TWO AUTHORS ARE RECENT GUESTS TO MONMOUTH

Recently we have been pleased to have as our guests two authors, both visiting Monmouth at different times-one as a quiet retreat and the other escaping hurricane
Gustav.

Our first guest Darrel Hoover and his wife enjoyed Monmouth and shared with me the story of his first novel-JUST ONE MORE DAY. His novel is set in Korea during the Korean War and the inspirational story found throughout the book is of a young Allied soldier who was asked by a news correspondent on the battlefield: "What do you want for Christmas?" and the answer became the title of the book! The story line is fiction but the inspiration that is portrayed will certainly be memorable to all who read it.

Morris and Helen Raphael of Ne Iberia, LA. evacuated from the perils of hurricane Gustav. Mr.Raphael is a native of Natchez and has authored several books after his retirement. He also writes columns of interest for the local newspapers. Morris and Helen met in Brazil and were married in 1958. She is a cum laude graduate of MONMOUTH COLLEGE in Illinois.

MY NATCHEZ YEARS-1917-1938 is the autobiography of Raphael's life as a young Natchezian and his remembrances of those early boyhood years. Stories are told of the "great depression", the flood of 1927, and his boyhood life surrounded by St. Mary's Catholic Church, boy scouting, hunting and fishing. MY NATCHEZ YEARS is a wonderful story of growing up in this beautiful Southern town.

BIRDING AT MONMOUTH

Monmouth’s first avid “birders” to made themselves known to our staff were Bob and Claudette St. Amant who visited with us over several days in the spring of 2008. Luckily for Monmouth, Bob had his binoculars along and soon discovered twenty nine birds on our 26 acres of property.

Mr. St. Amant shared his list of birds and gave us suggestions on how to attract other birds to the property. Soon we had bird feeders out and we are now in the fall of 2008 Looking for those birds migrating south and stopping at Monmouth for a reprieve.

Mr Charlie Taney also added birds that he had sighted on the property and we are excited that other bird lovers will make a trip (with their binoculars) to Monmouth. Mr. St. Amant has returned this fall and spotted seven additional birds on their trip south.

We want to thank the St. Amant’s, their daughter Lindsay Seely (who is a birder and the program chair of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society) and Mr. Taney for their assistance in helping Monmouth create a birding location.

When you visit Monmouth, stop in our gift shop and ask to review the Birding At Monmouth book- listing all the birds sighted. Please add any birds that you might see while you are with us.

Birding has become a most popular activity and we would enjoy having groups of Bird lovers stay with us. Perhaps this would be a great location for a group to meet and have lectures from local Audubon Society members. The Natchez Trace is also a marvelous location for bird and other wildlife sightings.

Call for Monmouth to further discuss the options we can make available. 601.442.5852

Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez - Monmouth's Special Guests

Our guests, the Hernandez' wrote these words to Monmouth expressing their love and enjoyment of visiting with us. The Hernandez are certainly more to us as family than guests!

Mrs. Hernandez wrote:"They (Monmouth) may not have invented the re carpet treatment but they sure have perfected it. It's just a perfect place to come to and relax and rejuvenate. Friendly staff and knowledgeable. In fact we have a cat we named Hal, who is the "head of the plantation". He's the main reason we love it so much. We love Hal!

(Hal Davis)

The grounds are perfect for taking a leisurely stroll or just sitting out on the porch watching the squirrels play in the trees. The hors d'oeuvres and the food is delcious. Just a wonderful
place to tay over and over again. We know...we have stayed there probably going on 70 (Seventy!) times. We try to get back once a month. The last 9 Thanksgivings have been spent there. Go to Monmouth and you just might not can stop going.!"

Monmouth staff feels great gratitude to our loyal guests and we thank Mrs. Hernandez for writing this testimony.

MONMOUTH: It's Majesty and Legacy

-The History and Perservation of Monmouth From 1818 to Present Day-

Our history in print has just arrived and is for sale in our gift shop or by calling the Monmouth Plantation.

