Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association

09/09/2024

Member spotlight: Ready for an Escape from Adulting? Do you LOVE costumes? Add fun to your life and immerse into the Magic of Costume at this annual fantasy ball. All realms across time and space are invited to the Faery Queen’s Ball!

Costumes Community & Causes. VIP ticket sales end Sept. 12.

5th Annual Faery Court Ball 2024: Court of the Djinn
Saturday, September 28, 2024 in Biloxi, MS
Adults 18+ PG13. Costume or Formal required.
Selected non-profits: Diamondhead School of Fine Arts - DSFA, Whisper of Hope (wildlife rehabilitation) and Joppa Shrine (supporting sick children).

The Faery Court Masquerade Ball was voted Silver Best Annual Event / Festival of Coastal Mississippi in 2023 & 2024.

02/09/2024

Member spotlight: INFINITY Science Center, where exploration knows no bounds. As a non-profit science museum, we are committed to delivering an exceptional and engaging learning experience for all our guests. Proudly serving as the host to the NASA Stennis Visitor Center, INFINITY is a self-guided experience offering an immersive blend of space exploration, Earth science, engineering, and technology. Our innovative programming aims to ignite curiosity and spark the next 'a-ha' moment for visitors of all ages. Join us on a journey where science is not only educational but also incredibly fun and accessible to everyone.

Located along the Mississippi Gulf Coast off Interstate 10, and just minutes from NASA’s Stennis Space Center, INFINITY Science Center is a non-profit science museum offering a blend of space, Earth science, engineering, and technology. Guests can explore 35,000 square feet of indoor gallery, learning about space and science through artifacts, hands-on exhibits and experiences, films, and educational programs.

Experience up-close encounters with the local wildlife on the Biome Boardwalk, which includes a 1,400 linear foot walk through upland forests and Bayhead swamps that overlook the Apollo 19 Saturn V S-1C Booster and Lunar Lander. Possum Walk Heritage Trail is a six to nine mile trail available to hikers, off-road bicyclers, and kayakers looking to explore nature and local history.

INFINITY’s 3-D Theater boasts a state-of-the-art laser 3-D projection system and surround sound audio to take the movie experience to the next level. Biloxi-native and astronaut, Fred Haise, has a dedicated exhibit that includes relics from space travel and information on missions to the moon. Embark on a deep ocean mission in the Deep Ocean Explorer, as you navigate the vast expanse of the ocean. INFINITY also offers opportunities for group and field trip visits, as well as birthday party bookings.

INFINITY Science Center is open Thursday – Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (August – May) and Wednesday – Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (June – July).
For more information, visit www.visitinfinity.com or call 228-533-9025.

Find us on Facebook at INFINITY Science Center

INFINITY Science Center
1 Discovery Circle, Pearlington, MS 39572
www.visitinfinity.com/

26/08/2024

Member spotlight: Set sail on the beautiful Mississippi Sound and Gulf of Mexico with a private sailing charter for up to 6 passengers aboard “Kashmir” a 2006 40′ Catalina Sailboat. Feel the gulf breeze blowing through your hair and the mist in your face. Relax and enjoy the magnificent views of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, barrier islands and the fascinating marine life at its best. It’s all about peaceful and relaxing sailing.

We offer Morning, Afternoon and Sunset Charters. Scenic Cruise, Half-Day and Full-Day Charters for your Gulf Coast vacation. All our Charter Trips are private and fully customizable.

We do not have set departure times as we prefer to customize to meet your schedule and individual needs. We sail out of the beautiful Gulfport Municipal Marina in Gulfport, MS. If you’re visiting Gulfport, Biloxi or anywhere on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and looking for a great day on the water come join us at North Star Sailing Charters!

North Star Sailing Charters, LLC
2250 Jones Park Drive, Gulfport, MS 39501
www.northstarsailingcharters.com/
Call Jim King @ 228-617-8057

22/08/2024

Here is the Treasures Market WLOX Good Morning Mississippi interview. Plus we have free Santa photos 1-5pm both days and Toys for Tots Collection. Free Admission this weekend. Sat 9-7. Sun 9-5. D'Iberville Civic Center.

A pop-up shop in D'Iberville; this weekend, you will be able to find unique pieces at the Treasures Market. Joining us with more is Suzanne Stafford.

