea turtles, and their environment.

5.) Lynn Meadows Discovery Center located in Gulfport hours of operation are 10-5pm Located in a 1915 schoolhouse, under the large live oaks, just blocks from the beach in Gulfport, MS, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is a special place for children and their grown-ups. Inside, 15,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits encourage fun, learning and creativity. Discover different cultures at Celebrate the World We Share, board the train at Dolan Avenue Depot, and create a mini masterpiece at our art studio, Art Knows Anything Goes. Outside, oak-covered acres provide more space to let the imagination run wild. Playhouse in the trees, tap a tune in the outdoor musical garden, and explore the tiny town of Kids Street. Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is honored to be a recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Services, which recognizes exceptional contributions to the community.

6.) Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum located in GulfPort We are a Model Railroad Club & Museum with over 200 years of railroad history dedicated to Bringing the Spirit of the American Railroad Back to Life. We are located at 522 Pass Road, Gulfport, MS. Hours of operation are 12pm-5pm Wednesday through Sunday. We do offer birthday parties along with private parties. The Museum is the home of the largest LEGO(R) railroad display in Mississippi with over 2 million pieces, multiple scale model train layouts, elevated and ground level G scale trains, interactive layouts for kids to operate and enjoy, outdoor garden displays, and multiple riding trains! There are also many fun, themed outdoor railroad displays to enjoy like Jurassic Park and Futurama! Follow us on Facebook and come visit us soon. We also do group & bus tours.

7.) Walter Anderson Museum of Art located in Ocean Springs hours of operation are 10-5pm The Walter Anderson Museum of Art (WAMA), founded in 1991, is located in historic Ocean Springs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. WAMA is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of artist-philosopher Walter Anderson (1903-1965) and his family. Walter Anderson’s paintings, drawings, murals, block prints, sculpture, carvings, and writings of coastal plants, animals, landscapes, and people have placed him among the most compelling and singular artists of the 20th century.

8.) Friendship Oak located in Long Beach hours of operation are 8-5pm Over 500 years old, this oak tree is allegedly Mississippi's oldest and most beautiful tree.

9.) Waveland's Ground Zero Hurricane Museum hours of operation are 10-3pm Our museum is housed in a historic building in Waveland that had been used as a school and civic center. It is the only building left standing on our main street after Hurricane Katrina and has been restored to its original structure. We have permanent and temporary exhibitions with interactive displays, oral history and other videos, along with a diverse collection of memorabilia from the entire Gulf Coast. We welcome families from our community, from around the US and international visitors. We hope you stop by!

10.) L & N Historic Train Depot hours of operation are 9-4pm The beautiful Bay St. Louis train depot, built in 1928, houses the visitors center, where visitors can get information about businesses and attractions in the Bay St. Louis area, the Mardi Gras Museum, featuring beautiful Mardi Gras costumes and the Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum. The depot itself is set in a park-like setting featuring many Live Oak trees, picnic tables, benches, and a walking path. Duck food can be purchased in the visitor center and many ducks and geese are waiting to be fed at the duck pond on the depot grounds. There is a lot to do and enjoy at the depot and to learn the history of this building and of the difficulties experienced in earlier times maintaining a railroad across the nearby Honey Island Swamp. The Alice Moseley Museum is an entertainment venue as much as it is a Museum and visitors to see Miss Alice usually leave the Museum with a smile on their face and a love of Alice Moseley in their hearts.

11.) Vicksburg National Military Park hours are 8:30-5pm  1800 acres of now peaceful countryside, this park was once the scene of a bloody 47-day Civil War battle. While here I would also recommend that you check out the  U.S.S. Cairo Museum tour the first boat to be sunk by a torpedo.

12.) Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum located in Tupelo hours of operation are 9-5pm Come visit the Museum showing objects from Elvis' childhood.