Our book is beautifully printed in glossy cover and lovely photographs of the Quitman's and the magnificent furnishings along with the fascinating story of General John Quitman's antebellum life at Monmouth. Of major interest to everyone visiting Monmouth is the modern story of the

restoration of the plantation and grounds by Ron and Lani Riches thirty years ago. While reading the story of the Quitman family you will become enamored with the Riches' family and their endeavors to recreate the mansion to 1830's-1840's. It has been called "a labor of love".

The text and content was developed by Cynthia J. Parker Sinsheimer who resides in Natchez and Los Angeles.


To order by mail please call 601.442.5852 or 800.828.4531.

Hearty Southern Breakfast for our Guests

Breakfast served daily from 7AM until 10AM in Monmouth's lovely Garden Room.

Breakfast begins with a large selection of cold items, yogurts, Ms. Mary's homemade granola, homemade muscadine, watermelon, mayhaw jellies and fig preserves. A variety of fresh fruits and juices are featured on the buffet. After your relaxing cup of coffee and starters, a delicious Southern breakfast was served. Today's hot breakfast featured: eggs, bacon and ham, grits, homemade biscuits or our special of the day: an egg white omelet filled with sauteed green peppers, onions and tomatoes.

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR GUESTS!

This lovely couple from California, Bill and Jackie Gentry visited with us at Monmouth for two evenings. They both expressed their enjoyment of Monmouth and our five course dinner- and especially their room and the peace of our gardens. Monmouth Plantation is pleased to recognize the Gentry's as our guests and their volunteer work during their stay in the South . The Gentry's will travel to New Orleans to attend a Shaklee Corporation Convention. The Shaklee Corporation and their attendees will volunteer their personal hours and supplies to the city to help in rebuilding after the Katrina losses. While in New Orleans they will pass out free Shaklee "green products" to those in need. The Shaklee Corporation owners, The Barnett's have pledged any money raised during the convention by Shaklee to be donated to assisting with the rebuilding of New Orleans.
Monmouth is blessed to have had the Gentry's as our guests

GEOCACHING "FINDS' AT MONMOUTH

Monmouth Plantation has been included in the newest vacation and tourist exploration adventure- Geocaching! Tucked away in a hidden location on our 26 acres you can find a scavenger hunt treasure!

For those not familiar with geocaching, this has become a really fun way to explore your Natchez destination and the surrounding area.

Planning your vacation around this fun scavenger hunt will give you clues found on your computer by typing in Geocaching and following the easy directions. Hints will be given to assist in finding the treasure. We can't tell you the locaton of our cache, but when it is found each treasure seeker locates a box and identifies himself/herself with his code name. In the cache box will be found a small item left by the "caching" seeker before you. You'll take the souvenirs and leave a comment an a token for the next person seeking the treasure.

Happy Geocaching!

SOUTHERN PECAN-ORIGINAL NUT BROWN ALE

Monmouth Plantation's Lounge is the first to offer its guests
SOUTHERN PECAN, the Original Pecan Nut Brown Ale

This delicious pecan ale is brewed in Mississippi and is the
first made in the world from whole, roasted pecans!

Southern Pecan is a delightfully smooth and warm, nutty
flavored with a slight sweetness to bring out the rich flavor
and smoothness of dark malts.

Pecans are our favorite nut in Mississippi and our trees
are boundiful in the fall and almost every yard and gardens
will have their own supply of pecans for favorite desserts
or praline candies. And now we have a drinkable pecan malt!

Visit us soon in the Quitman Lounge to try another Mississippi
first!

APPLE JOUJOU-AUGUST DRINK OF THE MONTH

Join the Monmouth Plantation "Natchez Cocktail Crowd" for the drink of the month- "Apple JouJou".

This refreshing drink has the delightful taste of apples and is perfect for a hot summer after-noon cocktail.

