After traveling from New York via stop-overs in Virginia, Georgia, and Florida, I finally rolled into my final destination, Natchez on the Mississippi River, on Friday night. From the moment I turned into St. Catherine Street, I knew I had arrived. Every corner of this small city exudes a Southern grace and charm. I’ll be writing much more about my impressions of Natchez as the month progresses. I’ve rented a small apartment here in an old carriage house. It’s completely ideal for my purposes despite (or because of) its faintly “honeymoon cottage” ambiance. But for now I am just posting a few snapshots so I don’t have to inundate my friends with laborious emails and downloads. So if you are interested, please check in later to find out more about what makes Natchez one of the finest rivertowns in America.

Stanton Hall (above).

Wilkins Town House Bed and Breakfast on side street. Typical of the charm of the historic downtown district. It used to be the Chamber of Commerce many years ago.

I’m not sure exactly what this building is, but it appears to be a club or private association of some kind. It reminds me of some of the fancier Flagler buildings in Palm Beach.

Above is the rear-view of Choctaw, one of the larger B&B’s. Front facade below.

The grandeur of these homes is astonishing considering that right behind it is an abandoned old warehouse with wonderful vintage advertising signs.

Click on the images above to see them full-size. As you can see, I got a little carried away snapping pictures of it. Maybe it’s because the Natchez Coffee House was closed.

The cafe is on Franklin Street where there are several arcades filled with high-end and low-end antique shops and galleries. I’m not sure which “end” these outdoor statues belong on.

Every block is full of surprises. Below is an art deco movie theatre that could just as easily be in Miami Beach.

There is much more to show you. So stay tuned. No doubt I’ll succumb to the thrill of taking one of the horse-and-buggy ride tours, and I’ll be sure to fill you in on all the old wives’ tales about ghosts and goblins in the antebellum mansions.

It’s a magical little city that takes time to fully savor.