It may seem like summer is coming to an end quickly, but there’s still time to take part in the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau’s 99 Days of Summer campaign. The campaign helps tourists find interesting things to do, but locals may be also surprised at what fun things they can find to do right in their own backyard.
The campaign features a list of 99 things to do in Ocean Springs, highlighting the various shops, and restaurants, as well as summer camps, beach activities and tours. Many of the 99 things are free and/or fun for the whole family, and the campaign even includes a photo booth at the Ocean Springs Visitor Center.
“These are all about different areas throughout Ocean Springs: some are free, some are fun things to do with the family and some are whimsical,” said Cynthia Dobbs Sutton, executive director of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau. “For the locals, it is a way to have a staycation or discover your home town again. For the tourists, it is a fun way to generate activity throughout the community.”
The campaign began a few years ago during a familiarization tour with some of the state’s “Welcome Center” representatives in Ocean Springs, according to Sutton. The representatives said that the most asked questions at their centers were about what was available for families to do and what activities were free for families. Because of this, Sutton’s group brainstormed ideas and events to do around the area, asking the community for ideas, and came up with the name for the campaign.
“We want those living in and visiting Ocean Springs to explore all that Ocean Springs has to offer,” Sutton said. “There are numerous activities and free ways that families can enjoy their summer with us in Ocean Springs.”
The “99 Days of Summer” guide is available for pickup at the Ocean Springs Visitor Center at the L&N Historic Train Depot, which also houses the Ocean Springs Chamber-Main Street-Tourism Bureau offices. You can also download it here. Sutton said that many people come back each year to pick up their packet and find fun things to do with their families.
“Tourism in Ocean Springs is an economic driver with hundreds of thousands of individuals visiting the town throughout the year creating a tremendous economic impact,” Sutton said.
Along with the 99 Days of Summer campaign, you can visit the chamber’s Facebook page for weekly posts of summer fun ideas.