Our house guests and Natchez residents find the Quitman Lounge and patio to be a great afternoon location for a summer drink. So we invite you to spend an evening with us at Monmouth Plantation and try our speciality drink of the month!

Wedding Symposium at Monmouth

Monmouth Plantation was selected as the location for the statewide Mississippi Destination Wedding Symposium held July 28 and 29. State tourism officials and THE BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE presented the format and discussions were given by THE BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE executive staff and travel writers from locations outside of Mississippi. Monmouth was honored to have been selected as the premier location for this symposium.

We have always been a perfect location for weddings, rehearsal dinners and receptions- and today it is becoming extremely popular for the bride and groom to choose their wedding location, such as Monmouth--away from the locations of where scattered families and friends of the family live. Natchez offers not only a beautiful setting for a wedding but a perfect getaway for all guests attending. Mr. Tom Curtin is photographed as he finished his insightful presentation. Mr. Curtin is Publisher and Senior Vice President of THE BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE. Call on Monmouth staff to start your thoughts on a Destination Wedding at Monmouth.

RIDE THE NATCHEZ TRACE BY RENTAL BIKE!

For an added experience of Natchez and all the various options of things to do- Monmouth will arrange for bikes to be rented and perhaps you'll want an avid cyclist to accompany you on your adventure on the Natchez Trace.

Your bike trip can be for a few hours or the entire day, and while on the Trace you'll have the opportunity to stop at Historical Natchez Trace Parkway markers, see the wildlife and enjoy the peaceful ride that only a National Parkway can provide.

For those interested in taking the bikes for a ride around Natchez, we will provide you with a map of all the local historical markers and make suggestions for a stop for lunch and then a ride in the afternoon along the Mississippi River bluffs. Call for more information and ask for Peggy Sue and we will start making your arrangements.
-Peggy Sue

MORGAN MOTORCAR CLUB ARRIVE AT MONMOUTH

Six beautiful Morgan cars owners arrived at Monmouth last week for a two night stay with us. The prestigious group from Great Britain had their cars shipped across the Atlantic to arrive in New York in May. The owners had well planned their travels through the Eastern and Southern states . The cars and owners were welcomed at each location with much fanfare and news coverage. The group dining each evening with us at Monmouth, requested to be seated in the Gentlemen's Parlor under the Waterford chandeliers for their five course dinners.

Each of the Morgan cars were custom built for each owner in England and each owner went into the factory to see their cars being hand assembled.



Their final stop on tour was New Orleans where the cars will be shipped home to England arriving within three weeks. The group enjoyed the plantation, dining and their accommodations and presented us with a commemorative plaque of their May- July 2008 tour of the United States.


We were elated to have these lovely guests with us at our Monmouth.
-Peggy Sue

MINT JULEPS AND ANTEBELLUM GEMS

Recently the Boston Globe featured in its Sunday travel section and article written by Stephen Jermanok after his travels to the south and a visit to Natchez.

Stephen writes:

"If you spend the night at the Monmouth Plantation, you won't have to dress in costume to feel like the regal owner of a Southern plantation. Mint juleps are served in frosty silver cups promptly at 6:30 pm in the Quitman Study...The distinctly Southern menu features crawfish chowder with just a hint of Tabasco and lump crab cakes with a jalapeno hollandaise dip. Entrees include a mustard-crusted rack of lamb in a tangy tomato-based demi glace... Monmouth is a peaceful oasis for whiling away an afternoon or two in the Old South with a good book -like, Gone with the Wind..."

Monmouth is blessed to be recognized often by prestigious publications and certainly The Boston Globe is one.

Thank you and please return.

-Peggy Sue

Natchez Trace Bicyclists visit Monmouth

In early June, Monmouth served as the beginning location for this avid group of bikers riding the entire length of the Natchez Trace. The Trace begins (or ends, depending on your choice of starting point!) in Natchez, MS and travels the Indian route to Nashville, TN. This beautiful National Parkway is 440 miles and features only nature forest, wildlife and an occasional marker where you may stop to read the history of that location.

