Uptown Acorn Travels {Ocean Springs/BSL}

 This weekend, J and I set out for yet another one-tank trip. This time we headed out east to Ocean Springs, MS on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A trip out east is never complete without a lunch from Half Shell Oyster House located in Gulfport, MS. You must try the voodoo shrimp- scrumptious fried Gulf shrimp with a homemade sweet and spicy Voodoo sauce served on Gambino’s French bread. It is my very favorite dish on the menu.

Satiated, we then headed to Ocean Springs, MS.

A quaint, cottage Main Street community nestled amongst centuries-old live oaks on the scenic shore of Coastal Mississippi, Ocean Springs boasts a rich history, artistic flair, lush landscape and small town appeal. Colorful and sophisticated, the community is known for its arts and festivals.

A trip to Ocean Springs is made even more complete by a visit to our favorite Hillyer House.

Hillyer House is a nationally recognized award-winning gallery featured in Southern Living magazine. Established in 1970 by the Hillyer-Reed family, Paige Riley collects brilliant works of art from over 300 local and national artists.

Works of art by our favorite coastal artists, Jean McKee are featured at Hillyer House.

And no stop on the Gulf Coast is ever complete without a peek at the offerings at Gulf Coast Home located on Ulman Street in Bay St. Louis. One of the owners, Wendy was in shop and is one of the friendliest shop owners in the business. The shop is well-appointed with a great selections of home decor and accessories for the modern home. Yes! J and I purchased something, which I'll share with you this week. Hint! Hint! I adore Palm Orleans.

I have been loving these short weekend jaunts. There are so many fun places located just a short drive away.

Gulf Coast, y'all!

Uptown Acorn Travels {Eats: Elvie's, Jackson, MS}

 Our recent visit to Mississippi also brought us to Jackson, MS, the capitol city. It is always fun to get out and explore different towns.

We stayed at the Old Capitol Inn in the heart of downtown. Read REVIEW.

After sitting vacant for several years the building was purchased by local attorney, and business professional Michael J. Malouf to be converted into a bed and breakfast. Renovations began in May, 1996 and the Inn welcomed its first guests that November. Due to its proximity to the Old Capitol Museum, The Old Capitol Inn was given its name. With its New Orleans style serenity garden, Gala Ballroom and Rooftop garden The Old Capitol Inn is Jackson’s Premier location for receptions, proms, weddings, reunions, seminars, and a host of other activities.

The Old Capitol Inn is owned and operated by the Malouf family, lifetime residents of Jackson, We take pride in showcasing our beautiful city and showing the true meaning of southern hospitality.

One of the highlights of our visit to Jackson is dinner at Elvie's. Named after the grandmother of the owner and chef, Hunter Evans. Hunter greeted J and I at our table and shared his connection to New Orleans and Mr. B's Bistro. I definitely recommend Elvie's if you are near Jackson. The food and the decor was excellent. An article in Flower magazine: click HERE.

J and I shared two delicious appetizers: duck fat frites and shrimp cocktail.

I enjoyed the Gulf Snapper & Crispy Shrimp {pan seared snapper / cornmeal crusted shrimp / crawfish & spring pea sauce cardinale}; J loved the Osso Bucco {braised Homeplace beef / pomme puree / sautéed local mushrooms / black truffle}

Elvie's is Jackson's newest all-day cafe, serving seasonal fare that highlights Southern farmers.

From fisherman and oyster farmers in the gulf, to organic produce and sustainably raised animals, Elvie’s is committed to using the highest quality, ethically sourced, and best tasting ingredients available. Inspired by French cafes, Elvie’s is a restaurant that you can enjoy all day. In the morning, stop by to enjoy breakfast and espresso, in the afternoon meet a friend for a classic cocktail and a bite to eat, or come experience dinner. At Elvie’s, our hope is that every guest feels at home. Generosity, passion, and attention to detail are at the heart of our hospitality and we want that to be part of your dining experience.

Our hotel was near the Historic Belhaven area of Jackson. We enjoyed our drive and spotted numerous beautiful homes. I wish I had taken more photos.

Belhaven is a residential area with early-1900s homes along leafy streets and the Belhaven University and Millsaps College campuses. Guided tours are available at the Eudora Welty House & Garden, where the renowned 20th-century author lived for 76 years, and the Oaks House Museum, an 1850s Greek Revival-style cottage with period furnishings. Dining options include classic pubs, Southern food spots, and hip cafes.

Jackson, y'all!

Uptown Acorn Travels {Go Fourth: Laurel, MS}

 J and I headed out for the 4th of July holiday to Laurel, MS, the hometown featured in our favorite HGTV show, HomeTown with Ben and Erin Napier. Many of you who have followed the blog are already aware that we first visited this charming city last summer.

This year, we decided to dine at Bird Dog Cafe which was featured in an earlier season of HomeTown. Bird Dog's is in a charming home well-appointed with the HomeTown couples touches. The renovation of the charming home into an eatery was featured in Season 4 of HomeTown: click HERE. I'd recommend the chicken salad sandwich. It was a perfect lunch treat.

My most favorite shop in the city is Southern Antiques. It was great to finally meet Andrea, the owner. I have ordered online from the shop a few times, and the process is always pleasant. It was great to finally put a face to a name. 

We walked the downtown area and also had to stop in the Laurel Mercantile, the shop owned by Ben and Erin.

A trip to Laurel is never complete without a drive through the streets that surround downtown. We even discovered a couple homes that were featured in the latest season of HomeTown.

It's also a treat to pass in front of the house owned by Ben and Erin. #stalker 

More beautiful homes...

I definitely recommend a trip to Laurel. It's such a sweet and charming place.

Do you watch HomeTown?

Laurel, y'all!

Tweet! Tweet! {Robin Door Hanger}

 I am loving my newest birdie door hanger purchased through Southern Antiques as featured on Home Town in Laurel, MS. The bird looks quite patriotic along with the ribbons. I put "him" out on Flag Day, and he will remain out until July 4.

Tweet! Tweet!, y'all!

The Weekend That Was {March 18-19}

Since I was involved with Science Olympiad last week (our team placed 1st for the 3rd consecutive year), J & I did not get to travel for my birthday weekend. But we certainly made up for it this weekend.

We ventured to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for some fun and retail therapy. The weather this weekend was absolutely Chamber of Commerce perfection.

First stop: Bay St. Louis

We dined at The Blind Tiger. With a view of the Bay, this spot is always a great destination for fresh seafood and scrumptious burgers.

I suggest a lil retail therapy at Bay Life Gifts. The quaint shop is filled to the brim with coastal-inspired accessories and original artwork by Tehle. 

Second stop: Ocean Springs

Here, we rushed to my favorite destination, Hillyer House. J & I scored yet another original art piece by Jean McKee (more on our purchase later).

Poppy's next to Hillyer House is another fun shop filled with exciting goods. Poppy's is a wonderful shop filled with gifts, local art, and gourmet food items

We stopped and had a couple libations at The Office. It was a beautiful day to people watch, one of my favorite pastimes.

Third stop: The White House

This is our third time staying at The White House in Biloxi. We adore the hotel. The White House Hotel is a historical boutique hotel with a beachfront location. J & I ventured to the bar for happy hour, ate a few appetizers, and several martinis later we crashed. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable.

Fourth stop: Premium Outlets, Gulfport

A trip to the Gulf Coast is never complete without stopping at J. Crew, LaCoste, Polo, and Banana Republic. A lil retail therapy is always a welcome treat.

It was a great weekend of fun and relaxation. If only the weekends could last longer.

                           March 18-19, y'all!