Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Our Guests Say the Nicest Things

What pleased you most during your recent visit : What a tremendous visit toMonmouth this weekend. What a way to spend a 35th wedding anniversary.Everything about the stay was as close to perfect as it could get.

Thestaff was so cordial,. We fell in love with Peggy and Hal. Roosevelt issomeone you should be proud of. Such a gentleman. We ate dinner 2 nightsin the dinning room and enjoyed it more than we can describe. We hadbreakfast 3 mornings. The staff person there was so very nice, too. Idon\'t know his name but he told us he is from New Orleans. He took goodcare of us. Terry did our \"turn down\" service in the evenings. She was really sweetand accomodating.

The Monmouth grounds are immaculate and the trails are neat. We enjoyed a game of Croquet, at least the way we play it. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting on our porch in the rocking chairs watching the birds and squirrels and listening to all the woodland sounds. I can't say enough about our visit.

I called our travel agent this morning and made sure she knew about the success of our stay so that she could recommend it in the future. The travel agent told me that her first impression of Monmouth was very good because the person she talked to and made reservations with was so kind and helpful. That meant a great deal to her.

Again, thank you for having a place like Monmouth for folks to visit and relax and enjoy themselves. Be sure to give Peggy a gold star. She is EXCELLENT!!! She was scurrying around Saturday evening because of the rain delay of a 6:00 wedding. She kept her cool and the staff's also. Again, THANK YOU!!!!

Sincerely,

Lyn L.
Texas

www.monmouthplantation.com

Monday, July 30, 2007

Natchez Food & Wine Festival - August 3-5


This wonderful annual event is coming up this weekend.

Sorry, Monmouth Plantation's dinner is sold out.
The brother and sister team of Chef Jim Hudson and Paula Hudson Vaughn of Bon Ami Bistro in Jackson, MS will prepare a French menu infused with Southern flavors:
Gulf Coast Bouillabaisse with Red Pepper Rouille
Fried Green Tomato Salad with Cornbread Croutons
Jumbo Lump Crab and Grilled Tomato Vinaigrette
Crawfish Stuffed Filet Mignon with Crawfish Bordelaise Sauce
White Chocolate Pecan Tart with Honey and Lavender Ice Cream

Monmouth Plantation - http://www.monmouthplantation.com/

Friday, July 27, 2007

Monmouth Plantation makes Travel + Leisure “2007 World's Best” List


Travel + Leisure Magazine has announced the results of its 12th Annual World’s Best Awards Readers’ Survey, naming Monmouth Plantation, one of the “Top 100 Hotels in the Continental U.S. and Canada.”

Every year, Travel + Leisure turns to its discriminating readers to determine the very best in travel, from hotels that go the extra mile to operators who make the journey possible. The results are featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, the world's leading travel magazine, and online at http://www.travelandleisure.com/

This year, Southern hotels, with their legendary hospitality, lead the Continental U.S. and Canada, making up nearly a quarter of the list, with Monmouth proud to be in that number. This just goes to show that Travel + Leisure readers fall hard for Southern charm.

According to T + L, Monmouth’s competitive edge is “An atmospheric hotel on a gorgeous estate with centuries-old oak trees.” T + L’s “Don't Miss?” Why, Chef Lanny Brasher's 5-course dinner of Southern specialties, such as grits with quail grillades, of course.

Owner, Lani Riches, says, "It is an honor, indeed, to be included in such esteemed company.” She and her husband, Ron, lovingly restored Monmouth in 1978 and continue to make improvements to the property on an ongoing basis in order to provide a guest experience at a level of service and attention to detail that will meet the expectations of such seasoned travelers.

Located in historic Natchez, the four diamond hotel’s antebellum splendor is a secluded haven with 30 luxurious rooms & suites nestled throughout 26 acres of estate grounds including wooded hiking trails, winding pathways through floral gardens and lakes, splashing fountains and moss covered oaks. This c. 1818 National Landmark is a member of Historic Hotels of America, Small Luxury Hotels of the World & Select Registry.

Come and experience another world. Book online at http://www.monmouthplantation.com/ or call 1-800-828-4531.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Our Guests Say the Nicest Things

Dear Lani,

We had a wonderful time at Monmouth and thank you for your generosity. Food was delicious and we enjoyed sharing a table with a lovely family from Texas.

You might be interested to know that they found Monmouth by Googling antebellum houses. It was their first time in Natchez and they plan to return at some point.

