People often ask me about things to do in or around Lucedale. After reflecting upon all the wonderful little excursions my husband and I have enjoyed with each other and with our children, I decided to create a George County Bucket List. While some of these ideas might have to wait until summertime, there’s still plenty to do now. And these are in no way limited to youngsters.
Here goes:
- Visit the new wooden carving outside the Lucedale-George County Public Library. The art piece was created this spring from the stump of a dying oak tree and features an eagle atop four large books with a bear cub climbing the stack. While you’re at the library go touch the late Jim Corley’s statue of a grandmother reading to a child outside the front entrance. And while you’re there, check out a book or two or three!
- Stand on the Merrill Bridge and look northward to see where the Leaf and Chickasawhay Rivers converge to form the Pascagoula River. Snap a photo if you can. Designated a Mississippi Landmark in 1993, the bridge is currently closed to traffic so you won’t have to worry about cars coming along. Still, only the brave will dare to walk all the way across it. That’s because it is narrow and its decking is iron grate. The holes are not big enough for you to fall through, but tricky for maintaining balance. My advice is to wear good sneakers and avoid looking down. A new bridge is slated to be constructed just south of the current one-lane structure; the historic bridge will remain for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Drive to Basin to the artesian well located at the intersection of River Road and Plum Bluff Road. Take jugs to fill. This well produces top quality drinking water.
- Pack a lunch and a picnic blanket. Eat on the grassy hillside in Lucedale City Park. After lunch let your children roll down the hill and get all messy. Look at the old jail, historic school building, Elizabethan theater, sun dial and Veterans’ Memorial. You can also play frisbee golf here. Carpe diem!
- Go to the Bailey’s Scratching Post in downtown Lucedale. Scratch your backs. Take photos, lots of photos. Then cross the street to the corner kiosk and view the display of photos and information explaining the scratching post’s history that the Ivy League Garden Club installed in a joint project with the City of Lucedale.
- Stand on the bridge above the railroad on Ernest Pipkins Road. Count the rail cars. It’s the perfect spot for children to learn to count.
- Visit The Beverly Hedegaard and Randy Welford Memorial Garden next to the bell tower at the Methodist church on Main Street. The flowers are beautiful. Go on inside the gate – it’s okay.
- Hike the city’s nature trail between Lamar Street and Beaver Dam Road. You’ll find a covered bridge along the path.
- Visit the courthouse. Our courthouse is the most beautiful courthouse in Mississippi of all the ones I’ve visited – and I’ve been to many. It has a rich history having been completed in 1911 soon after George County was formed. In 1989 it was registered as a Mississippi Landmark. Walk upstairs to the courtroom. If court is in session, check in with the bailiffs first.
- Go to Josephine’s Sandbar. This is more of a day trip than a brief outing. Pack a lunch. Take plenty of water and some beach chairs. Sit and relax or join your kids in a frisbee throw on the white sand. Who needs the Gulf beach when you have waterfront sandbars like this one?
- Go to Eubanks Farms/Charlie’s U-Pick. Pick your own fruits or veggies and enjoy some farm-to-table meals with your family.
- Visit Palestine Gardens. It’s where the bible comes alive. To find out the hours of operation call 601-947-8422.
- Swim in a creek. Do this as often as you can.
- Go fishing. Anywhere. The choices are abundant.
