The Natchez Spring Pilgrimage is held in the month of March each year. During this time the old South comes alive again for visitors to this sleepy Mississippi town. The antebellum mansions are situated throughout town and their proud owners throw open the doors of these amazing homes for tours by the curious or history buffs like me. One home on tour, Rosalie, is owned by the DAR (Daughter of the American Revolution) and features hoop-skirted volunteers that tell the story of the mansion, its occupants, and Natchez. Other mansions with romantic names like Stanton Hall, Dunleigh, Monmouth, Melrose and Elms Court are open to visitors.
The gardens of the town are spectacular during this time of year and should not be missed. The town hosts several shows including the historic Natchez Pageant, a musical production that depicts scenes of the Old South. The garden clubs of the town host Pilgrimage Balls that are by invitation only.
If you should be fortunate enough to know someone in Natchez with an invitation, its worth the rental on a tuxedo or gown to witness one of these extravagant events. The National Park Service owns Monmouth and often hosts Civil War reenactments on the mansion grounds.