This is a specific focus of a weekly MBJ edition.
A court-appointed receiver is in talks with several prospective buyers of downtown Jackson’s Roberts Vista Hotel, currently shuttered and awaiting repairs from water damage. The hotel, known more commonly in Jackson as The Walthall, for local Civil War figure Edward Cary Walthall, whose name it bore upon opening 85 years ago. As it as a [...] [...]

After the massive flooding of the Mississippi River in 2011, Tunica took a big hit in tourism, conventions and meeting activity. Even after the flooding was over and everything reopened, things were still slower than normal. “The national media said Tunica attractions were closed because of the flood,” said Bill Canter, director of marketing and [...] [...]

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is open for business and the welcome mat is out. The area has put the BP oil spill behind it and continues the Hurricane Katrina recovery. Tourism officials tout the variety of activities available for all age groups. In Hancock County, the tourism bureau’s Beth Carriere notes that the opening of [...] [...]

When the Meridian Symphony Orchestra formed, most people in the area were far more into country rather than classical music. After all, Meridian is the birthplace of Jimmie Rodgers, who is known as “the Father of Country Music.” “This was a country music town in 1962,” says Shirley Stodard, who played violin with the Meridian [...] [...]

Mary Mahoney’s Restaurant is a dining icon on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Opened by Bob and Mary Mahoney in 1964 and still operated by family members, the elegant restaurant has survived major hurricanes, boom times, slow times and last year’s oil spill. Through it all, the establishment has continued to dish up tried-and-true seafood entrees. [...] [...]

by Lynn Lofton Published: March 6,2011
Tags: Chuck Rodriquez, Confusion and Capone’s, Danie Rodriquez, Dix Nord, French Charley’s Café and Wine Bar, Mary Mahoney’s, MBJ Focus, Peter Nord, Phoenecia Gourmet, The Chimneys, Vrazel’s
Naming the best restaurants on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is a subjective thing. Everyone’s tastes are different, but fortunately for visitors and residents, the variety and choice of restaurants here continue to increase. Veteran favorites such as Vrazel’s and The Chimneys in Gulfport and Mary Mahoney’s in Biloxi never fail to please. Of these three [...] [...]

McCarthy: 2010 was a success and event days, attendance, impact and job creation are up The Jackson Convention Complex has been growing its business in a major way since opening two years ago. Jackson Convention Complex general manager Linda McCarthy said 2010 was a year full of highlights and accomplishments. Event days are up, attendance [...] [...]

by Lynn Lofton Published: March 6,2011
Tags: Anderson Family’s Shearwater Pottery, Blue Skies Gallery, Bob Taylor, Cynthia Dobbs Sutton, French Charley’s Café and Wine Bar, Gulf Island Excursions, Gulf Islands Water Park, Half Shell Oyster House, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Marian Knobbe Scott, Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, Port City Café, Scenic Drive, Shaggy’s Restaurant, The Quarter, Tony’s Brick Oven Pizza, Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Watson’s
Things are hopping in the Coast cities of Ocean Springs, Gulfport and Pass Christian, and visitors are welcome. “Visitors can come to Ocean Springs, shop, eat, catch a performance at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, enjoy a hands-on activity at one of our local paint shops and relax on the beach or bayou,” says [...] [...]

Trapani’s Eatery is returning to Beach Boulevard in Bay St. Louis, anticipating an August opening. The popular restaurant, operated by Jolynne and chef Tony Trapani, was a fixture in Old Town before Hurricane Katrina wiped it out, even partially removing the concrete slab. The unsinkable couple, who also lost their home, is presently operating a [...] [...]

by Becky Gillette Published: March 6,2011
Tags: Anne Coggins, Crystal Johnson, Harley Davidson convention, Junior Beta Club, Linda Elliff, Marika Cackett, Master Gardeners Conference, Mississippi Association of Supervisors, Mississippi Municipal League, Sandy Bynum, Senior Beta Club, South Central Manufactured Home Institute, Tennessee Motor Coach Convention, Tri-State Press Association, U.S. Postal Service Southern Officer’s Conference, Walter Tipton
No shortage of contenders for best five conventions in the state What are the best five conventions in the state? There is no shortage of possible contenders. Walter Tipton, director, Natchez Convention Center, likes the Harley Davidson convention. “Obviously, this attracts people who like to travel,” Tipton said. “Because of the nature of their conference, [...] [...]