Dec. 2014 – Letter from our Editor

Tis the season for gathering together with loved ones and friends, sharing sweet surprises, and counting our blessings. As we engage in all the fun and magic of Christmas, let us never forget to reach out to those in need, those who are struggling, and those who are lonely. GTP has put together a comprehensive guide of the most well respected and trusted charitable organizations in the world! There are 100 choices that offer all kinds of wonderful ways to give back.

Christmas In The City will once again grace the streets of downtown Biloxi on Saturday, December 6, starting at 10:00 a.m. The Arts District will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas village. It is the place to be for a holiday experience like no other! Get everyone together and bundle up for this wonderful weekend of family entertainment.

Nancy Baker Faul presents a unique perspective on two of the most beloved Christmas icons in all the world in our December Mover & Shaker feature! We hope you enjoy this fun, thought provoking article. Grab a bite at Skeeter’s Bar & Grill in Gulfport on Teagarden Road after a big day of holiday shopping. This Coast mainstay has been updated and remodeled by new owners, Vernon Wilson and Jennifer Mullins. Taste Buds will tell you all about it!

Coast women of all shapes and sizes can now be decked out in perfectly fitted undergarments thanks to Melissa Logos. “Foundations” opened in Gulfport in October! Melissa specializes in fittings from sizes 28 to 52 and cup sizes A to K. “I make sure every client feels beautiful, confident, and comfortable. The right fit makes all the difference,” she said.

The Coast is a showplace this time of year. There are so many wonderful things to see and do to celebrate the season. From the beautiful decorations and lights to the holiday shows at the casinos. Don’t miss a moment of it!

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and joyous holidays –

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

Nov. 2014 – Letter from our Editor

Welcome to a very special edition of GTP.

Once again we delve into the horrors of human trafficking which is alive and well on the Coast and throughout Mississippi. GTP was the first publication in South Mississippi to reveal the truth of the unspeakable practices going on here and we have continued to do our best to keep the public aware of what is going on. Find out how local law enforcement has ramped up their efforts to battle this ever present threat to young women and children.

Get to know Pastor, Dustin Boles of the non-denominational Mosaic Church. With very humble beginnings, Mosaic began in 2008 with 19 people meeting in his living room. Today, Mosaic offers three services at the Ocean Springs location, and two weekly services in Gulfport.

The Salvation Army kicks off their annual Christmas campaign with the 1st Ever Let’s Glow Festival on Friday, November 21st at the Kroc Center in Biloxi! The event celebrates “everyday angels” who give of themselves throughout the year. Then on Saturday, November 22nd, don’t miss the 5th Annual Gobble Wobble Food Drive & Bridge Run that starts at the foot of the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge on the Ocean Springs side. We have all the information you need for both events!

Taste Buds will take you to Monster Subs And Sandwiches in downtown Gulfport. It’s finally here folks! A real New York Deli where you can enjoy the biggest, yummiest sandwiches and every ingredient is piled high right before your eyes. This place is a dream come true! Hurry in for a one-of-a-kind treat.

GTP wishes you all a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy and the ones you love at your table.

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

Letter from our Editor Oct. 2014

Happy Fall Ya’ll!
Welcome to another edition of GTP as we kick off this beautiful time of year. Cooler weather, football games every weekend, and wonderful things to see and do up and down the Coast fill this season with great fun. Enjoy it!
This month we visit with Linda Sumrall, owner of A Pet’s Memory Funeral Home and Crematory. Although an unpleasant subject, the loss of a beloved pet is part of life. GTP takes you behind the scenes of this very important and much needed service. Meet the compassionate couple who will be there for you every step of the way.
Beauvoir will once again host the Fall Muster and Cemetery Tour! Both events promise to be extraordinary educational opportunities for everyone. Get all the information in this issue.
Adrenaline Tattoo is bringing some of the most noted ink artists to the Coast for the 4th Annual Inktoberfest at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center on October 17-19. It is going to be an epic weekend!
And little girls will make memories to last a lifetime at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center with the American Girl Fashion Show and PJ Party. We will tell you all about it!

GO SAINTS!

