The one-mile stretch on Howard Avenue between Porter Avenue and Main Street has seen unprecedented growth over the last few years. Everything from axe throwing to a world-class blues bar to vegan food and swank short-term rentals has popped up on Biloxi’s main drag.
These new additions join an already thriving downtown district. The mile stretch that is anchored by Jazzepis — a Biloxi classic — and finishes at The Fillin Station includes 18 restaurants and bars, eight specialty shops, two breweries, two museums, and 13 pieces of public art. Downtown living is also coming to the area. Howard Square Apartments added 21 apartments last year, and the newly finished Bella offers short-term stays. The much anticipated Barq’s building renovation along with a condo development will bring even more living downtown within the next six months.
Howard Avenue also features just about everything you’d need to get done in a day. With banks, a pharmacy, a 100-plus-year-old hardware store, and a nearby grocery, you can accomplish most of your daily errands while enjoying the shops, art, and restaurants. If you are willing to venture off of Howard within a block north or south, you will find even more recreation and local businesses to explore. To the north, you will find seafood markets, a brand-new disc golf course and the historic Saenger Theater. To the south, you will find local at Gallery 782, the Katrina memorial, and the oldest restaurant on The Coast — Mary Mahoneys.
If you’re looking for events, Howard Avenue has you covered there too. There are weekly bike rides hosted by Biloxi Bicycle Works, Fly Llama Brewing’s pair of annual events (Llamaroo in the spring and Llamapalooza in the fall), First Fridays held under the I110 overpass, the annual Christmas in the City in the arts district, Cruisin’ the Coast every October and of course Mardi Gras rolls right down the avenue with two annual parades.
Howard Ave has transformed from a simple stretch to a vibrant hub of activity, making it the real MVP of Biloxi. From axe throwing to vegan feasts, this mile-long spectacle has it all, proving that Howard is not just an avenue—it’s a lifestyle. The strip boasts an impressive lineup of 18 restaurants, 8 specialty shops, 2 breweries, 2 museums, and enough public art to make your stroll an aesthetic delight. So, next time you’re wondering where the heart of Biloxi beats, take a leisurely stroll down Howard Ave, where the vibes are as eclectic as the offerings!
RESTAURANTS/BARS
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SPECIALTY SHOPS
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MUSEUMS
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Photo credit: Corey Christy
