Good times at Grand Gulf

Our Frugal Family Travelers were feeling a little stir crazy, not only from the pandemic, but also from Hurricane Zeta which blew through our town, leaving over 72,000 in our community without power and damage.   Fortunately though, we were blessed with beautiful weather after the storm passed!   The cool temperature, coupled with a desire to  break free from the house, thrust our crew, (complete with our newest Furry Frugal Family Traveler), into the van on an adventure to Grand Gulf Military Park in Port Gibson, MS.  This little gem of a place has been on the bucket list for quite some time.  We actually learned of it after visiting Natchez, MS a few years back when one of our guides on a tour told us that a church from the Ghost Town of Rodney, MS was actually moved to Grand Gulf.  He further explained that the church and other historic buildings were restored and open to the public. This recommendation prompted us to visit Rodney but until today Grand Gulf in Port Gibson remained unchecked. 

Upon arrival we stopped at the museum to pay a nominal entrance fee ($4 per adult and $1 for each child in k-12th grade).  Armed with a trail map, and information from the ranger, we hiked to each of the sights you will see in the pictures below.  It’s important to note that our Frugal Family Travelers enjoy both hiking and history, so this place provided the perfect mix. 

As we hiked to each of the buildings along the way we read the historic placards which explained the significance of each.   Our hike traversed through the woods, along bluffs, through a civil war cemetery, the river and an observation tower which provided amazing panoramic views of the rolling hills!  The last leg of the loop trail took us through the camping area, which is suitable for both RV and tent camping.   Readers may want to make a weekend of it by camping and then exploring  some other  nearby Frugal Family favorites such as Natchez, MS  and Rocky Springs. Finally, the loop brought us back to the entrance where we took time to explore the extensive civil war era items on display in the museum.

Overall, we had an amazing day as did our little furry friend at this pet friendly location.   Enjoy the pictures below which mark all of the places mentioned above and provide the visual piece to the story.  Let this inspire you and your Frugal Family Travelers to gas up the car and satisfy your wanderlust by exploring  a new place.  You won’t be sorry! 

Directions: 12006 Grand-Gulf Rd, Port Gibson, MS 39150 

Cost:  $4 Adults; $1 k-12th grade students 

Don’t forget: water, bug spray, picnic food or camping supplies, for those wishing to stay overnight!

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners 

of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure. 

Natural Beauty and History Abound!

Over spring break, Frugal Family Travelers explored yet another section of the Natchez Trace Parkway, just outside of Jackson, MS.  For those who have never traveled the Natchez Trace, consider it!  It is a beautiful motor trail spanning from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN, and with so many historic and nature sites along the way, it’s rich with opportunities for exploration!  

This particular journey led us to Rocky Spring, located right at mile post 54.8 off the parkway. The remnants of this town, first settled in the 1790’s, are well marked with historic placards along the trail through the once bustling community.  Hikers will be transported back in time as they learn the history of the town and the reasons for its ultimate demise.  While traversing the trails archeological remnants, such as cisterns and safes will be discovered as reminders that people once lived and thrives here.  Perhaps the most remarkable part of Rocking Springs is the Methodist Church, constructed in 1837.  It is the only building which remains and is quite beautiful to behold. 

This area is run by the national park service as is the entire Natchez Trace Parkway. In addition to the trail mentioned above, Rocky Springs has a campground and another hiking area which provides access to a crystal clear creek and a portion of the old sunken trace. 

Will all of this being said, pick a date and start planning your trip to Rocky Spring!   Consider combining this with other offerings nearby, to create an entire vacation for your Frugal Family Travelers.  

1. Petrified Forest
2. Clear Springs
3. Geyser Falls 
4. White Water in MS
5. Natchez, MS Activities

Note:  Consider packing a picnic lunch!   Bring bug spray, sunscreen and water!    It gets hot here in the summer!

Location:  The Trail entrance is at mile marker 54.8 off the Natchez Trace Parkway.  A detailed map of the area is in the pictures below and can also be found at the entrance station.   Click HERE for directions!

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners 

of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

Rustic Little CABIN in the Great Big Woods

No, this isn’t a blog post about Little House on the Prairie, but it is about getting back to the basics!   Our kids spent most of the summer in the musical Annie, at a local theater, and then transitioned into a school year packed full of activities.  Needless to say, life for us moves at a pace hard for some to fathom.  Discovering  B & K Cabin in Gloster, MS turned out to be the “reset button” we needed to get our Frugal Family Travelers back to the basics of life! 

B & K Cabin is located just outside the town of Gloster, MS on 6 wooded acres of property on the sandy white banks of Brushy Creek.  The air conditioned cabin is fully equipped with a kitchen, bath, a queen bed, a bunk bed, as well as a sleeper sofa.   Our family of 5 was more than comfortable here with these amenities.  The property also has a picnic pavilion, an area for grilling, and a bath house with another shower, etc as well as a washer and dryer.  Our days were filled playing horseshoes, wading in the crystal clear waters of Brushy Creek and exploring the extensive sand bar.  Evenings were spent grilling, making s’mores, reading, rocking on the front porch and playing all sorts of board games.  The best part about B & K is its close proximity to the Homochitto National Forest, as well as Natchez, MS!  

I am sitting on the front porch at B & K as I write these last few words of this post.  The air is crisp and cool!   The birds are chirping and I can hear the dew cascading off the leaves!  Like our Frugal Family Travers, your family may need to hit that “reset button” to get back to the basics of life!  B & K is the perfect place to do so! 

For rates and more information: 

Contact Tina Jackson at B & K Cabin 

Click the links below to learn more about nearby attractions:     

Clear Spring Recreational Area in Homochitto National Forest! 

Natchez, MS!  These are great things to do while staying at B & K.  

(For those who love hot air balloons, Natchez holds an annual Balloon Festival each year in October and also a Spring/Fall Pilgrimage with historic homes open for tours.  This cabin would be a great place to stay during any of these events!)

(Find this rock hidden on the property and get a discount off of your next stay at B & K)

(Can you guess the animal who left this print in the sand?) 

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.