Beaches, Po'Boys and Blues in Bay St. Louis, MS

• Shopping: A trip to Bay St. Louis wouldn't be complete without spending half a day or so browsing the local galleries, artsy stores and gift shops. Start at the Shops at Century Hall, which houses many local artists throughout, just off Main Street where most shops are. Stop by Fleurty Girl, Clay Creations, Magnolia Antiques, Social Chair and more.

• Beaches: The water here is shallow with small sand islands, and miles of sandy beaches along the main road.

• Music: Many of the bars and restaurants have live music, especially on weekends. You can also check if there are events at Bay St. Louis Little Theater.

• Museum: Check out the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum near the theater, it's free! It's a collection of folk art and antiques in a historic train depot.

• Sites: Right in the midst of the main restaurant areas on Beach Blvd, make sure to see the Angel Tree historical landmark. During Hurricane Katrina, a small group clung to this tree for safety after their house was washed away, later it was carved and moved to this location. From here, also check out the harbor full of local boats and the Bay St. Louis Bridge.

• Casino: On the other side of town, if you're looking for gambling and entertainment, there is Hollywood Casino & Resort with a pool and lazy river.

Day trips:

Take a day excursion to an island offshore, with a ferry leaving from Gulfport to Ship Island about 30 minutes from Bay St. Louis. This gives you a completely different scenic view of the gulf waters untouched and clear further out from shore. There are great beaches here. Pack a cooler and spend the day with ferries making multiple trips from morning to late afternoon.

• Trapani's Eatery: This is a popular spot right on the main street across from the ocean with an upstairs, indoor seating and street patio. They are known for their oysters, and also serve other local seafood dishes and po'boy sandwiches.

• Blind Tiger: This is a great harbor-front casual bar eatery with an outdoor patio and cornhole games. They have a variety of tropical drinks and live music.

• Thorny Oyster: Go here for the oyster as suggested in the name, and other sophisticated seafood dishes. This place is more upscale, located within the Pearl Hotel, on the main eatery drag.

• Hinge: Next door to Thorny Oyster, Hinge is a local cocktail bar offering live music and unique drinks.

• Sycamore House: This restaurant is in a historic house and requires reservations. They are open Wed - Saturdays for dinner and come highly recommended if you can get in.

• Mockingbird Cafe: Come here for great coffee and brunch. It's a casual establishment close to all the shopping with nice indoor seating and a patio.

• Parrot Head Bar & Grill: A great local bar & grill, this place also has great happy hours.

• Creole Creamery: As you might have guessed by the name, stop by this establishment for ice cream!

• Barracuda Taco Stand: Stop by here for casual tacos.

• The Loft: Another local bar with wine, beer and craft cocktails and a nice upstairs live music venue on Sundays.