NEW ORLEANS, La. (NOLA NOW) - On an adventurous trip to Natchez, travelers can kick up their feet, hear a story, and chow down in new places with new people and maybe even gain a fresh perspective on life along the way.
Our first stop is the Linden Bed & Breakfast, a home constructed in 1790 that has sheltered six generations of family (and counting)! Spanning 10,000ft², the mansion offers six guest rooms with a variety of amenities, aesthetics, and stunning views among each.
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Behind the house and through a secret garden along a connecting corridor, a cozy cottage welcomes travelers after their long journeys. Both of the houses feature an old-brick, New Orleans style back porch for picnics, get-togethers with family, or merely a peaceful moment paired with wine and cheese--all to yourself.
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The owners of the bed and breakfast, David Hawkins & Marjorie Feltus-Hawkins, express the cherished satisfaction visitors convey while departing, “And when they leave, they say to us, ‘Oh my goodness, we could not have picked a better place!’ and it makes us feel so wonderful...mother actually created a motto saying, ‘You come as guest, but leave as family,’ and we still use that here.”
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Our second stop is The Big Muddy, a six bedroom bed and breakfast that bolsters the rustic elegance of Natchez while comfortably expressing its own eccentric flair. The Big Muddy offers antique and modern amenities, comfortable interiors, and a casual atmosphere. Each room pays tribute to a blues artist and two are even dedicated to the British Invasion!
The Big Muddy shares an affectionate nickname with the mighty Mississippi--upon which many blues artists have enriched Natchez with ample commerce and culture. This particular bed and breakfast pays special tribute to artists called musicians that paint the world with their sounds and ideas, enriching and connecting people.
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The Big Muddy doesn’t just pay homage to music and blues--it keeps it alive with a dozen concerts a year--from September to June. Of course, no concert would be complete without food and drinks, which is why the two owners, Amy Allen and Tracy Alderson-Allen, offer signature drinks and homemade meat pies that are unique with each season!
Through giddy smiles, both Amy and Tracy recall many heartwarming stories from The Big Muddy, “What happens in the Big Muddy stays in the Big Muddy. We see a lot of couples coming with their friends. We see lots of date nights, but then we also see friends come and be able to have a really great time. We’re across the street from Stanton Hall, and so sometimes if there’s a big wedding over there, people will stay here of the bridal party will stay here...I think that anyone who visits here will find that people come here and leave with a handful of friends.”
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Colleen Wilkins, owner of the Sunnyside bed and breakfast sat down to talk with NOLA Now, “Welcome to Sunnyside. I am so happy to have you here...When you enter Sunnyside, the first thing people notice is the entryway. People are amazed when I open the door because from the outside it looks like such a small house! Well, it’s almost 6000ft², and Sunnyside has one of the largest personal libraries in the community. When my guests come, I always invite them to pick a book.”
Sunnyside also offers a winter wonderland every Christmas, public gatherings during Thanksgiving, baby showers for expecting mothers, wedding rehearsals, and so much more. This little hidden Natchez gem offers an amazing stay as Mrs. Wilkins gestures her arms wide, “They’re welcome to use the entire home...I want everybody to feel at home when they come here!”
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Did we mention she also cooks?! Mrs. Wilkson smiles as if tasting cake, “I also cook breakfast...everybody always wants the fresh strawberry cake!”
Concluding our delightful tour of Sunnyside, Mrs. Wilkson closes her eyes a moment before speaking from the heart, “We are about hospitality. We are about making everybody feel welcome. And if I can get them here once, they will come back to see me...a lot of them become family. When you have a home like this, it’s a blessing to me to be able to share it.”
This article has been made possible by our friends at VISITNATCHEZ.ORG, where your adventure is ready to be lived!
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