Gulf Coast Treasures

Driving east out of New Orleans, the warm air carried faint scents of pine forests and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Rain and sun held a festive duel. Sunshine won. The Louisiana wetlands shifted to the rear view mirror. Local farmers dot the sidelines of US Highway 90 with fresh produce signage in quiet harmony with fishermen promoting the early morning’s catch.

The US Highway 90 corridor is known for cultural foods, antique shopping and casual living. Don’t be fooled, though. Underneath the calm exterior is a region that suffered hardships of multiple coastal region storms and even hurricanes.

I found an unexpected and delightful travel discovery in Bay St. Louis at the Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antiques Museum. The museum displays a modest selection of southern antiquities, harmonious with the artwork. Miss Alice began acrylic painting at the age of 60, recycling readily available wood and transmitting simple messages using the brightest of colors.

“Until Today, I Thought I Was Folks” portrays heaven’s separation of people and pets at the rainbow bridge. The artist stated that she cried while painting this memorial to Joe, her beloved bird dog. I, too, wiped a tear, remembering my recently departed paw-footed friends, Brownie and Floyd. I cherish how this artistic collection communicates the human dimension of folk art.

This folk art museum is upstairs in the Historic Louisville & Nashville Train Depot. The renovated 1928 Spanish Colonial style building has more surprises! Upon entering the stately depot, textile artistry comes to life in stunning pairs of 2012 Mardi Gras parade costumes. The intricate relationship of sequins, beads, feathers and shimmering fabrics are fascinating from afar, but this display offers a stitcher's eye view of the elaborate costumes.

Visiting Bay St. Louis, the quiet shoreline becomes a private beach for an early morning stroll. Explore 300 years’ history during a walking tour or more vigorous bike tour. Stroll the Old Town district and select a classic shrimp po’ boy sandwich and sweet tea. Then head to the decked porch surrounding the 200-year-old Shoo-Fly Oak to enjoy your picnic lunch. Throughout the area, Victorian houses boast rocking chairs on wrapped porches and tuck themselves neatly beneath the protection of enormous oak trees. A sunset view over the bay is a grand finale to the day.

Whenever my soul seeks Southern contentment, my travel treasure is in my heart with memories of my day in Bay St. Louis.