From the breathtaking scenery of the Natchez Trace Parkway and a look at African American history at the William Johnson House to mouthwatering Southern cuisine at The Castle Restaurant and fun, affordable lodging at the Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel, this riverfront city has everything you need to plan unforgettable Natchez family reunions.
Whether you’re heading to town with 200 of your closest relatives or an intimate group of twelve, the Natchez family reunions are served by the Convention & Visitors Bureau staff. From catering services to group tours, the team can create fun-filled, specialized itineraries geared specifically to your group’s interests. Plus, the CVB can help families maximize their budgets and stretch every last cent. Services are free of charge, so money can be earmarked for more important things.
The renowned Natchez Convention Center serves as an ideal locale for any Southern family reunion, offering up over 23,000 feet of usable space, including three meeting rooms, a board room, a fully equipped concession area, a full service kitchen and wi-fi. The siblings of the convention center, the Community Center and The Natchez City Auditorium, both offer thousands of square footage and all kinds of amenities. Plus these venues’ locations in the heart of downtown Natchez means family reunion headquarters can be within easy walking distance of shops, eateries and attractions galore.
Natchez Family Reunions Lodging
From affordable, comfortable hotels, motels and RV parks to exciting attractions and historical sites, Natchez earns rave reviews from the countless family and group gatherings that make their way to this Southern city every year. Check out a few of Natchez’s family reunions lodging offerings below:
Natchez Grand Hotel – This riverfront hotel is just steps from the Natchez Convention Center, making its 119 comfortable, elegant rooms an ideal accommodations option for groups of all sizes. Adjacent to the new Magnolia Bluffs Casino, guests have easy access to try their hands at 580 slot machines and 10 table games. Plus, the hotel’s location in downtown means guests are minutes from the best in dining, shopping, attractions, antebellum homes and other notable sites throughout Natchez – and many rooms offer a spectacular river view.
Eola Hotel & Guest House – This landmark hotel, dating back to 1927, is a window into the Old South. A pleasant pairing of modern day amenities and historic ambiance, it’s an ideal accommodation for reunion groups of all sizes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this downtown gem features arched doorways, stately columns and charming interiors. Visitors can lounge on the New Orleans-style courtyard, gaze out at the Mississippi River from balconies, dine at one of two on-site restaurants or explore the property’s collection of antiques, original oil paintings, statuaries and fountains.
Natchez Family Attractions
William Johnson House – One of the most significant landmarks in Natchez, the William Johnson House is a window into the lives of free people of color in 1800s Mississippi. Johnson, known as the Barber of Natchez, was a freed slave and entrepreneur whose remarkable sixteen year diary is the lengthiest and most detailed personal narrative authored by an African American during the antebellum era in the United States, chronicling everything from his own ownership of slaves to the visit of former president Andrew Jackson. Guests can tour his fully furnished, recreated living quarters and exhibit room and get a unique glimpse into a key chapter in African American history. 5 Must Experience Mississippi Cultural Trails.
Natchez Museum of African Art & Heritage – Located in the old Natchez post office, this impressive site features exhibits from a whole host of African American historic sites, citizens and events in the surrounding regions – as well as an outstanding exhibit of African art. It is the only African American history museum situated on Main Street of any city in the U.S. Here, guests can get a one-of-a-kind look at the amazing impact of African Americans on Mississippi culture. Visitors can browse the literary works of critically acclaimed author Richard Nathaniel Wright, a Natchez native – or learn the tragic history of Forks of the Road, the second largest slave market in the South.
Natchez Trace Parkway – This world-famous scenic byway is an ideal location for any group gathering to spend a fun-filled day. Hugely popular among cyclists, this picturesque landmark winds its way through three states and 444 miles, past the Mississippi River and countless other historical landmarks. Visitors can rent bicycles for an afternoon adventure, or let the kids run around and explore the ceremonial grounds of Emerald Mound, an ancient Indian tribe. There are all kinds of adventures awaiting families looking to take in the natural beauty and outdoor excitement of the scenic Natchez Trace.
The Castle Restaurant & Pub – This one of a kind Southern dining destination is set in a 1790’s carriage house and stables — an unforgettable historical atmosphere for visitors. Built to resemble a castle, this popular restaurant has won the Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” since their opening in 2000, thanks to their extensive selection of vino. Here, guests can dine on the best in Southern cuisine, from fried green tomatoes and crab cakes to pork tenderloin and bread pudding.
In addition, the nearby Castle Pub offers groups a cozy, English-style eatery atmosphere, with an extensive selection of beer and signature drinks. Visitors can order from the Castle Restaurant menu or nibble from the pub’s appetizer selection. Either locale is perfect for groups both large and small.
There’s no place better than Natchez for your Southern family reunion. From breathtaking scenery and delicious dining to a wealth of Southern history and affordability, Natchez offers a unique and accommodating locale for any group gathering. So reach out to the Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau today for help in planning your family reunion in this unforgettable Southern city. It’s what you love about the South – and your whole family will, too.