19/08/2024

Member spotlight: Family-owned and operated since 1973, Souvenir City features a fine assortment of rare seashells, several unique t-shirt designs, a variety of beach supplies and much more. With over 13,000 square feet of shopping enjoyment, come see why we remain the preferred souvenir shop for over 40 years. Look for the big pink building with an alligator head along the beach .

Souvenir City
2026 Beach Blvd. (Hwy. 90), Biloxi, 39531
Call @ 228-388-2550

13/08/2024

Thanks so much to Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum for hosting the Attractions Association on their schooner last night. We heard about a great project they have done to restore and relocate the Hurricane Camille memorial site. They will be showcasing it this Saturday morning.

The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum will be re-dedicating the Hurricane Camille Memorial on Saturday, August 17, 2024, the 55th Anniversary of Camille, at 10 am on the museum grounds, 115 1st Street, Biloxi, and the public is invited. The original memorial, dedicated on August 17, 2004, at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer on Hwy. 90, was organized and implemented by Rev. Harold Roberts and Julia and Wade Guice. The property was sold by the church and therefore, the memorial had to be moved.

The memorial includes names of the verified 131 deaths and 41 missing and the three unidentified victims named only as Faith, Hope and Charity. The bent flagpole, a local symbol of recovery, demonstrates the Coast's hope and defiance in the face of one of the worst natural disasters to occur in modern history.

The relocation of the Memorial was made possible by: Wealth Hospitality Group, Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area, Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, City of Biloxi, AnderCorp, LLC and Frank Bordeaux.

After the ceremony, everyone is invited inside the Museum for cake and refreshments. The film "A Lady Called Camille" will be running in the banquet room and, upstairs on the 3rd floor in the Joe Moran Hurricane Gallery, the Katrina Story as told by WLOX will be airing.

12/08/2024

Member spotlight: The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum was established in 1986 to preserve and interpret the maritime history and heritage of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The recently completed museum accomplishes this mission through an array of exhibits, artifacts and an extraordinary collection of photographs which tell 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.

Open Monday-Saturday from 9-4:30 and Sunday from Noon-4 p.m. Gift shop available.

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
115 1st St, Biloxi , MS 39530
www.maritimemuseum.org/
Call @ (228) 435-6320

09/08/2024

🎅 🎄 What does Santa do in the summer? He visits the MS Gulf Coast and his friends at the Fall Formals Costumes & Holiday Treasures Market. We are so excited to see him again!

Children of all ages are invited to stop by for FREE Santa pictures. Saturday 1-5 Summer Santa at a luau. Sunday 1-5 Fireside Santa with green throne! Stop by both days! Free Admission. Capture incredible photo memories with your family!

While you are at the Treasures Market, you can shop for unique Halloween costumes, party outfits, holiday décor, gifts and goodies and treats!

Toys for Tots collection. If you can, please gather new unwrapped toys to donate for needy children. Each donation will get a ticket in a drawing for an amazing gift basket.

05/08/2024

Member spotlight: Take a step back in time, sail aboard a 65′ two-masted gaff-rigged Biloxi Oyster Schooner. The “Glenn L. Swetman” and the “Mike Sekul” are available for day sailing or charter, weddings, dockside parties, reception, birthdays and offer two hour special educational trips for school groups.

Located at the Biloxi Schooner Pier Complex, one mile east of the Beau Rivage, we offer 2.5 hr., half day or full day charters. A 2.5 hr. walk-on sail is available for individuals periodically each month. Schedule is posted on our website. Welcome to bring food and refreshments aboard.

Biloxi Schooners
367 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530
www.maritimemuseum.org
Call @ 228 435-6320

29/07/2024

Member spotlight: Hillyer House is a nationally recognized award-winning gallery that has been featured in Southern Living and Southern Breeze magazines.

Established in 1970 by Hillyer Reed family, owner Paige Riley collects exceptional works of art from over 300 local, regional, and national artists. Our gallery has an exciting collection of original watercolors, oils, and mixed media. Stop by our gallery today and relax with a refreshing glass of lemonade or cup of coffee, while discovering artistic jewelry, pottery, creative glass and original watercolors.

