A look at Monmouth

NATCHEZ FESTIVAL OF MUSIC 2008

NATCHEZ FESTIVAL OF MUSIC featuring preformances of opera, Broadway and jazz has been a stellar yearly event in May for 18 years. Ron and Lani Riches, Proprietors of Monmouth Plantation, along with Dr. David Blackburn were the singular ones to sit around a table and create the idea of wonderful New York performers coming to Natchez and presenting their art to citizens and guests of Natchez.

Monmouth Plantation hosted the first event for 2008 Friday evening May 9 with the patron event. A musical performance and seated dinner was a huge success and started the month long schedule of events.

"Oklahoma!", 'Cosi Fan Tutte", New Orleans Pfister Sisters, and a variety of 'Broadway Night of the Stars' are a sampling of the musical variety to be held at different locations in Natchez.

For detailed information of performances, times, dates and cost please go online: http://www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com/ or call 601-445-6103 or 1-800-647-6742. We look forward to sharing with you another facet of culture and entertainment here in Natchez.
-Peggy Voss

Engagement at Monmouth

A lovely young couple wrote this story of their engagement here at Monmouth and the words that Tesa writes could not be said more beautifully.
-Peggy Voss

For spring break Adam wanted to take Tesa somewhere out of Memphis. Tesa's friend, Sam, suggested they look in Natchez, MS at The Monmouth Plantation luxury bed and breakfast. After looking at the website Tesa fell in love with Monmouth! The next day Adam told Tesa that he called Monmouth and it was completely booked. He said the good news was that the Super 8 still had vacancies! So on Good Friday the couple drove to Natchez. Tesa still had no idea where they were staying until they pulled into the driveway of an antebellum mansion framed by spanish moss-draped oaks. It was Monmouth! This is a place that both Glamour magazine and USA Today called one of the 10 most romantic places in America and for good reason! Adam looked over at the rarely speechless Tesa and with a grin said, "I didn't lie. I told you it was completely booked and that's because I got the last suite!" The next day it was warm, sunny and the air carried the fragrance of the estate’s lush gardens. The couple walked along the pebbled paths passing through the wisteria-covered pergoloa, well-manicured croquet lawn and a white gazebo surrounded by candy colored tulips. They walked down the brick steps that were lined with buttercups to a bridge hoping to get a closer look at the mallards in the lake. As they stood on the fairytale-white bridge that hovered over the oranmental lake Adam pointed out a cyprus tree on the bank that had it's long limbs reaching into the water. Tesa started to pose Adam for a picture and suggested he get knelt down. After the picture had been taken Adam remained on his knee. He held Tesa's hands and professed his love for her and her family. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a ring box and asked Tesa to marry him.

Natchez Poem

This beautiful poem expresses the feelings of our guests when they arrive at Monmouth and visit beautiful Natchez.Guests often speak of their interest in our history and their instant love of this beautiful place. Everyoneexpresses a desire to someday return.

-Peggy Voss

NATCHEZ
I had not known these things were so
Unreal thy'd peeped from out the page
Of romance of another age
I had not dreamed that I might see
A lady fair with stately grace
Descend broad stairs, or slowly pace
Through vaulted hall to welcome me
But now at Natchez- now I know

I had not thought how sweet 'twould be
To look with reverent eyes upon
The treasures of a people gone
To catch the gleam of candlelight
On priceless china, and the glow
Of fire shine spreading rich and slow
On ancient brass made newly bright

Yet Natchez vouchsafes this to me
And who am I that I might see
So much of beauty: spiral stair
Coin-silver service, rosewood chair
Tall mirror set in gold-leaf frame
Wrought iron lace against the sky
All these I've seen, and rich am I
Ah, richer far than when I came
So much had Natchez done for me
(Author unknown)

May Drink of the Month

All the month of May, Monmouth will feature the most popular drinks served at the Kentucky Derby which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday afternoon, May 3rd. The Derby is celebrated all over the country and especially in the South.


The DERBY COOLER features bourbon, rum, orange juice and grenadine. Come to the Monmouth Quitman Lounge any evening during May and have a refreshing cocktail- and as always, Roosevelt's famous Mint Julep will be served in the frosted silver julep glass. Did you know that Roosevelt has served as Monmouth's bartender and host for over twenty years? Roosevelt received an award from the Governor of Kentucky making him a true "Kentucky Colonel" and the award was presented to him for his secret mix of the Mint Julep.


