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The Cotton House in Cleveland
Situated right on Cleveland’s Cotton Row, this lovely boutique hotel is convenient to the Grammy Museum, Delta State University, and fantastic local shopping.
We were thrilled to be invited to stay at The Cotton House in Cleveland recently, as it is one of our favorite shopping destinations, and we had not yet had the pleasure of experiencing this new and beautiful hotel with it’s roots firmly planted in Delta soil.
The Property
The Cotton House is conveniently located right on Cleveland’s Cotton Row—the beautiful “Main Street” of the town. The property has 95 guest rooms, including six swanky suites, and is decked out in Delta charm, from the lobby all the way to the rooftop. You immediately feel right at home when you enter and see the uniquely Mississippi touches all through the decor.
Dining and Drinking
When you’re ready for food and a beverage, there are two options there within the hotel. Delta Meat Market serves as both a grocer and a full service restaurant, featuring Chef Cole Ellis’s Mississippi Delta fare with an international flair. You’ll enjoy a varied selection of delicious dishes or grab-and-go items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We both agreed that the Wedge Salad was one of the best we ever had.
Up on the roof, Bar Fontaine has a spacious seating area and bar, along with an outdoor patio overlooking beautiful Cotton Row. Enjoy small plates and pastas with local ingredients, and sip on a glass of wine or a uniquely crafted cocktail while you take in a Delta sunset.
Shopping on Cotton Row
On either side of the beautiful park-like median of Cotton Row is some of the best local shopping in the state. Whether you are looking for antiques, art, gifts, children’s apparel, or the latest in ladies’ or men’s fashion, you will find it right there in the heart of Cleveland. For more information on the shopping, click HERE.
The Grammy Museum
Jump in the car for a quick two minute drive, and you’ll come upon Mississippi’s own Grammy Museum, which is the first such facility outside of Los Angeles. This Magnolia State gem features interactive exhibits, along with an impressive collection of Mississippi music treasures. It is not to be missed.
Plan Your Visit!
If you haven’t been to Cleveland, what are you waiting for? Get out there and take a “Trip in the ’Sip”! Here are more resources to help you plan your visit:
Visit Cleveland
Cleveland Chamber of Commerce
Cleveland Main Street
Would you like to bring Hip in the ’Sip to come visit your Mississippi property or Main Street to showcase there and on my Southern Shine blog? Contact Lori Brechtel HERE.
Under $50 Gift Guide for Those Who Love to Entertain
Entertaining is my jam and I really love to get gifts that help me do it. I am a candle snob and I have found a line that is soo good. I couldn’t decide on just one scent so I am just going to link the Southern Elegance website. These candles are rich and decadent. They are priced so well ($20-40). They would also make a great teacher’s gift.
During Quarentine I really got in to fancy cocktails and ran across this book Sous Vide Cocktails. The pictures make it a good coffee table read too. This is a great unisex gift. The price is under $20 but still a classy girft.
I love to give experiences too. This Electric Theater Popcorn Kit is perfect for a Neflix night with the Family. We all miss going to the movies and this is the next best thing. This kit is under $25 which is a steal when you take into consideration what Popcorn for the Family will cost at the Theater.
Candy covered apples are such a unique treat. I would even serve these and pretend I made them myself. I love to give gifts like this. These make being at home special again. By the way if you like to impress your Grandkids… This is the way to their hearts. They are $45.
Duing the Holidays we tend to open more wine and champagne. These wine and champagne sealers will keep these spirits good until you are ready for more. I know so many men and women who would love these. They are under $40.
Hanging out on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
If you have been following me for very long you know I am such a fan of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I want to encourage you to check out our Hip in the Sip blog post on the trip. It will give you a much more detailed description of the places we stayed, meals we had, and the trip to the Mississippi Aquarium. You especially need to view that blog post if you are a foodie. We had some of the best meals I have ever eaten on this trip.
My friend Lori and I headed out to Bay St. Louis on Wednesday after work. We checked into the Bay Town Inn. This adorable bed and breakfast has earned some great awards and reviews. I have to say it was a MUST-stay! If you like Southern charm you will love this place. The decor is light and beachy. The pool area is a great place to just hang out and chat with the other guests, many of which are frequent visitors and come just to stay here. Owner Nikki Moon is one of the most interesting women I have met on my travels. We headed to Fields for dinner. It was a short walk downtown. This restaurant is amazing. It has an upscale steakhouse vibe where fancy meets cool and edgy. The list of cocktails is so original. Fields is a steak and oyster bar but there are so many other options. I give this place an 11 out of 10. You could plan your entire trip around dinner at Fields.
The next morning we headed to the MockingBird Cafe for breakfast the next morning. They have a fabulous coffee bar with a ton of breakfast options. My quiche was crazy good. There is also an eclectic selection of art for sale. Bay St. Louis has some really good shopping downtown so you definitely need a day to do that.
After breakfast we headed to the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport. I am so proud to have this in our state. The thing that impressed me the most was the interaction between the animals, employees, and the patrons. The birds sit on the employees’ shoulders, and the turtles come over to greet the visitors. There is a touch pool where you can touch a sting ray. I could go on and on, and I am already planning to go again. If you can only take one trip in Mississippi this year, it should be to see the Aquarium. We had a little free time to shop in Gulfport that afternoon, so we went to The Radish Loft, White Willow, and Fly Boutique.
