Photo courtesy of Natchez Pilgrimage Tours

If Huckleberry Finn’s adventures as he played alongside the lazy Mississippi River are the tales that fueled your childhood imagination, taking a trip down Natchez way might be in order for 2016.

Settled in 1716, Natchez, Mississippi, the oldest continuous settlement on the Mississippi River, is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year.

Not only does Natchez offer significant savings over other, more crowded southern destinations—a welcome relief for Canadian’s beleaguered pocket books—but it is rolling out a year-long series of special events throughout the year.

Historic Plantations: Love the lazy Antebellum homes of the South? Many of Natchez’ historic plantations are open for tours all year long. But Natchez is about more than just its historic homes. Thanks in part to the Historic Natchez Preservation Foundation, the city has saved more than 1,000 historic buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

National Park Service: Throughout the year, Natchez National Historic Park is telling the stories of the people of Natchez with a 366-day video series. The park is home to three NPS-owned properties: The Melrose estate, a pre-Civil war mansion built by a wealthy cotton planter; the William Johnson townhouse—Johnson, a freed slave, went on to own several barber shops, rental property, a farm, and timberland in the area; and Fort Rosalie, built by the French in 1716 on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.

Walking Trails: Natchez is home to a number of lovely walking trails, including the Museum of the Streets, which passes by many of the historic buildings and streetscapes that make up downtown Natchez, the Bluff and the Riverfront. Also a must is the Historic Downtown Trail, a three-mile stretch that meanders through the historic city. Or check out Natchez Pilgrimage Tours to help you custom create your adventure. www.natchezpilgrimage.com/

Live Music: Mississippi is often called “The Birthplace of America’s Music,” and with a history that pre-dates the the state, Natchez has always been part of the state's musical tradition. The city’s musical sound dates back to tribal songs from the area’s original Native American tribes, but it has also contributed to blues, jazz, country, rock ‘n roll, gospel, southern gospel, Cajun/zydeco, soul/R&B, and bluegrass. Expect to see plenty of live-music performances this year.

Monmouth Historic Inn: Dive deep into Natchez history with a stay at the Monmouth Historic Inn, an historic home dating back to 1818. The two-night Historic Package includes a two-night stay in a deluxe room (an antebellum room is available for an additional charge), a $100 gift certificate for Restaurant 1818, tickets for a narrated carriage ride through downtown Natchez, a hearty Southern breakfast each morning, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres served nightly from 5:30-7:00 p.m. A guided tour of the Main House is also available every day. Package rates start from U$ 647 for a two-night stay. www.monmouthhistoricinn.com/historic-natchez

Life on the River: To truly explore life on the river, take a cruise on the paddle wheeler American Queen. The vessel is operated by American Queen Steamboat Cruises, a sponsor of the Natchez Tri-centennial celebration. All of American Queen’s Lower Mississippi River cruises make a stop in Natchez, and shore excursions include a walking tour to many of Natchez’ most famed attractions. Cap off your shore visit with a stop at King’s Tavern and Charboneau Distillery, located in a 1769 building—the oldest structure in Natchez. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the bar, a custom drink on the house, and an exclusive tour of the distillery. www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/river-cruises/lower-mississippi/

For more information, visit www.visitnatchez.org or www.natchezms300.com.

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