Hillyer House
920 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs, MS 39564
www.hillyerhouse.com/
Call @ (228) 875-8065

Hours
Monday -Friday 9:30am – 5:30pm
Saturday 9:30am – 5pm
Sunday 12pm – 4pm

22/07/2024

Member spotlight: Join us for up-close experiences and shows with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, rays, and birds at the Ocean Adventures Marine Park! We make learning fun for the whole family! Come visit us 7 days a week, we are open rain or shine. Tickets can be purchased online or at the park.

Check out our interactive programs: Dolphin Interaction, Sea Lion Encounters, Swim with the Rays, Summer Camps, Birthday Party Packages, and Dozing with the Dolphins.

For a full list of programs, check out the Adventures Page on our website. Book your Adventure today!

Ocean Adventures Marine Park
10801 Dolphin Ln, Gulfport, 39503
www.oceanadventures.us
Call @ 228-896-9182

18/07/2024

Member spotlight: Twice a year you can experience the thrill of shopping an entire building filled with magical costume and event treasures! Shop Local. Upcycle. Slow Fashion. Bring your friends and shop guilt-free! Not only will you feel beautiful “on budget” but you will be supporting local families all while saving the planet by keeping excess waste out of our landfills! Be uniquely you and ready for your next event! Amazing deals on formals, costumes & holiday treasures.

Pop-Up Fall Formals, Costumes & Holiday Treasures Market
D'Iberville Civic Center
10395 Auto Mall Parkway
D'Iberville MS 39540

Free Entry to Shop!
Sat, August 24, 2023 - 9am - 7pm
Sun, August 25, 2023 - 9am - 5pm
Half Price on Marked Consignment Items Sunday 1pm - 5pm

August 23 UpCycle Your Style: Get Styled, Find & Create Unique Costumes & Formals with a Personal Stylist Experience from Costume Design Studio. Stroll through the consignment wonderland with your very own personal stylist and fashion virtuoso right by your side! Whether you're all about the no-sew revamps or intricate stitching magic, we've got the know-how you're craving.

Formals Costumes & Holiday Treasures Market won BRONZE in the Thrift/Consignment Shop category in the Best of Coastal MS awards.

https://treasures-market.com/
Call Suzanne Stafford @ (228) 280-3461

15/07/2024

Member spotlight: Ready for an Escape from Adulting? Add fun to your life! Immerse into the Magic of Costume. You are invited to a Faery Fantasy Night Out! Do you LOVE costumes? Looking for a ball to wear a fabulous new look? All realms across time and space are invited to the Faery Queen’s Ball! Immerse yourself into the magic. Immersive event based on stories of fantasy and wonder, Celtic faery lore, and Mardi Gras tradition.

5th Annual Faery Court Ball 2024: Court of the Djinn
Saturday, September 28, 2024 in Biloxi, MS
Adults 18+ PG13. Costume or Formal required.

Selected non-profits: Whisper of Hope (wildlife rehabilitation) and Joppa Shrine (supporting sick children).

Celebrate your special events in faery: there are a few select spots for an enchanted micro-wedding, vow renewal, or bachelorette party!

The Faery Court Masquerade Ball was voted Silver Best Annual Event / Festival of Coastal Mississippi in 2023 & 2024.

Tickets and details available online. https://faery-ball.com/
Call Suzanne Stafford @ (228) 280-3461

09/07/2024

Ding, ding, ding - goes the trolley! Thank you to Yvette and Karen for being such wonderful hostesses and showing us all Coast Transit Authority has to offer from rental opportunities, advertising, to riding these classic, trolley cars!

08/07/2024

Member spotlight: Ship Island Excursions is a passenger ferry to the Mississippi barrier islands, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. An excursion to West Ship Island and Fort Massachusetts (circa 1868) is consistently rated by locals and visitors as the region’s premier water-borne experience. Travel to a place of exceptional natural beauty, recently ranked as one of the top 50 U.S. island beaches by Conde Nast Travel. Experience long, secluded beaches with sparkling clean water. The cruise and sighting dolphins is part of the fun, too! Food service available. 22 mile round trip.