After a long day we checked into Hotel Pass Christian. It is a quaint place to stay. It is a new property and a perfect place to stay if you are planning a Deep Sea Fishing trip. It is across the street from Bacchus and within walking distance to downtown Pass Christian.
We got to meet Anna Roy with Coastal MS at White Pillars in Biloxi for dinner, where we had another award winning meal. This menu is farm to table and so unique. The specials revolve around what if fresh and in season. The decor has many original things from when the place was built all those years ago, yet there is a modern vibe too. This is another bucket list meal. It gets an 11 out of 10 too.
We spent Friday morning in Ocean Springs. It started with coffee and a lox biscuit at The Green House on Porter. Yes, it is actually in a green house. Our breakfast was so good. They have a resident cat named Marigold, who must have known I had salmon.
If you watched my Instagram stories you saw all the cute things I bought shopping Ocean Springs. For lunch we ate at Eat Drink Love. They make salads and sandwiches that you will think about over and over after you eat there. When the time came to leave I honestly just wanted to stay a few more days. There is a reason 80% of the visitors of the Mississippi Gulf Coast are repeat visitors. If you ever go, I can promise you will want to go back.
West of Fifty Five
Mississippi has so many great boutiques. I get really excited to see a new store front. West of Fifty Five has a great selection of Chic pieces to build your entire wardrobe. The prices are really good. The merchandise has an expensive look but most things are very affordable. Jordan and her staff love to help style the customers in the latest trends. They also have a website in order to help those who are too busy to come in or don’t live close by. I also love following them on Facebook and Instagram. They are totally on top of the social media scene. There are new arrivals everyday. They have a large selection of accesories and gifts. Here are a few of my favortite pieces and most of them are linked below.
The Threaded Cork
Make It Pop
With the new COVID-19 restrictions, I was really worried about my husband’s 60th Bday. I wanted to do something he would never forget. Something BIG even though we could only have 10 or less people. I had seen Make It Pop on Facebook and was so excited to collaborate with them. I was totally blown away with the design. My guests were so impressed. These young ladies are super talented and they worked on the decorations for almost 4 hours. Take a look for yourself. I definately recommend you use them for your next event. The average jobs range from $250 -$1000. You make contact them on the link below. I also suggest you follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
The Nordstrom Sale 2020
This Sale is a favorite to many. There are so many things to go through so I have tried to make it easier. I pulled out things I think will be classic pieces you will keep for years. I also love the beauty tools. Many of these things would make great Christmas presents. People who spend $$$$ with Nordstrom can shop now those with who have a Nodstrom Credit card can shop starting August 13th and it opens to the public August 19th. I really appreciate it when you shop my links. I get a very small commision and it helps me do the leg work for you. Please let me know if you have any questions.
White Party Outfit Ideas
To make things easy I have linked my White Party Outfit Ideas. All you have to do is click the links below to shop them. If you have any questions about the items feel free to email me.
10 Reasons why The Gulf Hills Hotel in Ocean Springs is a great safe getaway during COVID-19 or anytime!!!
If you have been following me for very long you know I love the Mississippi Gulf Coast and am a go to for all the hidden treasures it has to offer. The world of travel has changed during this scary time of COVID-19. I needed a safe get away and I sure found a good one. The Gulf Hills Hotel is tucked away near the bay in Ocean Springs. The most beatiful views are all around this vintage hotel. It is kinda like going back to the resort vactions you see in the dirty dancing movie. Here are my reasons I loved it so much.
Be sure to see the gallery below the list!
1. The Scenery
Grab a bottle of wine and a rocking chair because you will want to sit on the porch and soak it all in.
2. Walk straight from the car to the room
You won’t find any crowded elevators here or a long haul down a crowded hallway. This is perfect if you have someone older or handicapped. I also love it for work because I have easy access to my car. This is also so safe from COVID.
3. Huge pool
This pool gives a ton of room to social distance or splash around with the family. It is really well maintained and has a beautiful view of the bay. There is also a Tennis Court and Golf Course.
4. Several beautiful covered spaces with outdoor seating and dining areas.
To avoid the crowd downtown we did take out and brought it back to the hotel and dined outside.
5. Perfect for an extended stay
Several of the rooms actually havc a small kitchen.
6. The history is so interesting
Elvis actually kept a suite here. Marilyn Monroe, Jane Mansfield, Judy Garland and many more have actually stayed here. The staff have so many entertaining stories.
7. It is a total Southern experience
This hotel is vintage and nostalgic. The staff is so hospitable. You feel like you are stepping back in time.
8. It is such a quiet getaway
The party crowd is NOT here. Most of the guests love it so much they come several times a year.
9. It is close to Downtown and the Beach
Downtown Ocean Springs and the Beach is only 5 minutes away. The casinos are only 7 minutes away.
10. Accomedations
Although this is an older hotel, they still have the modern comforts of free Wifi and a really good free continental breakfast.
Gulf Hills Hotel 866-875-4211
13701 Paso Road Ocean Springs MS
July 2020 Amazon Haul
To make things easy I have linked my Amazon Finds for July. All you have to do is click the links below to shop them. If you have any questions about the items feel free to email me. I am wearing larges or XL. I am a normal size 10 or 12. Amazon sizes are usually small.
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I'm Jane Foster
I believe we mid-lifers do NOT need to blend in. Let your little light shine! Read more about me HERE.
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