Remarkable Behind the Scenes Natchez Christmas Tour
USA Today just ranked Natchez one of the top five small towns in the United States!
This riverboat town pre-dates New Orleans and in 1860, this hamlet was home to more millionaires per capita and per square mile than any other city in America. As a result, there remain over 500 antebellum structures in Natchez where graciousness and hospitality abound. Additionally, the town will be celebrating the yuletide season and will put you “just in the mood” for the Holidays.
This special tour includes monumental events and the exclusive Guide Service of Mr. Jimmy the Cricket during your entire stay in Natchez. Cricket was recently Grand Marshall for Mardi Gras and will escort you through his favorite place and make you love it like he does. In addition, the tour includes four nights of lodging at the Natchez Grand overlooking the mighty Mississippi River with a full Southern breakfast buffet every morning!
A welcome supper awaits the group at the 200-year-old mansion, House on Ellicott Hill, the headquarters for the Natchez Garden Club since 1932 and the site of the raising of the first American flag in the Mississippi Territory. A private tour is included along with the elegant four-course candlelit meal prepared and served by locals.
Also on the itinerary is lunch at Mammy’s Cupboard, voted one of the top 100 places to eat before you die and one of the ten most bizarre buildings in the world! Housed in a 40-foot-tall mammy replica built in 1940 after the release of Gone With The Wind, this place offers homemade breads, pies and delectable desserts!
A private cocktail party at Myrtle Terrace, another fabulous home hosted by its owners, will let you experience the magnificent 19th century mansion. This was home to Captain Leathers during the famous Natchez vs. Robert E. Lee steamboats. This event is not available to anyone else!
As the journey continues, revel in a drive along the Natchez Trace to Brandon Hall, a 17,000 square foot plantation home of the son of the first native-born governor of Mississippi. Enjoy a tour and gourmet lunch here.
This alone is worth the trip! A private reception and Jeweled Christmas tour at The Towers, one of the most fabulous mansions in Natchez. Built in stages from 1790s-1850s, this magnificent private home is decorated every Christmas season by residents using their own collection of stunning jewelry on dozens of trees! Tour with the owners, a sing-along concert with festive piano music, and a sumptuous repast of homemade Southern delicacies make this day unforgettable.
There is a one-day excursion to historic St. Francisville, Louisiana where you will be fully immersed in Southern graciousness. Tour Oakleigh Plantation, where Audubon painted many of his now famous birds of America series, have lunch at a renowned landmark, stop at The Myrtles, the most haunted house in America some claim, enjoy a private luncheon at Greenwood Plantation which you will recognize from many movies, tour Rosedown Plantation and Gardens, enjoy shopping including the famous Grandmother’s Buttons housed in a 1905 bank building, and visit a gorgeous antebellum cemetery and church.
An informal “milk punch” tour of Linden by its gregarious long-time owner Jeanette Feltus (mother of Nashville’s own Marjorie Feltus Hawkins) will be delightful. The entrance of this beloved landmark was used as the identical one on Tara from Gone With the Wind.
Brand new to the repertoire is Dunleith with its Greek Revival columns and is the last all-columned mansion in Natchez. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974, and we will dine in this gorgeous house living like royalty.
We will also enjoy a candlelight supper at the mighty Choctaw Hall. This 12,000 square foot home, built in 1835, is ours for the evening where we shall enjoy a chef’s own three course Southern style banquet. You will be privy to an all-access open house tour before a divine repast in one of the most elegant homes in the South. Enjoy viewing thousands of pieces of prized antique porcelain and more silver than you have ever imagined. Even the locals are vying for this invitation and rumor has it that P. Allen Smith is coming to do the gardens soon.
Tour of one of the loveliest cemeteries in the nation with more than 100,000 graves. Based on the designs of Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, this beautiful setting overlooks the mighty Mississippi river with 400-year-old majestic live oaks lining the drives while crepe myrtle and ancient roses are found throughout. Every grave has an unbelievable story.
Another new offering is Trinity Episcopal Church featuring its magnificent Tiffany windows and opulent interiors. Plus an optional tour of First Presbyterian Church with organ music and a marvelous collection of photographs depicting 19th century Natchez. This is the church Mark Twain recalled when his characters watched from the balcony for the steamships to come in on the Great Muddy.
Lastly, there will be time for Christmas shopping in the quaint stores of the antebellum district of this famous riverboat town. Whether you chose from valuable antiques, interesting books, or spoons and magnets as souvenirs, shopping in Natchez is a treat for all.
Several surprises await those willing to come tour with us…so mark your calendars and make plans today. The cost is $1399 per person for double occupancy with $325 single supplement (additional traveler’s insurance is optional and strongly recommended as no refunds without it). This price covers everything including ALL MEALS! For additional information or to register, please contact Scott Smith at 615-500-9500. Remember, this is a tour that nobody else can offer!