Discovery of Details in Ocean Springs

Come with me on a pictorial discovery of details in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. This is one of my favorite small towns on the Gulf Coast. That is due in part to the tiny, yet important, little details which I gleefully discover each time I visit.

You are invited to notice these adorable details that help us see the bigger picture of why Ocean Springs is a great travel destination. Then all you have to do is decide when you want to go and which of these places you plan to see.

Marshall Park is located at 1001 Washington Avenue and was first opened to the public in 1911. I walked all around the block seeking just the perfect spot for this shot. Notice how the gazebo is “framed” by tree branches, flowers, benches, and …there on the left…can you even see the American flag? Such an inviting place to relax for a bit and simply appreciate a lovely day.

As you turn off Highway 90 onto Washington Avenue, think about why Ocean Springs is called City of Discovery. In the mid-1600’s this area was being explored by the French, Spanish, and English. The French built Fort Maurepas here in 1699, but noted that the area was prone to flooding. Those of us familiar with Camille and Katrina would tend to agree. By the way, in your search for details, did you happen to notice the yellow daffodil by this sign?

The bottle tree is a tradition brought from Africa and fairly common in the South as a way to capture bad spirits who would have ruined your garden! This one stands guard by the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, which is housed in an historic L&N train depot. Love how the sun adds gleaming accent details to these bottles.

Fresh Market takes place downtown each Saturday morning. The vast variety of produce, food, flowers, and related items by local vendors is truly tremendous. I completely fell in love with Buff’s (candied) VooDoo Peppers, made in Gulfport only 17 miles away.

In Ocean Springs, life is calm and casual with plenty of time to leisurely stroll around the beautiful town to do a little shopping. Be sure to check out Hillyer House for gift ideas. Then a few doors down at French Kiss Pastries find desserts like the carrot cake or fresh fruit cake pictured above, love those layered details. They also have sandwiches, pastries, and gelato.

Three Anderson brothers (Walter, Mac, and Peter) started an art movement in 1928. Over the past nearly 100 years, other family members, friends, proteges, and admirers have helped to transform this once sleepy little town into a true art mecca. Ocean Springs is a fun and vibrant place due in large part to painters, potters, actors, and writers who find their inspiration here. By the way, the above example of Walter Anderson art is found in a rather unexpected room. Can you guess where it may be? Leave a Comment if you’d like more details!

Early morning sun shining on the water is just one of the details I look for at the harbor. Photos of shrimp boats and pleasure boats seem to just pop better in good light. Can you picture yourself here buying fresh seafood right off the boats?

The final stop I usually make in Ocean Springs is this lovely spot at the beach. I listen to the sound of the gulls and the waves coming to shore. I feel the warmth of the sun and the sand under my bare feet. As I take in the last sights, smells, and sounds… I think about how blessed and joyful I am to spend time here…then I wonder what fascinating details will be discovered… …next time!

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Helpful links for your trip to Ocean Springs, Mississippi: Chamber of Commerce http://oceanspringschamber.com/ Buff’s Voodoo Peppers https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070729623611 Hillyer House https://www.hillyerhouse.com/ French Kiss Pastries https://www.fkpastries.com/

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