Sunday, November 18, 2018

Great Blues and Royal Reds

November 5-7, 2018
Bay St Louis, Mississippi

We fell in love with Mississippi two years ago. One of the reasons was the little town of Bay St Louis, right on the gulf. The sites at the Silver Slipper Casino RV Park sit 50 yards from the water on level concrete. All are back-ins with 50 amp FHUs, a small picnic table, fire ring, BBQ and trash can. There are no buildings here, just the sites. Check-in down the road at the casino (they send someone to unlock the electric box). The location is wonderful, especially at the very reasonable $25/night.

The sign is in the back of the first site - they're that close to the beach.
Tuesday is our only day here and we spend it under cool and cloudy skies, exploring the laid back area. The eye of Hurricane Katrina came on shore here, and 13 years later, rebuilding and rebranding continues. At the end of the day I learn there is a Ground Zero Museum that I put on the list for next time.

The tallest stilt houses we've seen anywhere so far (that's a full size travel trailer underneath). Love the alien gate :-)

Many destroyed docks are now roosts for water fowl while industry continues in the distance.
Lots of wonderful pelicans.


 Great Blue Herons look like different birds when their necks are tucked in,

and when they're stretched out in flight.

The historic concrete railroad depot houses a small museum and gallery.

Unique architecture.

A nice exhibit of bright Mardi Gras costumes.

The men's court regalia are very flashy.

How did she walk anywhere?

My favorite!

Lots of sequins and feathers.

Mississippi Blues history in the area.

Hurricane Katrina over Bay St Louis on August 29, 2005.

One of many angels carved by Dayle Lewis on the destroyed trees along the gulf. Nothing here tells me why this angel is no longer on the tree where she was made.


The second floor is the Alice Moseley Gallery with many of her delightful paintings. 

The depot is nicely restored, but the exhibits are unorganized with little explanation.

The original downtown has not found new businesses.

Someone has put a lot of work into restoring the buildings.

Home town street lights.
One of the reasons I wanted to return is the amazing Royal Reds served at the Blind Tiger. Better than lobster, crab and prawns (for us), these giant shrimp are the tastiest shellfish we've ever had. Served boiled and seasoned with sausage, potatoes and corn, our meal is every bit as good as we remember. Some smoked tuna dip and a few amber brews, and we are happy campers!

Even with chilly outdoor temps, the relaxed beach vibe is alive and well in this little bar.

Sooooo good (and really messy)!

A healthy marina just outside.

Skies threatening as we return home.



Sky and water blend.

We're leaving in the morning so there must be zoomies before we go.


Fluffy tracks.

Flying by with one foot on the ground.

Happy dog!
We're off to New Orleans where Tessa and I will spend some girls-only days seeing the city.



18 comments:

  1. Loved your pelican and heron photos! And you made my mouth water!

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    1. So many wonderful birds in that area. Nothing better than those shrimp!!

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  2. Fluffyphideaux! Boy, those Royal Reds look good. And that stilt house looks both formidable and perilous, Jodee. 😊

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    1. LOL! I agree I'm not sure I'd want to be facing the winds up there, but I bet the water doesn't get in the house!

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  3. Love the history. The lady who had to wear the huge hat, probably had to go through doors sideways. 😃
    Love the blue herons, gorgeous birds!

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    1. I think you're right - and I doubt it was worn on any dance floor :-)))

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  4. Love the purple house, and gate, but would hate the stairs. Although I love feathers and sequins I can't imagine wearing some of that crazy garb. Love to see that Tessa on the beach.

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    1. Fortunately most of the new stilt houses have elevators - thankfully! Maybe just for Mardi Gras :-))

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  5. Never been to Bay St. Louis, thanks for the look around. Love the Mardi Gras costumes. I loved dress up as a kid and when Carrie was a kid and any chance I get. Mostly ritual and Renaissance Faires unfortunately. Not enough of either. I think doing carvings on the trees that were topped or damaged is such a wonderful uplifting idea. Zoomies forever!!!

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    1. I too love dressing up, and miss ritual a lot. There were a few other carvings along the roads - lots of birds and symbols of rising and soaring. Lovely.

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  6. What a great site & right on the beach. Rufus would want to spend his days making zoomies and then rest in the sunshine before going crazy in the sand again :-) Then it's bath time!! I like shrimp so I'll have to give the Royal Reds a taste.

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    1. Debbie and Steve first told me about the Reds and I'll always love them for it!! No one else on the beach so perfect for the pups.

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  7. You've just put Bay St. Louis on our itinerary—maybe we can work it in as we make our way to Florida! It looks lovely and interesting. Thanks for the great tip on the casino campground, too. And those Royal Reds...yum!!
    Your photos of Tessa doing zoomies always make me laugh. What a character she is!
    Hope you guys have a wonderful Thanksgiving. :-))

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    1. You'll love BSL and it's a really easy detour off and on I-10! I get a reservation just so I know which site to pull in before going to check in at the casino :-) Happy Thanksgiving to you and Eric!!

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  8. Now those are some stilts! But if you want to keep your house out of the water, this is what you do. You always find the cutest museums. I would enjoy seeing the Mardi Gras costumes. The shrimp boil looks wonderful!! Yum!! Glad Ms. Tessa got some good zoomie time:)

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    1. As much as I enjoy some of the more spectacular museums, I really do love these little gems waiting to be discovered :-)

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  9. Pretty, pretty! And those REDS!!!!!

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    1. Girl I owe you for the heads up on the Reds!!! They are the best thing on the planet :-))

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