Spring Pilgrimage in Natchez is March 6 – April 10, 2010!
“Since 1932 people from all over the world have been coming to Spring Pilgrimage in Natchez, where Native American, African American, and European cultures blended to make this oldest continuous settlement on the Mississippi River one of the most unique towns in America” –Natchez Pilgrimage Tours (www.NatchezPilgrimage.com)
Spring Pilgrimage is a great time to be in Historic Natchez, Mississippi. There are more than 25 antebellum homes open for tour and many other special productions throughout the city.
Room reservations are still available at Monmouth, but are going quickly. Make plans to come to pilgrimage and make your reservation today! Call 601.442.5852 or 800.828.4531 for reservations.
21ST ANNUAL NATCHEZ LITERARY AND CINEMA CELEBRATION TO FEATURE SOUTHERN HUMOR
Get ready to laugh! “Humor in the Deep South” is the theme of the 21st annual Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, which will take place Feb. 25-28, 2010, in Natchez, Miss.
“This conference couldn’t come at a better time,” said NLCC Founder and Co-chairman Carolyn Vance Smith of Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Natchez.
“Several years ago, when Southern humor was chosen as the 2010 conference theme, we had no idea that we’d need to laugh right now,” she said.
“With the state and national economy as it is, and with so many other serious pressures all around us, we hope the conference will let us slow down, laugh a little and leave refreshed,” she said.
The Olympic Award-winning conference will feature four jam-packed days which include:
·Programs by some of America’s most outstanding authors, historians and film experts, including James C. Cobb, Thad Cochran,Trudier Harris, Mary Donnelly Haskell, Sam Haskell, M. Thomas Inge, Mark LaFrancis, John Mayfield, Scott Dixon McDowell, JoAnne Prichard Morris, Marshall Ramsey, Clifton Taulbert , Charles Vahlkamp, Sarah McLaurin Vahlkamp, Jerry W. Ward Jr., Jane Feltus Welch, Rebecca Wells, Diane Williams, Charles Reagan Wilson, Gerald Wood and others
·Screening and discussion of Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias and Horton Foote’s The Trip to Bountiful
·Premiere screening of Scott Dixon McDowell’s documentary, Horton Foote: Regional Voice, Universal Vision, about the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and screenplay writer
·Premiere screening of Mark LaFrancis’ documentary, Now! That’s Funny! Jokes, Stories, and Other Musings from the Deep South
·Richard Wright Literary Excellence Awards ceremony honoring the authors Robert S. McElvaine Jr. of Millsaps College and Steve Yarbrough of Emerson College
·Horton Foote Award for Special Achievement in Screenwriting ceremony honoring the screenplay writer and playwright Robert Harling
·Thad Cochran Humanities Achievement Award ceremony honoring Jerry W. Ward Jr.
·The play, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, in cooperation with the Natchez Little Theatre
·Writing workshops for adults and grade school children
·Book signings and other informal times with authors
·Live music
·Festive social events in two of Natchez’s most beautiful mansions, Greenlea and Stanton Hall
Because of major support from the four co-sponsors as well as the Mississippi Humanities Council and other agencies, most of the NLCC is free of charge, Smith said. “There are only three ticketed events,” she said.
Informationand tickets are available at www.colin.edu/nlcc; by calling toll-free 866-296-6522;
or by emailing NLCC@colin.edu.
Sponsors of the NLCC are Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Natchez National Historical Park,
Mississippi Department of Archives and History and Mississippi Public Broadcasting. Co-chairmen are
Smith, representing Co-Lin; Kathleen Jenkins, NNHP; Jim Barnett, MDAH; and Sherry Johnson, MPB.
Monmouth and the City of Natchez are gearing up for an amazing Christmas celebration for the entire month of December. Make plans now to be in Natchez for this special time! More information will be released in upcomming weeks. Keep an eye on our webpage for more information!
The “Great Mississippi River Balloon Race” will be held in Historic Natchez, Mississippi on October 16-18, 2009. Balloon Race weekend is an exciting time to be in Natchez, with special events all weekend long. Rooms in Natchez sell out quickly so be sure to book your luxurious room or suite at Monmouth Plantation today! They are going fast so call 601.442.5852 or 800.828.4531 for reservations!
