MISSISSIPPI - Day Trip 2 - Destination Nowhere - Jan/Feb 2017

I've been here in Pass Christian MS for almost six weeks and about to start my journey home.  After a stop in Louisiana to visit friends for Mardi Gras, I'll make a stop in north Florida.  I'll stop at a lighthouse that time didn't permit seeing on my way.

Most of my time here in The Pas was spent golfing, eating, talking with locals, and sight seeing.  This posting is going to cover several towns, attractions, and eateries.  Like my previous post, these are in no special order, just places for you to consider when you make your way to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The first thing I want to discuss is the amazing sculptures that can be found along Highway 90, the Gulf Coast 'Beach Road'.  These sculptures are what remains of trees otherwise destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

 This is a full shot of the previous photo

 

 Now I know my shots are all cool and stuff, but here's the link to the city of Biloxi Sculptures page.  Here you'll see a lot more shots, as well as learn more about them and the chainsaw artist.

 Next we're going to visit a place you won't find on a map, well maybe now that I've submitted it to Trip Advisor.  Not many locals know about, and when you find one that does, you'll still play hell finding it.  In my opinion, this is a MUST SEE place.

Welcome to "War & Peace; The Private Model Collection of Thomas F. Monti".  As the name says, it's a private collection of models.  It has over 4000 plastic and die-cast models, constructed by one man, T.F.Monti.  I was told about this place by a local and when I finally found it, it was closed.  However they had this note on the door and I followed the instructions.

I called, and within about 10 minutes Joe Monti, TF's son was there with an inviting smile.  We went inside and immediately I was astounded at how many models there were.  As we walked through several rooms, Joe explained some of the collections history.  Up to Hurricane Katrina (2005) hit the MS Gulf Coast, these were all kept in TF's condo.

After the hurricane, the family stored them before finally moving them to here to display properly.  In the beginning, TF would welcome visits Monday - Friday from 1300 - 1500 hours.  Since his passing, the models can be seen by appointment only.

So, if you want to see them, before you go but while making your plans, call Joe at the above number to set up a time to spent a couple hours.  You will not only see some fantastic models, but Joe, or whoever comes can tell you stories about some of the models, and of course the model builder.

This is where it all started; the model building desk of T.F. Monti; sorry to say, he didn't finish this one

This is the remaining mud from Hurricane Katrina; it will not rinse off

 

 

From model cars, we'll head east to Gulfport to the Busted Wrench Museum.  This place has antique vehicles fully renovated with a few in the garage being worked on.

An overall garage shot

This one brings back some 70's memories

The city of Biloxi has some of the more popular places to visit.  And since one was a lighthouse in the middle of US Highway 90, of course, I had to stop.    Due to the extreme heat on the light, it's only open for tours between 0900 and 0945 hours.  Yep, only 45 minutes, so get there early.

After visiting the lighthouse take time to wander through the Biloxi Visitor Center which is co-located with the light.

Biloxi from the top of the lighthouse

Our tour guide and water levels from storms past

While we're in Biloxi, one of the more popular attractions is Beauvoir - Jefferson Davis house and Presidential Library.  The tour guide is very knowledgeable and while his demeanor is rather dull, he does share a lot of facts; I say take the tour.

The 'east cottage' from the museum

Front steps of the Thomas Jefferson home

Jefferson with his sons; library in the background

Entrance to the 'Tomb of the unknown confederate solider'

East of Biloxi, and north of the town of Ocean Springs is the location of the GI Museum.  This too is a private museum, but it has regular hours of operation.  One thing to know about this museum, is that while it's worth stopping by, be forewarned, the curator has a story to tell about each and every display.  It's best to go with time limit and let him know before you start your tour.

Yep, this is the uniform worn by Tom Hanks in the movie 'Forrest Gump'

The first town east of Pass Christian is Long Beach.  While there are a lot of small shops for shopping and places to eat.  One notable attraction here is the Friendship Oak.  While this oak is big, I was shown a couple other that were much older and bigger; problem is, they are on private property.

If you've elected to stay on Interstate 10 and pass by all the attractions, good eats, and shopping along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, stop by the Infinity Space Center.  It's located off the same exit as the Mississippi Visitor Center

A sleeping chamber on the ISS

There are many more attractions down here, too many to include in a couple blog postings.  If you're coming this way, take some time to research things to do on Trip Advisor.  Because of the season (winter),I didn't take any fishing trips or do any fishing from the shore, but both are readily available.

If casinos is your bag, this is definitely a place to put on your list.  

As for shopping and eating, those too are available.  Some of the best seafood you can find are right here along the gulf coast.  You can find everything from fine dining, to fast food. 


Well, that's going to do it for my day trips during this house/pet sitting assignment.  It's been a great place to visit, and live if I were looking to move.  There are a lot of local Mississippians here, and they do have their fair share of snowbirds (a hint for you snowbirds, FL is full, this could be a good option).

Until next time,
Mike