October 18, 2023 Day 11 Natchez Mississippi to Laurel Mississippi 150 miles
We actually had a good breakfast this morning. The hotel had biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and grits. Unfortunately we had to hurry because we got up late and we want to make the first tour at Stanton Hall.
We arrived at the hall about the same time as a group of Harley Davidson bikers arrived. They didn’t stay long however so guess they aren’t interested in the tour. We walked around to the back of the house to see if the tickets were sold there. We did find the door to the gift shop but they were still closed. Before long a lady did come out and explain that a tour group from England was coming for the first tour. A group comes every Wednesday and have about 40 people. She did say she would ask the tour leader if we could join them. When he arrived he agreed. They split the group in two. Our group started upstairs and the others downstairs. The house was built in the 1850’s. Just like so many built at the time by the wealthy cotton plantation owners, they spared no expense. Huge 14 foot mirrors adorn the main parlor. The gas lanterns that hang from the ceiling are all different. They weigh about 300 pounds each. Of course now they have been converted to electricity. The house is about 14,000 square feet and has many of the original furnishings. The china came from France and the silver from England. The house was sold during the depression to a group of ladies who turned it into a bed and breakfast. General MacArthur, his wife and son stayed there for 3 days. The TV series North and South was also filmed here. During this time wall covering with paintings depicting the 1850’s in India were added to the main upstairs hall. The British tour group was interesting too. A few were very interested in our old car.
Then it was time to head out. We have a shorter drive today. We got on the four lane divided highway and went all the way to our hotel. Google Maps does not call this a highway. This is a great road with minimal traffic. The median and sides of the road are mowed with no trees. Further out the trees are tall and close together. We couldn’t see what was on the other side. The road has no on and off ramps. Other roads and driveways simply intersect. At one of these a truck carrying what looked like corn or dried beans had turned over on its side blocking 1.5 lanes. Some of the contents had spilled out on the roadway. Police and a fire engine were present on the scene.
The GPS took us to the wrong location but Google got us back on track. Probable user error. We arrived earlier than some days and took a nap. It felt good.
Spoffords Travel 