13.) Longwood located in Natchez hours of operation are 9-5pm Construction on this architectural gem, the largest octagonal house in the U.S., began in 1860, but was interrupted by the onset of war. A National Historic Landmark, the still-unfinished mansion is an enduring symbol of the impact of the Civil War. While in town check out Stanton Hall, one of the most magnificent and Palatial Greek homes in America, occupies an entire city block in downtown. Melrose  Part of Natchez National Historical Park, Melrose is an antebellum plantation that features a slavery exhibit and you can't forget Rosalie Mansion where you will find a unique collection of children's dolls and toys made from cloth and porcelain.

14.) The Delta Blues Museum located in Clarksdale hours of operation are 10-5pm Housed in the newly renovated Yazoo and Mississippi River Valley Railroad Depot, the museum presents the history of the Blues through photos, written word, artifacts and instruments.

15.) B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center located in Indianola In addition to storyboards, artifacts and photos, the Museum had several excellent films with original footage and music (and seats, thank goodness) that showcased his development. He had heard about Memphis, the center of early Blues at the time, and exploited opportunities that led him onto a radio station that served the Black community. His career progressed from there. As his success grew, he acquired a nickname that led him to change his name from Riley to B.B. King. King is regarded as one of the most prolific guitar players of all time. He had a unique playing style and technique (especially his phrasing) that made him a legend in the guitar community. He is also known for introducing variations outside the traditional music 5-note scale, adding faint notes and an unusual vibrato effect. His innovations influenced guitarists in every other music genre, not just the Blues.

16.) Mississippi Civil Rights Museum located in Jackson hours of operation are 9-5pm The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum shares the stories of a Mississippi movement that changed the nation. The museum promotes a greater understanding of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement and its impact by highlighting the strength and sacrifices of its peoples. Visitors will witness the freedom struggle in eight interactive galleries that show the systematic oppression of black Mississippians and their fight for equality that transformed the state and nation. Seven of the galleries encircle a central space called This Little Light of Mine. There, a dramatic sculpture glows brighter and the music of the Movement swells as visitors gather.

17.)  Old Court House Museum located in Vicksburg hours of operation are 8:30-5pm It is a beautiful building which dates from around 1860 and fortunately it was saved from demolition by the local Historical Society. The Old Court House now serves as a museum with historic collections of memorabilia and the Teddy Roosevelt display on the 2nd floor is amazing. It even has A teddy bear that TR gave as a gift. The courtroom is interesting and the annex has several relics from Jefferson Davis.

18.) Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center hours of operation are 8-5pm This is one of the best Civil War interpretive centers you can visit. There are extensive exhibits, several films to watch, and an interesting courtyard listing the major battles. Even the walkway is educational with replica artifacts embedded into the concrete.

19.)  Rowan Oak located in Oxford hours of operation are 10-4pm We had been trying for some time to visit the home where William Faulkner lived for the better part of 30 years until his death. I was surprised at how modest and comfortable the home is. The admission is only $5 cash.  It is a lovely home and truly feels like a home rather than a museum. The caretaker is an expert on Faulkner, so if you have any questions, he is a wealth of information. I especially liked the Faulkner study downstairs where you can see on the wall how he mapped out his Pulitzer Prize winning novel, A Fable. The grounds are equally lovely in a ramshackle kind of way. There are walking and running paths through the woods near his home and people appear at times with their dogs, using the grounds for their walks. Also they gave us beautiful bookmarks, imprinted with a graphic of Faulkner's Remington typewriter, made from the cedar trees that surround the home. Take time to walk the Bailey’s Woods trail (about a mile) to the University of Mississippi Art Museum.

20.) Hattiesburg Zoo hours of operation are 10-4pm 12-acre Zoo featuring over 100 species of animals including tiger, tapir, capybara, zebras, alpacas, primates, birds, sloths, reptiles, flamingos, servals, porcupines, fennec fox, and more! Attractions located within the zoo include: train, carousel, high ropes adventure course, splash pad, wallaby walkabout, mining expedition, Asbury Discovery Center, Safari Grill, Pop's Brothers Popsicles, Snow Cones, and a whole lot more. We are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for everyone, children under two get in free!