Ship Island Excursions
Now departing from Gulfport Yacht Harbor
Dolphin watching and sunset cocktail cruises also offered.
www.msshipisland.com/
Call @ (228) 864-1014

03/07/2024

Member spotlight: Coast Transit Authority or CTA, is a non-profit provider of public transportation for the three coastal counties of Mississippi. These counties include Jackson, Harrison and Hancock Counties.

CTA operates on a system of fare zones. Customers pay a fare when they board the bus and must pay an additional fare each time the bus crosses a fare zone.

Currently, CTA operates routes along Hwy 90 and Pass Road in Biloxi and Gulfport, a route around Casino Row along the Biloxi Loop, D’Iberville, Ocean Springs, Hwy 49 in Gulfport and West Gulfport.

For more information visit us at www.coasttransit.com

24/06/2024

Member spotlight: Sharkheads - Begin your shopping experience as you enter into the elevators through our 35ft great white shark head that brings you to our 26,000sq ft. souvenir store. Family owned and operated for 3 generations, Sharkheads has the best selection of souvenirs and T-shirts on the gulf coast. We also have a complete assortment of name brand swimwear, fresh homemade fudge, delicious roasted nuts, airbrush and much more. Come help us celebrate our 40th year and see why we are a family destination for all ages including pets (as long as you carry).

Sharkheads
1703 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39531

www.sharkheads.com/

Call Melissa Perotich @ 228-374-9800

17/06/2024

Member spotlight: For 27 years, the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum has welcomed visitors to learn about the unique story of Mississippi Mardi Gras. A visit to the Museum’s new location on Howard Avenue in downtown Biloxi is an invitation to explore the rich 116-year history of royalty, krewes, costumes and parades that make Mardi Gras the most magical time of year in Coastal Mississippi. Museum visitors can get a taste of the pageantry trying on costumes in our interactive Education Collection. After touring the museum and seeing the costume displays, visitors can try on and enjoy being King or Queen for the day!

The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM.

Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum
792 Howard Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39530
228-314-4747

http://www.coastalmardigras.com/

[email protected]

12/06/2024

We know the Gulf Coast is a gem, but happy to see that Garden & Gun Magazine agrees!

Coastal Mississippi offers one of America's most scenic routes

11/06/2024

Thanks to everyone who came down to the Ohr and got to see Frank Gehry and Robert Tannen: Art, Architecture and Ideas before it comes down next month! We appreciated the tour that Executive Director David Houston provided with our Gulf Coast neighbors!

10/06/2024

Member spotlight: Mississippi Antique Galleria has more than 50,000 sq ft and with space for more than 400 vendors, the Mississippi Antique Galleria is THE LARGEST antique mall in the state! Discover unique and one-of-a-kind gifts, art, and antiques from all around the globe.

Mississippi Antique Galleria
1909 East Pass Road
Gulfport, MS 39507
(228)809-8069

www.msantiquegalleria.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Hours:
Friday and Saturday 10AM-5PM
Sunday-Thursday 12PM-5PM

03/06/2024

June MGCAA Member spotlight: Enjoy everything that makes the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art unique: the artists, the architecture, the history, and the landscape. Ten years in the making, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art celebrates the innovative, independent and creative spirit of namesake Mississippi potter George Ohr. Just as Ohr (1857-1918) rose from devastating personal and professional loss to create an extraordinary body of work, so too the Ohr-O’Keefe has risen from Hurricane Katrina’s destruction. In a fitting tribute to Ohr, architect Frank Gehry designed an award-winning campus of bold intriguing self sufficient structures that house permanent and rotating exhibitions. The buildings and the reconstructed home of Pleasant Reed offer visitors separate but not isolated experiences – together creating a single unified vision connected by the expansive brick plaza and the majestic oaks. For our guests of all ages and interests, let the landscape be relaxing and the art inspiring and invigorating.

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art
386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530

www.georgeohr.org

Phone: (228) 374-5547

27/05/2024

Member Spotlight: Gulf Islands Waterpark is SOAK’N FUN featuring miles of slides like the Horn Island Blaster, Camille Cutter, Ship Island Wreck, Cat Island Catapult, Waveland Wavepool, Lazy Pearl River, Lil’ Pelican’s Bay, Petit Bois Island Cafe, Cat B’Lue’s Back Bay Barbeque, Cabanas and Lockers. Lifejackets,Tubes and Parking are all FREE. In Gulfport on I-10, exit Highway 49 North to Landon Road.

