This past weekend, I left the comforting confines of the Kitsap Peninsula WA, and flew out to the backroad bayous of Louisiana, visiting my precious daughter, Emily, living in Monroe, home of the ULM Warhawks. During my stay, and being the adventuresome Father/Daughter duo that we are, we decided to take a road trip over to Natchez, Missisippi.
Now, I have to confess, I had somewhat selfish reasons for wanting to visit Natchez. I am an avid fan of the highly accomplished best-selling fiction writer, Greg Iles. Greg grew up in Natchez and now resides there with his family. The surrounding areas along the Missisippi River often time provide the setting for many of his novels.
Heading south on US-65, we passed through the bustling metropolis of Waterproof. I was tempted to stop off at Bubba’s and grab some boudin sausage and a Peach Nehi, but we were a little pressed for time.
As we drove through Vidalia, we noticed that well-known Actor & Martial Arts stud, Chuck Norris, has a new business venture. Who else has more experience with ‘personal injury?’
Arriving in Natchez, I can see why Greg likes to call it home. What a wonderfully quaint and friendly town, chock full of rich history, traditions, and stunning southern architecture. Nowhere on the planet will you encounter a people who possess better manners. Every sentence of conversation ended with either ’Sir’ or ‘Maam.’ All women, regardless of age, are referred to as Miss _______ . Our society as a whole has horribly missed the boat on the importance of passing on the legacy of mutual respect and good manners. It was wonderfully refreshing to encounter.
We stopped at the local corner bookstore, “Cover to Cover Books & More,” where I purchased a signed copy of Greg’s latest hardback, “Third Degree.”
We drove over to the Natchez City Cemetary, one of the primary locations mentioned in Greg’s popular book, “Turning Angel.”
Towards the end of the day, our stomachs led us to “Cock of the Walk,” a very popular restaurant, for tourists and locals, on the bluff overlooking the river. We were treated to many staple Southern specialties - cornbread, mustard greens, fried pickles, hushpuppies, fried catfish, and more. The meal capped off a truly enjoyable and memorable roadtrip experience!
So pick up one of Greg’s books (”Mortal Fear” is one of my faves) and next time you’re in the neighborhood, stop off in Natchez MSÂ for a perfect slice of Southern hospitality.
