If you've never been; go. If you have gone before; go back. You'll feel the pull of that very special coastline that marks the end of Old Man River's ramble to the Gulf. It wraps around Louisiana and Mississippi like a ribbon of live oaks, shrimpboats, and colorful towns.

Take a moment just to grasp the dramatic changes around you after Katrina. Still, as the town motto in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi,goes, "It's all good." and they're right too. Focused on the future, the people of the Gulf Coast are making it a land of promise. For travelers, it's also a land of fun and adventure.

Where to Stay: Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Splurge on lodging at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino to experience the ambience, the excitement, the big name entertainment, and the food service at the posh resort. This 32-story, 1,740-room hotel offers grand views, original artwork in the rooms, and Italian marble in the bathrooms. The theater features such award-winning shows as Lord of the Dance and Stomp, and 13 fine shops fill the shopping promenade. A spa, salon, and seven restaurants (with three more opening soon) complete the package. Spend a morning of bliss in Beau Rivage’s spa overlooking the Gulf and enjoy a massage, facial, and even eyelash extensions. Rates start at $99 per night.
875 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi; 1-888-750-7111 or CLICK HERE.

Where to Eat: 206 Front
A classy but relaxed and cozy atmosphere with great food prepared fresh before your eyes in an open kitchen. Look for the local artwork covering the walls, and listen for live music in the upstairs bar and open deck. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday brunch; bar 11 a.m.-midnight Tuesday-Saturday, and noon-2 p.m. Sunday.
206 West Front Street, Hattiesburg; (601) 545-5677 or CLICK HERE.

Where to Shop: Realizations
Walter Anderson believed that an artist was obligated to provide the public with good, affordable art. At Realizations, find note cards, prints, clothing, and posters created from hundreds of original block-print designs. Open Monday-Saturday.
1000 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs; (228) 875-0503 or CLICK HERE.

Where You're There: A Gallery
Owner Gail Albert offers an eclectic collection of paintings, jewelry, photography, art glass, pottery, and other works by Mississippi artists in this downtown Hattiesburg gallery. She also spotlights an artist of the month.
134 East Front Street, Hattiesburg; (601) 584-6785 or CLICK HERE.

Check out our Mississippi Gulf Coast Editor's City Guide for tips on hotels, restaurants, and places to shop.