Gulf Islands Water Park, LLC
13100 16th Street Gulfport, MS 39503
www.gulfislandswaterpark.com
For more information please call (228) 328 -1266

20/05/2024

Member Spotlight: Built in 1848, the Biloxi Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the United States to stand in the middle of a four-lane highway. Come experience this historic cast iron structure first hand by climbing to the top. Tours offered daily at 9:00, 9;15, and 9:30 am weather permitting. Purchase tickets at the Biloxi Visitors Center. Admission is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for Children 12 and under.

Biloxi Lighthouse
1050 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, 39530
biloxi.ms.us/museums
Call @ (228) 374-3105 or 1(800) BILOXI-3
Fax: (228) 702-0243

13/05/2024

Member Spotlight: Picture the moss hanging on gnarled cypress trees as you travel into one of the wildest and most pristine river swamps in America with Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours. With the swamp tales of pirates and sightings of Big Foot in the back of your mind, you may be just a little bit nervous at first, but after your first boat ride you’ll want to go back again and again! You’ll be overcome by the primitive beauty of the cypress trees rising from the water…the sweet smell of wild azaleas in the air….

We are open seven days a week and tours run rain or shine.

Please call 985-641-1769 to make reservations.
Visit our website for more information at www.honeyislandswamp.com
Connect with us on Facebook .Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours and Instagram

Honey Island Swamp Tours
41490 Crawford Landing Rd.
Slidell, LA 70461

08/05/2024

Tourism Related Potential Member Businesses are invited to Attend! May program: Correspon-DANCE: Learn to navigate Mailchimp and Physical Mailing. Molly Shea will present a quick walkthrough of how to think creatively with both digital and physical mailing to maximize communication with customers and followers.
• Learn how to use different tools to reach different audiences and budgets by diversifying your correspondence with informational, narrative, and interactive messaging.
• Figure out the pros and cons of each medium as well as figure out what kind of mailer is right for your company.

Speaker Bio:
Molly Jo Shea is the Director of Marketing at the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art and the new president of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association. Coming from an arts background, Molly cut her teeth in marketing by going from intern to Marketing Manager at Saatchi Online in 2011. She helped turn a struggling tech start-up into a community-oriented, sales-driven force and helped in establishing their first million dollars in sales. Since , she has worked as a consultant at places like Cinema Makeup School, Buzzfeed, Think Tank Media, Dyson & Womack, and ABC. With a passion for arts and non-profits, Shea has spent her time supporting art ventures and currently hosts a monthly mystery craft competition, Crafts and Drafts. When she isn't behind the desk looking at the ocean, she can be found lifting weights, fishin', or storytelling as a giant possum.

06/05/2024

Member Spotlight: Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum. Alice Latimer Moseley was a self-taught primitive folk artist who began painting in her early sixties as a way to deal with the stress and difficulty of taking care of her Alzheimer’s-afflicted mother. Her art is uniquely Southern, providing an idealistic look back at the past, telling stories with memorable characters and landscapes. Having lived through the Great Depression, Miss Alice had a great admiration for people who experienced adversity, and wanted to honor those people in her art. The Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum has over 90 Moseley originals on display, as well as antiques, glass, pottery, and a rotating gallery of local artists. Please come visit Miss Alice; all are welcome and admission is free!

Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum
1928 Depot Way, 2nd Floor, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
http://www.alicemoseley.com/
(228) 467-9223

03/05/2024

Visit the Gulf Coast Historical and Cultural Exposition at the Biloxi Visitors Center Friday may 3 & 4 from 9-4. Free admission. Lots of great info about local history.

29/04/2024

Member Spotlight: Gulfport Premium Outlets is conveniently located off Interstate 10 central to Mobile and New Orleans, Gulfport Premium Outlets features a collection of 70 stores including American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Gap Factory, H&M, J. Crew, Kate Spade New York, Nike, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Vera Bradley and more all at savings of up to 65% off. For additional savings, visit our website and join the free VIP Shopper Club. Group Tours are welcome.

Gulfport Premium Outlets
10000 Factory Shops Blvd., Gulfport, MS 39503
www.premiumoutlets.com/gulfport
Call @ (228) 867-6100