Monmouth Plantation is excited to release three special packages. Romance, History, and Golf are the areas of focus in the new packages. Regardless of the reason you come to Natchez, one of our new packages is sure to be the right fit for you. Read more about the packages here.
In addition to the packages above, we are now offering our Summer 2009 Package. Including two nights deluxe accommodations, a five-course candlelight dinner for two on one night, breakfast each morning, and a tour of the mansion, the Summer Package is priced from an attractive $399. For more information visit our webpage MonmouthPlantation.com or call 800.828.4531!
When you are staying at Monmouth Plantation in Natchez, be sure to check out the Natchez Little Theatre for an evening of great entertainment! Only a few minutes from Monmouth, the Little Theatre offers various productions throughout the year. “Southern Exposure” a Natchez favorite will open every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday Evening at 8:00 p.m. March 7-April 11. For more information on the Little Theatre visit their webpage: http://www.natchezlittletheatre.org/
Make plans to stay at Monmouth for Natchez’ Spring Pilgrimage. Availability is limited and going fast. Make your reservation today 800.828.4531 or 601.442.5852 or MonmouthPlantation.com!
Spring Pilgrimage March 7 - April 11, 2009 (http://www.natchezpilgrimage.com/) Twenty-five antebellum mansions, many of them private residences, open their doors to visitors during this five-week Pilgrimage every spring. Brilliant musical productions, theater, Gospel music, and historic presentations take the stage each evening.
Entertainment includes The Historic Natchez Pageant, a magnificent musical production of dancing, historic scenes and elaborate period costumes. Songs of the South, Stephen Foster, traditional spirituals Gershwin and much more. Southern Road to Freedom, a stirring musical tribute to the African-American experience from the Colonial period to the present day. Southern Exposure, a hilarious spoof on the Natchez homes, homeowners and Pilgrimage tourists.
There are many reasons to come to Monmouth Plantation. Below I have listed five that come to mind. Feel free to post comments with your opinions and other reasons that you visit.
1. Historic Significance A visit to Monmouth is a step back in time. Built in 1818, owned by Mississippi Governor and Mexican War hero John Quitman, Monmouth Plantation has a rich and unique history. When you stay at Monmouth enjoy a guided tour in the Mansion at no additional cost to you. Wander pebble paths under centuries old oaks and see the family cemetery of the house builder John Hankinson.
2. Luxurious Atmosphere Natchez’ only AAA Four Diamond Hotel and the only Small Luxury Hotel of the World in Mississippi, Monmouth is the only choice for a truly luxurious experience. Beautifully appointed rooms and suites with all the modern conveniences welcome guests for the night. Wireless Internet, Jacuzzis and fireplaces add to the comfort of the guest rooms.
3. World Class dining Wonderful cuisine prepared by a team of talented chefs, is available nightly in the Antebellum Mansion. The Chef’s Table meal served at the dining room table has a menu that changes daily. Also offered in the Parlors of the Main House is an a la carte dining option called “1818 at Monmouth plantation.” Both dining options are open to the public seven days a week.
4. Beautiful Grounds Monmouth Plantation sits on a twenty-six acre estate. The grounds are meticulously maintained by a talented grounds crew. There is something blooming in the gardens year round. The apex of the gardens is in the Spring when the Azaleas are blooming. There are also two ponds on the grounds, a walking trail, a gazebo, a wisteria pergola, hammocks, and many other features you must see for yourself!
5. The City of Natchez The City of Natchez founded in 1716 is the oldest city along the Mississippi River. The city sits high on a bluff overlooking the river and the state of Louisiana. Natchez boasts more antebellum structures (built before the civil war) than any other city in the South! Many of these homes have been restored to the antebellum period and are open daily for tours. Dining, gaming, and shopping are also available in the city.
"The room and furniture were beautiful! We appreciate the town and history behind the plantation. You have done an excellent job of restoration! Thanks for everything. You made our 1 year wedding anniversary unforgettable!"
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
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. Everyone expresses 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)
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
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.