My Japanese magnolia is about to bloom and the daffodils have started to pop out, which means its time to start planning which of the many Spring pilgrimages to attend this year. In the case of Natchez, which begins next week, it’s past time. For architecture buffs, pilgrimages are a prime time to spend some time up close with many of Mississippi’s otherwise private residential landmarks, and a few churches too. Besides, many of the houses open for pilgrimage are on MissPres’s list of 101 Places To See Before You Die, so . . . get out and see them before you die.
Here’s a run-down of this year’s pilgrimages for your scheduling convenience and with a few from just across the state line for a little lagniappe. You can see these on the MissPres calendar as well:
Bay Waveland (March 8, 2014)
Included in this pilgramage are two historic houses, Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church built in 1908 and designed by Theodore Brune, and the world famous Waveland School a.k.a. the Waveland Civic Center.
Natchez (March 8-April 8, 2014)
Twenty-seven antebellum mansions, most of them private residences, open their doors to visitors during this four-week Pilgrimage every spring. Your guides are costumed family friends and descendants of the original owners, whose stories are as real as the bricks and mortar in their hearths. Each house is unique with 18th and 19th century furnishings, porcelain, silver, clothing, tools, documents and diaries.
For a look at the Spring Pilgrimage 2014 Brochure CLICK HERE!
Mobile (March 14-15, 2014)
Please join the Historic Mobile Preservation Society for the 45th annual 2014 Mobile Historic Homes Tour. This year’s spring pilgrimage will feature eight private historic homes surrounding Washington Square. The Oakleigh Historic Complex will also be open complementary for your touring pleasure. Stroll through the beautiful Oakleigh Garden Historic District, one of Mobile’s seven National Register Historic Districts during this year’s Tour. The tour is a walkable tour with on street parking and nearby parking lots available.
See here for a list of homes on tour.
Gulf Coast (March 25-29, 2014)
Come celebrate the beauty and history of the Coastal South. The pilgrimage is a tour of homes, gardens, museums and historical landmarks. Each day showcases a different region along the coast.
Complimentary Tours of Homes, Gardens & Historic Places…..Yes we said COMPLIMENTARY!
For a Tour Schedule, click here!
Columbus (March 28-April 12, 2014)
We are excited to host the 74th annual Columbus Spring Pilgrimage – an award-winning event that has been widely recognized as one of the best and most authentic home tours in the South and repeatedly named a ‘Top 20 Event in the Southeast.’ The antebellum mansions of Columbus are impeccably maintained and as resplendent as ever. Many home tours feature recreated activities of the 1800s, complete with period costumes, which add excitement and even more authenticity to this historic event.
To download the Tour brochure, click here!
New Orleans Shotgun Tour (March 29, 2014)
Enjoy a delightful self-guided tour of eight charming homes near Audubon Park representing the history and glamour of the neighborhood. Marvel at the homes of designers and contractors who have used their renovation and design talents to maximize and showcase this iconic New Orleans house type.
Vicksburg (April 3-26, 2014)
Experience the rich Tapestry of early Vicksburg life by touring the historic homes and hallways of 15 Vicksburg properties. Enjoy interpretive presentations of Vicksburg’s history that bring to life the heritage and culture of this remarkable river city.
**I’m having trouble finding a good website for Vicksburg Tapestry, so if anyone has a link, please share**
Aberdeen (April 4-6, 2014)
The people of Aberdeen sincerely believe that we originated Southern Hospitality, and we’re “fixin'” to show how it’s done during the 39th Aberdeen Southern Heritage Pilgrimage, scheduled for the weekend of April 4, 5, & 6, 2014. You are invited to visit this magnificent old town, tour its beautiful historic homes, all of which are wonderful examples of antebellum and Victorian architecture. They were built by 19th century planters and merchants, and are the remaining symbols of a bygone era – an era that is “Gone With The Wind.”
For a list of homes on tour, click here.
Holly Springs (April 11-13, 2014)
Make plans now to visit the grand mansions, quaint cottages, and sacred spaces of Holly Springs during the 76th Annual Pilgrimage, April 11-13, 2014. Call 662-252-4015 for tickets or more information.
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Check out previous Pilgrimage reports for inspiration:
Categories: Aberdeen, Columbus, Gulf Coast, Holly Springs, Natchez, Preservation People/Events, Vicksburg
Preservation in Mississippi 
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