World Atlas put together a list of some of the most welcoming towns in the U.S., where you can see “Americans are among the nicest people in the world.”
If you’re looking for a vacation with great food, lots to do and nice locals, they said one Mississippi Gulf Coast town is a good place to start.
“You will meet grinning faces, people who want to shake your hand, and residents who are ever willing to lend a helping hand. In many towns, neighbors meet together to enjoy each other’s company during fun-packed annual festivals,” World Atlas wrote.
Here’s what to know about why one Mississippi city makes the cut.
What’s the most welcoming town in Mississippi?
World Atlas chose Bay St. Louis as one of the friendliest cities in America. It’s described as a resilient Gulf Coast community that keeps bouncing back “better and brighter” after multiple hurricanes.
“The town is incredibly warm and welcoming, and quickly makes you feel like part of a family,” World Atlas wrote.
It’s on the new Amtrak Mardi Gras line, making visiting Bay St. Louis and exploring several cities nearby easier and more affordable than before.
Visit Mississippi: What is behind MS Gulf Coast tourism’s big boom 20 years after Hurricane Katrina?
What to do in, near Bay St. Louis
World Atlas pointed to the Bay St. Louis Little Theatre as a community gem. In fact, the building and other parts of the town are where “This Property Is Condemned” with Robert Redford, Natalie Wood and Charles Bronson was filmed.
There’s a lot to do in Bay St. Louis and within a short drive, including museums like the Alice Mosely Folk Art Museum or the Historic L&N Train Depot.
They also flagged local festivals and events that celebrate the community with food, fun and a taste of local culture, including the Second Saturday Art Walk in Old Town Bay St. Louis. The monthly event features art and live music with most of the fun around 4-7 p.m.
There are beautiful beaches and great Gulf Coast fishing. Or casinos offer entertainment options and some have stellar golf courses attached.
More: What makes fishing on Mississippi’s coast so great, and how you can get in on the action
Where to eat in Bay St. Louis
Trip Advisor ranks The Blind Tiger as the No. 1 restaurant in Bay St. Louis. (It has a sister location in Biloxi.) Guests can enjoy seafood while enjoying a view of the Gulf. The menu has seafood, burgers and more.
People also love 200 North Beach Restaurant and Bar. It opened post-Hurricane Katrina in the historic Sea Echo building. The restaurant honors the history of the location with design elements and photos from the past. The menu features seafood and steak.
Sycamore House also gets highly positive reviews. This converted historical property used to be Mauffray Boarding House and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Stella LeGardeur and Michael Eastham, who both trained at the Culinary Institute of America, design meals that share their artistry and love of great food with the community. They have separate menus for dinner, pizza and dessert.
What are the ‘most welcoming’ cities in the US?
World Atlas defined these 12 cities as “most welcoming” towns in America.
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Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: World Atlas calls Mississippi city one of 12 ‘most welcoming’ in US