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

Letter form the Editor – Sept. 2014

Greetings Everyone!
There are so many things to tell you about! The Coast is alive with non stop activities and fun during the month of September and football season is finally here again. Our beloved team is currently undefeated in the preseason games! WHO DAT
Governor Phil Bryant is our special guest this month to talk about the Home of Grace Ride & Festival. The event takes place on Saturday, September 27th! The Governor is a long time motorcycle aficionado who rides every chance he gets. Read all about it here.
The charming city of Diamondhead is the place for two very special attractions in September. Check out the 3rd Annual Hummer Fest, an extraordinary day of nature at it’s finest. You will observe hundreds of hummingbirds and enjoy guest speakers throughout the day! The 30th Diamondhead Arts & Craft Show is next in line for a wonderful weekend of shopping and fun.
We welcome a brand new business to downtown Gulfport called High Maintenance Hair Salon. It is a luxurious, one-of-a-kind place that will pamper you and make you feel right at home.
Taste Buds will take you to the Cast Iron Cafe in Gautier. Nostalgia and warmth are the main ingredients. This cozy, friendly restaurant will quickly become one of your favorites.
Also, be sure and check out our many back to school tips in this issue – you may learn a thing or two!

GO SAINTS!

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

AUG. 2014 – Letter from our Editor

Hello Everyone!

The summer is drawing to an end, the kiddos are returning to school, but our beautiful Gulf Coast still has all kinds of great things to see and do that are free of charge! Check out our GTP list and get everyone together for a fun filled day of sightseeing and adventure.
It is our pleasure to introduce you to the Assistant Fire Coordinator for the Harrison County Fire Service, Mr. Steve Moore. We honor his many accomplishments throughout his career which began in 1973.
Travel down the Pascagoula River with Nancy Baker Faul as she investigates the Pascagoula River Audubon Center! The McCoy family are your expert tour guides for this exciting ride.
GTP will help your kids adjust to being back in school again with helpful tips and lots of useful information to start the year off right. And you won’t want to miss going to the Twice as Nice Kids Resale Event in D’Iberville for great bargains from over 600 consignors! One full week of shop till you drop fun.

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

Letter from our Editor – JULY 2014

Hello Everyone –

Wow! This is such an exciting time on the Coast! There is so much going on, especially in beautiful downtown Biloxi. We proudly introduce two brand new, one-of-a-kind businesses that are going to change South Mississippi forever. Read all about it in our July issue and get to know the local entrepreneurs who are making a huge difference in the Vieux Marche.

Cono Caranna, III is the new General Manager of the White House Hotel. The stately, elegant property is being lovingly restored to its original grandeur and will soon open under his leadership. Find out why GTP has selected Cono as our July Mover and Shaker!

FEB Distributing could not be more proud of Craft Brand Manager, Aaron LaFrance who just became the first Certified Cicerone in the state of Mississippi! Aaron shared his fascinating journey with GTP. Congratulations Aaron!

Come with us as we go to the Mississippi Charter Boat Captain’s Deep Sea Fishing Challenge! It runs from July 11th through August 17th and it is FREE to all participants. Nancy Baker Faul has all the information.

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

June 2014 – Letter from our Editor

Hello Everyone!

Welcome back to GTP as we kick off the summer season. It’s time to hang out with friends and family, fire up the grill and enjoy fun in the sun. The kids are out of school and families are planning vacations and taking trips for some much needed R & R. There are also some really special summer camps on the Coast that offer some extraordinary experiences for your youngsters. Our #1 picks are being offered at the Mary C and the Marine Education Center in beautiful Ocean Springs. These programs are so innovative and so much fun, you will want to sign up your kids for everything!

Guest journalist, Melody Worsham, gets you up to speed on the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi (MHASM). June is a very busy month for this dynamic organization, featuring some great events that you won’t want to miss. The “Don’t Worry Be Happy Mon” Batchelor and Batchelorette auction will be a night to remember at the IP Casino Resort Spa, followed by the 2014 Community Wellness Conference at the Biloxi Civic Center the next week.

Check out our ten commandments for personal finance to help you get on track this summer and don’t miss how you can keep your kids safe and well during outside play as the temperatures soar.

