This city is situated in Mississippi, on the west side of the Bay of St Louis, on the Gulf Coast. The prevalent Creole culture is a fusion of French and African influences. The most defining event in recent history was the devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Many people were evacuated and some did not return. Others have rebuilt the city and rekindled tourism. The city is known for its historic Old Town district, diverse arts scene, fishing and boating.
Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum
Alice Moseley was an acclaimed artist in the idyllic folk art genre. She painted rural Southern life as she wanted it would be, up until her death in 2004 at the age of 94. Her son opened the museum in her home, the Blue House, but it was later moved to the Bay St Louis Railroad Depot. Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum offers tours of her work and sells prints at the museum shop and online. The museum is closed on Sundays. Admission is free.
1928 Depot Way, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, Phone: 228-467-9223
Our Lady of the Gulf Church
The current church building was built in 1908 after a devastating fire destroyed the previous complex. The interior was completed to a very high standard. The high altar is made of Italian Carrerra marble and there is a large picture of Jesus and his mother, in her role as Our Lady of the Gulf behind it. The painting depicts 17th century sailing ships near the shore. The beautiful stained-glass windows were made in Germany. The Our Lady of the Gulf Church has daily mass and weekly confessions. Community outreaches include making blankets and dinners for the poor, especially those that were badly affected by Hurricane Katrina.
228 South Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, Phone: 228-467-6509
100 Men D.B.A. Hall
In 1894, 12 African American men came together and formed the 100 Men Debating Benevolent Association. They pledged friendship, care and burial of all members. In 1922, they built an outdoor pavilion and hall to preserve the musical history of the founders. The venue was on the Chitlin Circuit and hosted many famous gospel, jazz and R&B artists. It is now on the Mississippi Blue Trail and still has open mic evenings and fundraisers to bury its members. The 100 Women DBA raises money for the preservation of the building and scholarships. The hall is available for rental for private functions.
100 Men D.B.A. Hall, 303 Union Street • Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, Phone: 228-342-5770
Bay St Louis Little Theatre
The first Bay St Louis Little Theatre building was formed out of two army surplus barracks, one placed vertically for the audience and the other horizontally for the stage. The structure stood for more than 50 years until it was destroyed in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. The theatre company rescued and restored an abandoned building which had had a brief moment of glory in a film aptly named, 'This Property is Condemned'. After reopening in 2010, all seats were sold out for two years. It has subsequently been granted many awards. There are new productions monthly.
398 Blaize Avenue, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, Phone: 228-467-9024
The Sycamore House
The Sycamore House is both home and workplace to husband and wife team, Michael and Stella. The two chefs moved to the area in 2002 and opened a restaurant in this historic building on Main Street. Two mid-19th century cottages were joined together to form one dwelling, formerly known as the Mauffrey Boarding House. There are two dining rooms and an outdoor porch and patio. Mature oaks offer much welcome shade. The food is globally inspired with seafood dishes and New York style pizzas as highlights. The restaurant is open from Wednesdays to Sundays.
210 Main St, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, Phone: 228-469-0107
Trapani's Eatery
Like so many businesses in Bay St Louis, Hurricane Katrina caused havoc for Trapani's Eatery. Jolynne and Tony ran the beachfront restaurant from 1994 and were renowned for their hospitality. After Katrina, they moved to temporary premises but resolved to rebuild on the original spot in Old Town. In 2012, they moved back to a sturdy two-story building with a balcony bar upstairs. They serve seafood, pasta, steaks and chef's specials. Catering is customized for large or intimate occasions. There is a choice of two venues for private parties. Trapani's is open 7 days a week.
116 North Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, MS, Phone: 228-467-8570
Cuz's Oyster Bar and Grill
Cuz's Oyster Bar and Grill is a family owned and run restaurant. It was opened on the beachfront in Old Town in 2004. Fresh produce, seafood, bread and beers are delivered to their premises each morning. The cuisine is Southern and the décor is nautical. Diners can sit inside or outside where there are views of the Gulf Coast. They serve primarily seafood but also have grills, pasta, soup, salads and side dishes on the menu. They are open 7 days a week.
108 S Beach Blvd., Bay St Louis, MS 39520, Phone: 228-467-3707
Hollywood Casino & Resort Gulf Coast
Situated on approximately 600 acres of waterfront, Hollywood Casino & Resort Gulf Coast provides gaming action to the Bay St. Louis community in the style of Las Vegas every day of the week, twenty-four hours each day. The casino offers a live poker room, video poker, championship golf, live entertainment, sports betting, nearly 800 slots, and more. There are also many different table games, including Roulette, Craps, and Blackjack. In addition to the variety of gaming available at Hollywood Casino, guests will find an array of dining options, such as Bogart’s Steakhouse, Celebrity Grill, Lucky Noodle, and The Epic Buffet.
711 Hollywood Blvd, Bay St Louis, MS 39520, 228-469-2100
Silver Slipper Casino Hotel
The Silver Slipper Casino Hotel offers something for everyone looking for gaming fun, from gambling novices to gambling enthusiasts. With a vast gaming floor, visitors will find a wide array of slot machines, table games, poker rooms, high limit salon, sports book, and EZ KENO Kiosks. Table games at the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel include Cajun Stud, Craps, Roulette, Blackjack and more. The casino also hosts regular live entertainment and there are several restaurants to choose from for a meal, such as Bayou Caddy Oyster Bar, Beach Bar and Cafe, Blue Bayou Bar and Grill, and the Jubilee Buffet.
5000 S Beach Blvd, Bay St Louis, MS 39520, 228-469-2777
The Blind Tiger
The Blind Tiger first opened its doors in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi in May of 2013 and quickly became a hit in the community. This led to the bar expanding on the south and north sides, allowing for the accommodation of more local patrons. After a partnership with Harahs led to the building and subsequent success at a Biloxi Beach location, the Blind Tiger also expanded to locations in Madisonville and Slidell, Louisiana. Along with a wide array of great drinks, guests will find a variety of delicious food at The Blind Tiger, including shrimp, tacos, and burgers.
119 N Beach Blvd, Bay St Louis, MS 39520, 228-216-2600