Georgia is en route to L.A. It was a little nerve-wracking because thunder storms rolled into Baton Rouge just before her flight but her plane was able to get out. She had a great time and plans to return in March or April. We must time it when you are in Natchez so I can have a tea celebration! When do you return to Natchez?

Love, Karen

Friday, July 20, 2007

Monmouth's Charming Gift Shop


We have a charming Victorian gift shop featuring heirloom reproductions from the period with a line of Lady Primrose lotions and toiletries. We offer gifts that are uniquely Southern as well as a nice collection of books on Natchez, plantations and the South. We also have jewelry, toys and ladies accessories – something for everyone on your gift list.
www.monmouthplantation.com

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Upcoming Events


The entire Mississippi Region surrounding Natchez is fascinating with so much to see and do. Her are just a couple...

Mississippi Crafts Center

Ridgeland, Now through October 31, 2007 - Members of the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi volunteer their time and share their craft techniques through demonstrations presented at the Mississippi Crafts Center in Ridgeland, along the Natchez Trace Parkway. These Demonstrations are presented each Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from March through October. See pottery, woodcarving and woodturning, quilting, metalsmithing, weaving and spinning, basket making, stained glass, knitting, papermaking, and other Mississippi crafts being made by our most talented artisans.

Between God and Man: Angels in Italian Art

Jackson, June-December, 2007 -From the Vatican Museums, this exclusive showing at the Mississippi Museum of Art is comprised of more than 150 works. Angels will introduce the visitor to the complex and glorious world of Angels through Italian works of art. The ninth in Annie Laurie Swaim Hearin Memorial Exhibition Series, "Between God and Man: Angels in Italian Art" is being curated by the Director General of the Vatican Museums, Dr. Francesco Buranelli, for an exclusive showing at the Mississippi Museum of Art. The exhibition features works in various mediums, although focusing on paintings, and from various time periods, ranging from ancient to modern.

www.monmouthplantation.com

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Our Guests Say the Nicest Things...

Debbie, Hal, Roosevelt, Peggy and Jim! They are all amazing! Unbelievable customer service!!The best I have ever seen. We had a fantastic retreat. Thank all of you so much.

Leigh P.
Brandon, MS

www.monmouthplantation.com

Monday, July 16, 2007

Fall in Love with History


Fall in love with history!

Walk among the living history of Natchez and the majesty of Monmouth Plantation. Package includes a 2 night stay, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a romantic five-course candlelight dinner for two, tour of the main house & full Southern breakfast each morning, a private guided tour of the historic cemetery of Natchez, the Natchez Photo Gallery, lunch downtown, then an afternoon tour and tasting at our local winery and massage for two upon return to your room. Prices from $800 per room.

www.monmouthplantation.com

Friday, July 13, 2007

All the Way from Paris!


We 'll never forget Monmouth ! Thanks again for your superb hospitality.

GĂ©rald and Marie Laure Tourigny

Hauville, Paris - France

http://www.monmouthplantation.com/

Thursday, July 12, 2007

30th Anniversary Moonlight, Magnolias and Memories Package


To commemorate our 30th anniversary, we are celebrating our rich heritage by offering guests a copy of “A Dream in Time,” signed by author, Cynthia Parker, which chronicles Monmouth’s rich history as well as a keepsake album to record memories in the making while at Monmouth, which we hope you will share each time you return to this idyllic retreat.

Package includes two nights’ deluxe accommodations, dinner for two, complimentary hors d’oeurves, a sunset carriage ride, a full Southern Breakfast, a tour of the mansion, a 3-hour private guided tour of the city in your own automobile, lunch & antiquing downtown, and upon return to your room at the end of the day, massage for two, champagne & chocolates. Prices from $750 per room – inclusive of tax and gratuity, through December 30, 2007.

www.monmouthplantation.com

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Our Guests Say the Nicest Things...

Dear Owners and Staff at Monmouth Plantation,

We are tremendously grateful for the gracious hospitality extended to us (the Seven Sisters) by the Monmouth Plantation staff. The memories of our visit there last weekend (June 22-24, 2007) will be treasured forever.

The grounds and buildings are beautiful, and we felt pampered and very special. We chose Monmouth for our “sister” retreat because of location, but we found so much more there than just a central meeting place. We found a genuinely warm welcome. Even though we are closer than many families, the setting at this lovely facility helped us bond even more.

So many things there reminded us of our mother (a true southern lady), whom we miss very much. She would have loved the elegant gardens and walkways. She would have enjoyed sipping mint juleps on the veranda or patio. She would have known every plant and their fragrance. As we languished in the quiet peacefulness of the Wisteria arbor late Friday night, we reflected on our memories of her and discovered many of her attributes in each of us. It was as if she was right there with us again.