21.) Mississippi Museum of Natural Science located in Jackson  hours of operation are 8-5pm Meet over 200 living species in our 100,000 gallon aquarium network. See native reptiles, fishes, and amphibians! Explore an entire wall of fossil specimens, Zygorhiza, Mosasaurus, and a giant Sloth. Check out deer, waterfowl, and Mississippi's endangered species exhibits. The Preschool Discovery Room features colorful murals and an iconic, giant treehouse with a slide. Plus, two miles of outdoor walking trails that wind through natural habitats. The museum was named the "2014 Escape to the Southeast Travel Attraction of the Year" by the Southeast Tourism Society.

22.) Mississippi Children's Museum hours of operation of 9-5pm The Mississippi Children's Museum is your Destination for Imagination. The mission of the Mississippi Children's Museum is to create unparalleled experiences to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning. Visit the Mississippi Children's Museum and get inspired! Open Tuesday through Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm Admission is $10 per person; children under the age of 1 year are free.

23.) Mississippi Armed Forces Museum located in Hattiesburg hours of operation are 9-4pm The Mississippi Armed Forces Museum is proud to serve as the military history museum for the state of Mississippi. The museum aims to educate the public about Mississippi’s role in military history, while honoring the service of both Mississippi veterans and those who have trained in Mississippi during times of war. Visit us today, located approximately 10 miles south of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center.

24.) Mississippi Petrified Forest located in Flora  Fully handicapped accessible people refer to this as the magical forest and the pictures do not do justice to the natural beauty of the petrified trees. It's pretty amazing when you think of how old they are. The gift shop has a variety of local petrified specimens as well as a large assortment of jewelry, rocks and minerals from around the world. The prices are reasonable

25.) INFINITY Science Center located in Pearlington hours of operation are 9-4pm INFINITY Science Center is a non-profit science museum that encompasses a mix of exhibit space and hands-on experiential programming where guests can explore Earth and space through exhibits, memorable experiences and citizen science programs. INFINITY also serves as the official visitor center for NASA Stennis Space Center, Mississippi's largest rocket engine testing facility.

26.) GRAMMY Museum Mississippi located in Cleveland  hours of operation are 10-5 price of admission is roughly $16 The 28,000 sq.ft. GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is dedicated to exploring the past, present & future of music, & the cultural context from which it emerges, while casting a focused spotlight on the deep musical roots of Mississippi. The Museum will feature a dynamic combination of public events, educational programming, engaging multimedia presentations, interactive permanent & traveling exhibits.

27.) Jim Henson Exhibit  located in Leland hours of operation are 10-4pm This is just an adorable place! Be prepared to take a trip back to your childhood! There is so much information on Jim’s creations and his life. We enjoyed the visit. This is a must see for all ages.What a precious little museum! We were captivated by the memorabilia (all donated!) on display. The scrapbooks are fascinating and so much fun to read through, as are the articles about Jim Henson and the history of how Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppets came to be.

28.) Grand Gulf Military Park located in Port Gibson Visit the forts, cemetery, observation tower and restored buildings that comprise this 400-acre park, the historic site of the shelling of Confederate forts by Union ironclad gunboats.

29.) Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library located in Starkville  hours of operation are 8-5pm The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library contains 15,000 linear feet of correspondence, research notes, published monographs, artifacts, photographs, scrapbooks, and memorabilia, by and about the United States’ 18th president, covering his early life, Civil War triumphs, presidency, and beyond. The 21,000 sq foot facility includes a museum dedicated to U. S. Grant.

30.) The Lewis Ranch located in Nesbit The Lewis Ranch is unlike any other rock ’n’ roll attraction. It’s an active residence where Jerry Lee Lewis still spends time with his family and friends. Jerry Lee has always seen The Lewis Ranch as his private escape, but now he’s decided to open the doors to fans. We have created small, intimate tours that take you behind the scenes and into the heart of the Killer’s life—past and present. We offer 4 guided tours throughout the day at 10:00AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, and 3:00PM.

With over 200  things to see in a state I found myself always immersed in something along the way. There are quite a few more historial noteworthy things here in the state. I hope that you take the time to spend some quality time with so many of these quaint little towns and really immerse yourself in the history.

I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.

Written by: BeautifulChaos318