On Kentucky Derby Day (5-3-08), Monmouth Plantation will have a Kentucky Derby party, with specialty drinks and televisions to view the event. Join our guests at Monmouth for this special event on the patio and in the Quitman Lounge beginning at 2:00 pm.
-Peggy Voss

Mississippi River Nearing Record Highs

Perhaps you have heard of the news that the Mississippi River is cresting here in Natchez. The river is above ‘flood stage’ but is not threatening Natchez. We have included interesting photographs taken of Natchez Riverview from the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River. As you can see Natchez has very high water, but really not much concern for property damage here on the Mississippi side of the river because of our high natural bluffs. Water in Louisiana, just across from Natchez is extremely high and yet no major flooding has occurred to date. It's interesting to see the beautiful view of Natchez that can always be viewed by crossing the river into Louisiana. The photo shows the magnificent steeple of St. Mary's Basilica a landmark of Natchez for years.

-Peggy Voss

Catalpa tree on Monmouth's Grounds

As you approach Monmouth and view the lush grounds of greenery and trees, you first notice the beautiful live oak trees that are magnificent and huge. Beautiful moss hangs in branches and it is always an attraction for everyone to see the variety of trees standing for years.

My favorite tree, I chose without knowing its name or story is the CATALPA TREE. For the past four seasons I have photographed the tree in its different shapes of foliage and rather bare winter branches. Today in the spring the Catalpa tree is in bloom and the white flowers fill the huge tree and all its branches. It is described as having large heart shaped leaves and showy white and yellow flowers. In the autumn long fruits which resemble a slender bean pod and small flat seeds will fall and begin to reproduce.

The most interesting thing about this tree is the fact that the tree is the food plant of the Catalpa Sphinx moth and the leaves are eaten by the caterpillars. The caterpillars are an excellent live bait for fishing- and Natchez and surrounding areas are a fisherman's paradise. Some dedicated anglers plant catalpa mini-orchards for their own private source of "catalpa-worms."

For fishermen, this area surrounding Natchez has lakes filled with catfish, bass, bream, sun perch, alligator gar, and white perch - this is just a small selection of fish in the area.
-Peggy Voss

Lani Riches on the Oprah Winfrey Show

The staff at Monmouth was excited to see Lani Riche, proprietor of Monmouth, on the Oprah Winfrey show last week. Mrs. Riches had been a inspiration and helper to Rutgers Basketball coach Vivian Stringer during her bout with breast cancer. An excerpt from the show has been posted on YouTube and can be seen here.

Pilgrimage Hostesses

Our hostesses during the Spring Pilgrimage are here at Monmouth to greet guests in the typical antebellum dress. The ladies are available to give the history of Monmouth and provide the gracious hospitality that our Natchez ladies provide to all our guests.
-Peggy Voss

April Drink of the Month - Peach Mojito

Peach Mojito will be the featured drink in our Quitman Lounge for the month of April.
Local residents of Natchez are enjoying the beautiful patio and the cool evenings. A Peach Mojito is the refreshing springtime drink to enjoy at Monmouth. While visiting with us try our monthly special and you may purchase from our Gift Shop "Southern Cocktails, authored by Denise Gee- a local Natchez resident
-Peggy Voss

Pilgrimage Pralines

The praline candy lady, Ms. Dyson is a familiar and welcome person at Monmouth during Spring Pilgrimage. Ms. Dyson comes every year and sells her home made praline candy to tourists and many say her candy is the best in the city. My Dyson loves to visit with the guests on tour of the mansion and you can see by her lovely smile that she is a delightful addition every year at Pilgrimage.

-Peggy Voss

Employee Profile - George Ivory

George Ivory has worked at Monmouth for over ten years. He serves cocktails and waits on our dinner guests- George is always the consummate gentleman. Seen here taking a guest’s order at dinner- we recognize George at this time for truly saving a guest's life.
George was in the dining room when a guest had a frightening moment for himself and his family. George took charge and quickly had the guest out of medical danger. We at Monmouth salute George for his ability to take action in an emergency.
-Peggy Voss

Resurrection Plant in the Trees of Monmouth

Recently a guest and his wife spotted an unusual plant here in the Monmouth Gardens. This plant is especially significant during our Easter season as it is called a Resurrection Plant (Selaginella lepidophylla).
Our guest who is a botanist pointed out the plant growing high on the branches of our ancient oak trees and explained that the plant without water looks brown and dying and then quickly revives (within hours) to a bright healthy green- after a rain or after the morning dew has covered the branches!
Visiting Monmouth is always a beautiful experience and discoveries by our guests are treasured information for us.

