Monday, May 07, 2007

Enthusiasts of all types can also indulge their passions at Monmouth


Monmouth Plantation is anything but ordinary. In fact, this circa 1818 National Landmark turned four-star hotel is quite extraordinary when it comes to the many high-level services and amenities offered to our guests.


For starters, a stay at Monmouth affords guests a private oasis in their own 26-acre park, complete with wooded hiking trails, croquet lawns and peaceful sanctuaries tucked into enchanting winding pebble and brick pathways amid our heirloom gardens. Once guests have had the opportunity to unwind, they start to feel at home, which is, quite frankly, the whole point.


Want to go all out for the full “antebellum” experience? How about stepping back in time, donning period attire before sipping mint juleps on the veranda and enjoying a private dinner for two beneath gaslight chandeliers in the beautiful blue parlor? This elegant room is decorated with many of Monmouth's original antiques and showcases portraits of the Quitman family.


Enthusiasts of all types can also indulge their passions here. Gardeners delight in the artistry and beauty of the gardens of Monmouth, as exquisite as the city’s magnificent antebellum homes. Our own Master Gardener, Larry Stewart, has planted thousands of bulbs to add to the wonderful display of color at Monmouth and is more than happy to share his knowledge of heirloom bulbs and arrays of color combinations with guests for garden tours. The total numbers of bulbs in Monmouth’s gardens are unknown since many were there long before the current owners, Lani and Ron Riches, purchased and lovingly restored the mansion and grounds, nearly thirty years ago. “A calculated guess would be over 50,000 by this spring,” says Larry. “What we have strived to continue with here are the heirloom bulbs that have long been associated with antebellum gardens of the south.” To be sure, each season will be a feast for the eyes and senses!


Speaking of feasts, if gourmet cooking is your hobby, call on Monmouth’s award-winning Chef de Cuisine, Lanny Brasher, for some of his fabulous recipes, like “Crawfish & Andouille Cheesecake with Creole Mustard & Tomato Coulis” or join him in the kitchen for a hands-on culinary experience and discover the secrets of his famous Southern cuisine.


Sportsmen will be delighted with the variety of game to be found in the surrounding wilderness. Whitetail deer, turkey, dove, squirrel, quail and rabbit abound in the Natchez area. Natchez State Park is considered to be home to some of the best bass fishing in the state, and the current state-record bass was hauled out of its 300-acre lake. Private guides are available.


Thrill seekers are sure to love Monmouth’s Ultimate Southern Get Away package which includes a spectacular morning hot air balloon ride, weather permitting, over the historic town of Natchez, two nights luxurious accommodation, champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries, Hors d’oeuvres each evening, dinner for two on one night, full southern breakfast daily, tour of the mansion, romantic carriage ride, guided tour of three mansions, and in-room massage for two.


Obviously, history buffs will be in heaven at Monmouth Plantation, now in its third century! A proud member of Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, we take pride in our National Landmark status and we are as unique as the city of Natchez itself.


Each one of our rooms and suites has a unique size and shape and something to set each one apart from the next. Natchez is the oldest civilized settlement on the lower Mississippi River. Her rich culture, architecture and history bring the past to life. From the renowned pageantry of the pilgrimage to the antebellum splendor of her stately mansions, plantations and historic landmarks, Natchez offers a living history lesson like no other.


Budding authors, computer wizards or those simply interested in creative writing should know that Monmouth is not only a tribute to the past, it has some very modern aspects as well. We have a leading edge on today's technology with our free wireless high-speed Internet (WI-FI) access in all of our rooms, allowing you to use your laptop or other blue tooth device free of charge.Our BLOG is another technological advance enabling us to communicate with our guests and potential guests. We try to post items of interest and to offer updates on happenings in and around Natchez and daily life at Monmouth. We invite you to write about your stay and post it on our BLOG – indulge your creativity.


There truly is something for everyone at Monmouth! Our list keeps growing and the possibilities are as endless as our guests’ imaginations.

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