Congratulations to the LSU Tigers baseball team who won the 2014 SEC Championship! Geaux Tigers!

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

May 2014 – Letter from our Editor

Hello Everyone!

It is such a beautiful time of year with everything in bloom and so much going on. We hope that you are enjoying all the wonderful events happening up and down the coastline because there is a wealth of entertainment out there and you don’t want to miss any of it!
Our special guest journalist, Melody Worsham, leaves no stone unturned as she explains the complexities of mental health care in Mississippi. It is a fascinating account of a very sensitive subject that is more often than not, ignored and misunderstood.
Meet a remarkable woman who selflessly and bravely ventures into the hidden world of the homeless campsites each week to bring much needed supplies and food. Lynda Favre is the founder of Shepherd of the Gulf in Gulfport. She has dedicated her life to helping those who live tucked away in the shadows. We honor her as our GTP Mover and Shaker for the month of May.
The Center Stage Arts and Crafts Show will be a delightful event with 47 vendors on hand showcasing local talent and serving up delicious Coast culinary treats. Come out and support Center Stage on May 17th so you can continue to enjoy artistic excellence in theater productions right here at home. And on May 31st, the Pass Christian Harbor is the place to be for a two day festival celebrating the best BBQ with live music that never stops!
Another school year is drawing to a close – Please drive with great caution and don’t get distracted with texts and phone calls as little ones will be out and about. Thank you!

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

April 2014 – Letter from the Editor

Happy Springtime Everyone!

Welcome to our April edition of GTP. I conclude my visit with baseball great, Barry Lyons in Part II of his remarkable story. It’s a very exciting time for the Coast as construction is in “full swing” on the first ever Minor League Baseball stadium! For Barry Lyons it is a dream come true.

Come shopping with me at the extraordinary women’s boutique, Hissy Fit in D’Iberville! Owners Bea and Breanna Tumminello show us around their beautiful new store which opened just weeks ago.

It’s time again for the Coast’s most favorite water events, Smokin the Sound and Smokin the Lake! We have the exciting scoop about a new collaboration and plans to create a multi-site invitational power boat racing series starting with this year’s competitions! Read all about it here!

The Biloxi Chamber will host “Uncorked” A red carpet extravaganza reminiscent of a real Hollywood premiere. The event takes place at the IP Casino Resort Spa and it’s going to be one for the record books!

Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook. See you in May!

Nancy Marchbanks

Letter from our Editor

Mardi Gras Y’all!

Glad to see you are checking out our Facebook page and posting your comments. We are definitely taking GTP in a whole new direction and we’re glad you “like” it. : )

Don’t miss my exclusive 2 Part story on Biloxi’s Own, Barry Lyons. A gifted athlete deeply devoted to his faith, family and professional baseball.

It’s time again for Grillin’ on the Green! We’ve got all the info you need right here!

It’s my pleasure to introduce you all to New Belgium Brewing, a remarkable little company that has become one of the biggest Craft Beer breweries in all of America! FEB Distributing is supplying the Coast with all Fat Tire products. Learn all about it in our March issue.
Again, we welcome your feedback and participation. Contact us anytime!

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

FEB. 2014 – Letter from our Editor

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to our brand new, fresh and forward, Go To Places Monthly. Thanks to our design manager, Jonah Blum, you can now actively participate in every issue through facebook! Post articles, ideas, commentary and pictures – be a part of all the stories we bring to you! Let us know what you think, let us know what you want to know about. Partner with us and let’s see what happens, it is going to be a very exciting year.
This month we bring you a guided tour of the magnificent adoration chapel that recently opened in Biloxi at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Find out how this labor of love came to be through the fearless determination of their pastor and the tremendous generosity of the parishioners.
Meet Larry Sablich, Port Manager for the City of Biloxi, who is our February Mover & Shaker. He has the enormous task of presiding over all the Biloxi fishing piers and harbors yet actually knows most fishermen who come and go by name.
Parents be sure and check out the article on Upward Sports. They partner with churches all over the country to provide the safest, most enjoyable sports programs for your kids. Registration for soccer is going on right now.
Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