-Peggy Voss

Easter Gifts in the Shop

Easter items are to be found in abundance throughout the Monmouth gift shop. Ceramic bunnies and Easter gifts for adults and to decorate your house for this holiday are arriving daily and are quickly unpacked and displayed. Local residents choose Monmouth Gift Shop as their first stop when they are selecting a wedding, birthday or child's gift - or just for a very special occasion. Our children's Easter gifts are adorable and unique and will be a keepsake for many years.
-Peggy Voss

Monmouth in Southern Accents Magazine

The March issue of Southern Accents has featured Natchez and Monmouth in an interesting article written by local author, Denise Gee. A lovely photograph of Monmouth was taken with a view through our Spanish moss- and the article speaks of the "sweeping grounds and moss-draped oaks". Denise's Natchez article is written from her childhood perspective of growing up in Natchez. It is a delightful view of interesting "tales and tidbits" pertaining to the local past and present. Grab a copy of Southern Accents at your local newsstand and enjoy a unique article featuring Monmouth and Natchez. Denise has recently published a great book entitled Southern Cocktails. One of her recipes has been selected as Monmouth's March Drink of the Month- the Bee's Knees.
-Peggy Voss

Legislators visit Monmouth

The Mississippi State Legislative members of the Tourism committee enjoyed the luxuries of Monmouth for the evening of Sunday, March 2nd. The group arrived at Monmouth following a leisurely drive on the Natchez Trace from the state capital in Jackson. The afternoon was beautiful and the committee members enjoyed a tour of the mansion and a stroll in the gardens prior to a seated dinner in the mansion. Several members of Natchez government were also included as dinner guests. Each member had lovely accommodations and breakfast the following morning- and each one vowed to return for a personal visit to Monmouth. The Monmouth staff was very honored to have been chosen to host this prestigious group.

-Peggy Voss

The Sanctuary at Monmouth

Many lovely spots are to be found on the twenty six acres of Monmouth gardens. You can cross the pond by way of a white wooden bridge and arrive at the Reuben Harper Sanctuary. This beautiful place, for quiet meditation, was built in honor of the Riches' friend and long time resident of Natchez. Mr. Harper, known in Natchez and throughout the south as "Buzz" Harper, has been instrumental in assisting with antique selections and renovation projects at Monmouth. Recent additions are two angel stained glass windows.

-Peggy Voss

March Drink of the Month – The Bee’s Knees

Monmouth's fanciful and springtime drink is a concoction of gin, lemon juice and of course, honey. Join the cocktail guests at Monmouth and have a taste of "Bee's Knees".
And while you are visiting with us you may step into Anna's gift shop and purchase a copy of the recently published book by Natchezian author, Denise Gee entitled SOUTHERN COCKTAILS. Denise calls the "Bee's Knee's" cocktail- 'Liquid Gold'.

The weather is lovely and the flowers are showing color everywhere- our patio waits for you to enjoy a cocktail and a walk on the 26 acres of grounds prior to dinner in the mansion. During our Natchez Spring Pilgrimage, Monmouth Plantation will offer guests a choice of two settings for dinner- 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. The 6:00 PM seating will give our guests and opportunity to dine prior to attending the Historic Natchez Pageant held at the Natchez Auditorium.

-Peggy Voss

Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration

The annual Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration featured the theme around the life and works of famous Southern writer, Richard Wright born in Natchez in 1808. Sam and Josie Rosfin traveled from Seattle, Washington to stay at Monmouth Plantation while they were attending the four day writers' conference.

Southern writers and dignitaries participated in the lectures and discussions of Southern writers – past and present. Richard Wright's daughter, Julia Wright of Paris, France was the keynote speaker. Wright authored the blockbuster writings, "Black Boy" and "Native Son". The final day of the celebration included a luncheon at Monmouth Plantation for the relatives of Richard Wright. Over sixty family members were present to celebrate Mr. Wright's life and writings.
-Peggy Voss

Ms. Mary - The Breakfast Chef

Ms. Mary, our breakfast chef can usually be found in the kitchen cooking her "secret" recipes each morning.



Ms. Mary, on this day is enjoying the dining room of her domain as she visits with relatives who are staying at Monmouth for a religious retreat. Ms. Mary turns grits, bacon, and homemade biscuits into an extraordinary fare. Her secret recipes give our guests fluffy grits, perfect strips of bacon, and a biscuit that are mouthwatering. Each day Ms. Mary offers guests a choice of the Southern breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, grits and biscuits or a daily selection of pancakes, French toast or white egg omelet.

Following your leisurely and filling breakfast - it will be awhile before you are ready to enjoy another meal in Natchez!
-Peggy Voss