Dinner, Saturday night, in the main plantation house was such an elegant experience. It was as if we had stepped back in history to a time when you dined by the twinkling light of a chandelier filled with candles. We spoke in softened voices so we wouldn’t spoil the mood. Each of our five courses for the meal came at exactly the perfect time, and our servers were always quick to respond to our every need. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was very romantic!

Our rooms were very beautifully decorated and comfortable. The porches and rocking chairs were perfect for sitting and talking in the afternoon. In the evening, we all met in one of the sitting rooms to continue our talks and giggles. Peggy’s guided tour of the main building on Saturday morning was fun and informative. We appreciated her help on questions about the facilities, too. She went above and beyond to help us. And then there is Hal, the bellman, what a wonderful jewel you have in Hal. All the “sisters” loved him. He was delightful! He knows “everything” about Natchez, so every time we needed information about something in town we searched for Hal. He was always so willing to help.

We could say so much more about this memorable trip, but words seem so trite compared to what we experienced in love and warmth shown by your wonderful staff! Thank you for making everything perfect. May God bless Monmouth Plantation.

The Seven Sisters

www.monmouthplantation.com

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Wi-Fi Now Available at Selected Mississippi Welcome Centers


Wi-Fi service is now available at the Mississippi Welcome Centers in Hancock, Lauderdale and DeSoto counties. Now you can catch up on work when you stop at one of these three Welcome Centers. While you're here, you'll also appreciate the neatly manicured grounds featuring picnic tables and grills, telephones, recreational vehicle waste disposal facilities, 24-hour security, restrooms and weather information.

Monmouth also has complimentary Wi-Fi in all our guest rooms and public areas.

www.monmouthplantation.com

Monday, July 09, 2007

Newsletter Fan

Thanks so much for sending me a copy of your newsletter! It is beautiful and I really appreciate the Chef’s Featured Recipe! I intend to give it a try this weekend!

God Bless you all!

Christy

Friday, July 06, 2007

Natchez Walking Tour


Take a stroll through one of America's most interesting cities.

Begin at the Bluff Park, the grassy promenade that skirts Broadway and overlooks the river. Here you will find "the Gazebo," a replica 19th century structure overlooking the Mississippi River so vital in the economic development of Natchez and other Southern cities. Nearby markers honor writher Richard Wright and memorialize more than 200 African-Americans who perished in the gruesome nicghtclub fire of 1940.

Across the river, you can see the low flat lands of Louisiana where "Cotton was King" during the antebellum period. Cotton is still farmed there today.

Natchez is the oldest continuous settlement on the Mississippi River, founded over 200 years ago. Flatboats and Steamboats docked at Natchez Under-the-Hill, their travelers taking carriage rides to the suburbs to visit Monmouth and other plantations or just to view the beautiful architecture of the downtown area.

Natchez has preserved its antebellum treasures. The downtown streets are the same ones laid out by the Spaniards who ruled Natchez in the late 18th century. Across from the gazebo on Broadway is "Bontura" the brick house built by Robert Smith, a free man of color and owner of a Natchez stable and carriage company in the mid-19th century. At the south end of the bluff is Rosalie, the antebellum house built in the 1820's by Peter Little, to far from the site of the old Fort Rosalie.

Established by the French in 1716, the fort site stretches along the bluffs to the south of Rosalie and is included in the new Natchez National Historical Park. The park also included antebellum Melrose, located on the outskirts of town and the William Johnson House on State Street.

Historic homes and antebellum mansions await you on every street downtown. Finish off your tour with lunch at Stanton Hall' s Carriage House. Enjoy!

www.monmouthplantation.com

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Fireworks on the River


Annual Fourth of July fireworks show as seen from the Natchez bluff.


Monday, July 02, 2007

Natchez Adventure Package


Thrill seekers swoon over our “ Natchez Adventure” tour which features a hot air balloon ride over the Mighty Mississippi River and the city. Once you’ve soared to new heights, explore our National Treasures: the Natchez Trace on bicycles, see the historic Grand Village of the Natchez Indians & authentic Longwood Plantation. Refuel downtown at the Natchez Coffee House and wind down your day with a carriage ride through the splendid architecture of downtown and watch the sunset on the river in Natchez Under the Hill. Two night package includes dinner and breakfast for two with complimentary hors d’oeurves. Prices from $2100 per room.

http://www.monmouthplantation.com/