Visiting Southern Mississippi

Southern Mississippi and it's coastal cities of Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula are now optimistic in their recovery from the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. After more than 100 days the Mississippi Joint Operations Center in Biloxi is reporting ongoing testing to ensure the integrity of the wellhead. The Mississippi National Guard is flying missions to located oiled areas and monitor boom used to contain oil and debris. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is monitoring beaches and will put advisories in place in any areas not recommended for swimming. Read on about some of the exciting events happening in Southern Mississippi.

The Celebration of Healing marks it's fifth anniversary in 2010 and the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. This week-long event in August begins with the Tears to Cheers Music Festival on the Beach in Biloxi. Bring lawn chairs for friends and family and enjoy live music, food, drinks and the kids can have fun at the KidsZone. Other events for the week include the Coastal Torch Relay where runners from both ends of the coast transport torches along the entire coast to meet in Biloxi. Look for special concerts and community events with a week of volunteerism capping off the Celebration of Healing.

The Best Western Oak Manor and the Best Western Cypress Creek, both in Biloxi, are conveniently located for travelers to the area. Pick the Best Western Oak Manor for a location near the beach or the Best Western Cypress Creek just off I-10. Enjoy Southern Mississippi with Best Western.

Pascagoula hosts the 19th Annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Blues and Heritage Festival mid-September. Held at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, this is must do for music fans. Artists include Charles Taylor & Zdeco Trouble Band and Jeff Floyd among the line-up. Rain or shine the show goes on under the covered pavilion. Sunday will feature the Gospel Festival, so bring family and friends for a weekend getaway.

The Best Western Magnolia in Gautier is an ideal spot for accommodations. Less than five miles from Pascagoula it is convenient to the Blues and Heritage Festival and local sites like the Northrop Grumman Navy Station. The Best Western Flagship Inn in Moss Point is nearby and conveniently located off I-10.

The 8th Annual Cajun, Country, Swamp Pop Music Festival is hosted in Gulfport the beginning of October. One of the Gulf Coasts most popular festivals, the 2010 event will feature a weekend of live entertainment, a vintage car show and lots of vendors. Held at the Harrison County Fairgrounds the Swamp Pop Music Festival is great fall fun. The Best Western Seaway Inn is ready with comfortable accommodations and complimentary breakfast for travelers to Gulfport. Conveniently located off I-10 and Highway 49 for easy access to all Gulfport attractions.