Old Town Bay St. Louis, MS

Bay St. Louis is located at the mouth of St. Louis Bay on the Gulf Coast midway between Gulfport, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana.

The area was originally claimed for France in 1699 and the town was chartered in 1812.

 There are small stores, boutiques, antique shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants and Inns. The architecture is early 1900’s with a French influence. The best way to experience Bay St. Louis is on foot.

We enjoyed the murals painted on building exteriors. The historic L&N Depot was built in 1928 in mission style, was a hub of activity with residents commuting to New Orleans (35 miles). The Depot served as the centerpiece for the 1966 the movie “This Property is Condemned” (Robert Redford was one of the stars). Today it’s the site for special events, meetings and private parties. Amtrak trains still stop three times a week.

There’s also the St. Augustine Seminary and Grotto, established in 1922 and 1938 respectively, St. Rose De Lima Catholic Church established in 1926. The 1911 Greek Revival Hancock County Courthouse and the1905 Classic Revival City Hall, both still in use, contribute to the charm of Bay St. Louis. There are other historic homes and buildings as well as beautiful homes along Beach Drive overlooking the Gulf and NASA’s Stennis Space Center that test fires the Space Shuttle Main Engines. www.goldinc.com/bsl/oldtown/, www.ssc.nasa.gov/public/visitors