1. The Islands

Mississippi's barrier islands are seriously a hidden gem. While most Mississippians know what the barrier islands are, the most they can tell you is that they protect our coastline during hurricanes. However, unless you're from the Coast, most people have no clue that we have gorgeous white sand beaches a few miles south. In the summer, there's no party like an island party and no day like a boat day.

2. The Casinos.

I'm not 21, so I can't gamble, obviously. But staying at the casinos is the best stay-cation. From the Hard Rock, to the Golden Nugget, to the Scarlet Pearl, a weekend getaway to one of Biloxi's finest hotels is such a blast. Girl's night? Stay at a casino. Pool day? Stay at a casino. You're guaranteed to have SO much fun.

3. Cruisin’ the Coast

At this point, I feel like everyone in the USA should know what Cruisin' is. If you don't, here's the run-down: it's a week-long car show during October with the country's finest cars. It's a non-stop party. The Coast does not sleep for a whole week. People come from all over, and chances are, you could even meet a few people that have traveled internationally for this. I look forward to Cruisin' all year long; it is undoubtedly the highlight of October. Getting to ride around in my dad's vintage Willys Jeep- there is nothing better.

4. The Pascagoula River

Personally, I am more of a saltwater girl than a freshwater girl, but river days are a Mississippi Gulf Coast staple. I love to go fishing with my brother or go for an afternoon boat ride.

5. The Fishing

Y'all, I LOVE to fish!!!! Nothing beats deep-sea fishing. On the Coast, people legitimately pay to go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico via charter boat! It is so much fun and such a great adventure. It's become a way of life for a lot of people- it's how many make a living.

6. The Will to Thrive

The people of the Gulf of Mexico are survivors. In the last twenty years, this place has gone through a multitude of tragedies, but we have still managed to thrive. Hurricane Katrina wiped out a good portion of the Coast, nearly as bad as it razed New Orleans. Businesses, families, and homes were destroyed. We have built our lives from the ground up.

A few years after Hurricane Katrina, we experienced the BP oil spill. Those who made a living off of fishing, shrimping, or anything relating to the Gulf of Mexico became incapable of putting food on the table for their families. People who enjoyed going to the islands, swimming, fishing, or watching the wildlife were unable to. Our wetlands were quickly being ruined. People of the Coast are survivors despite all odds.

7. Mardi Gras

Originating in Mobile, Alabama, Mardi Gras rapidly became a Mississippi tradition as well. Although Mardi Gras is technically only one day, coasties celebrate Fat Tuesday for well over a month. From balls, to parades, to huge parties, Mardi Gras is surely a South Mississippi staple. It's an experience like NO other, I promise you.

8. The Seafood

If you have a serious food addiction (like me), nothing beats the Gulf Coast’s seafood. I’m serious. From Bozo’s in Pascagoula, to Huck’s Cove and the Tiki in Gautier, getting a seafood fix is super easy. A lot of people celebrate holidays and spend time with family over seafood. Crawfish boils on the Coast are PHENOMENAL. If you like boiled shrimp, fried oysters, or grilled tuna, then the Coast is the place for you.

9. The Festivals

If you haven't figured it out yet, everybody in the 228 is always ready to celebrate something. We LOVE a good party. My personal favorites are the Crawfish festival and the Peter Anderson Art festival- but these are just a drop in the bucket.

The Gulf Coast holds so many festivals each year. The Crawfish festival is basically a time to gorge yourself on crawfish and listen to really good music. In the past, artists like Riley Green (heart eyes) have performed!!! The Peter Anderson festival celebrates local artists- professional and amateur. It is so relaxing to walk around Downtown Ocean Springs, looking at art and eating popsicles.

10. The People!!!

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is one really big family. We call ourselves anything from #coasttrash to #the228 to #coasties. When you’re traveling and meet someone from the Coast, it’s like finding a little piece of home, no matter where you’re at. Hospitality runs rampant down here. There’s no place I’d rather be!