Our group of bikers stayed the night at Monmouth and dined with us for our five course dinner. The next morning the bikers were up and geared to begin their ride- after our generous and delicious Southern breakfast. This group had a tour company who planned their trip and arranged stops along the way, and they were also equipped for any unexpected mishaps such as flat tires or a rider with a strained muscle. The group was followed by a van equipped with snacks and any necessities.

We enjoyed our biker guests and wished them a "farewell" as they began their six day journey to Nashville. We await to hear from the group and will pass on any interesting information of their adventures.

This is an indication of all the various activities that are available in Natchez. I'll begin sending you a variety of points of interest and activities so that you can plan a trip to Natchez and enjoy the unusual parts our city has to offer.
-Peggy Sue

CHEF'S HERB GARDEN at MONMOUTH

Near the patio is a brick enclosed herb garden for the Chef to use for his special dinner preparations and, also used daily for our famous Mint Juleps. Each herb of the season is labeled and Larry Stewart our master garden is often tending to the herbs. Parsley, purple basil, rosemary and mint are a sampling of the herbs we have growing.
Another feature of the herb garden is the dinner bell that is rung nightly for our dinner guests to join us for dining in the mansion.
-Peggy Sue

July Drink of the Month

"Why Darlin', I do believe I will have a STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI!"



To celebrate the 4th of July all month long Roosevelt will be concocting a southern frozen daiquiri as Monmouth's Drink Special. Please join us in the Quitman Lounge or on our courtyard for a refreshing summertime drink.
-Peggy Sue

Monmouth's Guestbook

Our guest book registry is readily available for names, addresses and comments and it is always a treat to read the impressions guests give of their Monmouth experience- and with just a few words!

Here is a sampling to entice you to pick up the phone and call for a Southern get-away with us.
"We love this place"
"Great hospitality"
"40 year anniversary"
"What more can you ask for?"
"Finally, a family portrait in a beautiful setting"
" Zippity Doo Dah!"
"Great place for a Board Retreat"
"It was so lovely. God bless you all"
"Magical evening"
"This is the most beautiful place"
"A super Southern treat"
"Awesome"
"Honeymoon- Superb!"
"Perfectly decadent!"
"We were spoiled the whole time!"
"To die for!"
"I'll never eat again- Divine cuisine"
And the comments continue. Oft times the messages from our guests are the best and we want you to experience Monmouth as soon as possible. We look forward to your comments!
-Peggy Sue

June Drink of the Month - "Sloe Gin Fizz"

Our June drink of the month is a favorite with Southern ladies for their 5:00 cocktail on the veranda. (Our men enjoy this drink also!)

The Sloe Gin Fizz is a delightful concoction of a red gin liquor and has a delightful "buzz" to it. As our recent drinks of the month, this one is from Denise Gee's Southern Cocktails cookbook that can be purchased in Monmouth's wonderful gift shop. Locals from Natchez are enjoying our afternoon drinks on the patio and the complimentary canapés. We look forward to seeing you in June.
-Peggy Sue

Locals enjoy cocktails

Local Natchezians are enjoying the beautiful patio and gardens for an afternoon or evening cocktail. Quitman's Lounge is featuring a specialty drink each month, along with the favorites of wine and Roosevelt's famous mint julep. Shown enjoying a cocktail are three Lovely ladies arriving after a work day - from left to right, Mary Ruth Caldwell, Diana Glaze and Kaye Carroll.


Not only do they enjoy an evening out having cocktails and hours d’oeuvres, but also the ladies are members of a fun group who gather for social occasions and they have named themselves- "The Drama Queens". Drama Queen "wantabes" live in Natchez so perhaps one day they too will be part of the group. The "Drama Queens" had so much fun having cocktails they are encouraging Natchez residents to join them for cocktails- along with our guests staying at Monmouth Plantation. Our specialty drinks, the patio and gardens along with our bartender Roosevelt will promise a delightful evening after work or just for a night out.

-Peggy Sue