Dec. 2013 – Letter to the Editor

Snuggle up with a cup of Christmas Cheer and find a cozy spot by the tree while you enjoy our special holiday issue. We don’t want you to miss one minute of the excitement and fun going on through the month of December up and down the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Go To Places Monthly has the full list of things to see and do with your loved ones this holiday season beginning with Christmas in the City in Biloxi! Celebrate the grace and charm of one of the oldest cities in America and shop to your heart’s content on Saturday, December 7th. All of downtown will be transformed into an outdoor Christmas village where you will find the most unique gifts and surprises!
Meet Matt McDonnell, Assistant Executive Director of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. He takes us behind the scenes of his fascinating career.
The Stinson Group continues to grow and make it’s mark in South Mississippi. The latest venture in culinary excellence is Catering Creations, exclusive to the historic and beloved beachfront property of Grasslawn in Gulfport. Chef Rob Stinson and his very gifted staff will create a magical event that exceeds all your expectations.

We wish everyone a warm and wonderful holiday season
Enjoy!

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

Nov. 2013 – Letter from our Editor

Hello Again Everyone!
Welcome to our November issue of GTP. It’s a beautiful time of year on the Coast and I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying every minute of it!
We are delighted to introduce you to the Chief of Police for Moss Point, Keith Davis. His inspirational story will undoubtedly move you. He has given a new lease on life to a very troubled city.
District 4 Supervisor, Troy Ross, is our Mover & Shaker for the month of November. He serves our country with distinction in the National Guard and presides over all things Jackson County.
105 miles of unspoiled wilderness is waiting for you in Moss Point at the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch! Tour swampland and marshes teaming with exotic wildlife and come meet the Gator Boys from the Animal Planet hit show. We will tell you all about it here!
This is the 30th Anniversary of Ron Meyer’s Christmas City, there are lots of surprises this year including a performance of the Nut Cracker!

All This…And So Much More
Enjoy!

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

Letter from our Editor – Oct 2013

Welcome!

Once again Cruisin The Coast is back and this is it’s 17th year! In the beginning the registrants numbered in the low hundreds, today they number in the high thousands and it continues to climb. Local business man, Woody Bailey, started it all in 1996 and with hard work and perseverance, this thing has become one of the biggest and most popular classic car events in the country. Read all about it here!

The Fall Muster is a remarkable experience that puts you right in the middle of a civil war battlefield with cannons and muskets blasting. Immerse yourself in the rich history of our country and the deep south by visiting Beauvior this season. Nancy Baker Faul takes you inside the house of Jefferson Davis and gives you a tour of the grounds.

The Mississippi Surge will take to the ice once again for the 2014 season in just a few weeks! Head Coach, Jef Bes, talked with me about his players and how they train and prepare all year long. We go behind the scenes at the Power Plant in Biloxi.

Meet Mr. Kevin O’Brien, the new Executive Director of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. He’s brand new to the Coast and could not be happier about representing the genius of George Ohr. Kevin has very big plans for our little museum and you can find out what is in the works in this issue of GTP.

All This…And So Much More
Enjoy!

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor

Aug. 2013 – Letter from our Editor

I love this time of year, football season has begun and everyone is sporting their favorite SEC and NFL team jerseys, tees, and caps. The players and game strategies are the number one topic of conversation at every Coast venue and fellow “Who Dats” are primed and ready. We have included a schedule of all the games in this issue so you will know who is playing, where, and when.

Gulfport has the distinction of being one of only two locations in the entire United States that has an Armed Forces Retirement Home. GTP will take you inside this remarkable place and introduce you to some of the very special veterans who live there.

Diabetics Specialist, KC Arnold, is our Mover & Shaker for September. She owns The Diabetic Center in Ocean Springs which opened it’s doors just after Katrina. KC helps hundreds of patients stay well and in control of this menacing disease.

Did you know that Coca-Cola was first bottled in Vicksburg? Did you know that the world’s oldest Holiday Inn is in Clarkdale? Check out our Mississippi Fun Fact page and become a Mississippi trivia champion!

The Crooked Letter Brewery is the new kid on the block in beautiful downtown Ocean Springs. This little place is extraordinary! Read all about it in Taste Buds.

All This…And So Much More

Nancy Marchbanks
Executive Editor