Staying Cool in the Summer

Hello Summer! It’s beautiful here in Ocean Springs but boy is it HOT. We’ve compiled a helpful list of fun things to do in the summer here in Ocean Springs that will keep you cool (because we don’t let the heat stop us around here).

The Pool at The Roost

This one goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. The pool at The Roost is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun- without even leaving! There are plenty of comfortable places to settle in and you can grab drinks from the Wilbur to sip poolside!

Fort Maurepas Park & Splash Pad

Nestled right in the middle of Front Beach lies our historic Fort Maurepas Park. The park originated as a nod to famous French explorer, Pierre Le Moyne D'Iberville first colonized the area in 1699 but has since turned into a family favorite.

With a playground overlooking the beach, a spacious shaded pavilion, and a splash pad in the summer, it’s the perfect spot for a respite from the heat. You can stop here before or after some time on the beach!

Pop Brothers

Pop Brothers creates hand-crafted, small-batch popsicles in inventive flavors. They use fresh fruit and spices and source local ingredients when at all possible. With flavors like oreo cheesecake, pineapple jalapeño, carrot ginger lemonade, and even mimosa (yes, it’s the adult version)- there is something for everyone. They even make pooch pops for your four-legged friends.

Stop by and enjoy a pop under the shade of the beautiful oak tree on their porch!

Old Fort Bayou Canoe & Kayaks

Ready for a change of pace? Stay cool out on the water! Old Fort Bayou Canoe and Kayak Rentals is located a quick fifteen-minute drive from The Roost. You can spend the day out on the bayou, enjoying the views and even some shade, too!

Lost Spring Brewing Co.

There’s nothing better than a cold beer in the heat of the summer! A great new addition to Ocean Springs is Lost Spring Brewing Co. Tucked away just off Washington Avenue and Government Street, the location is just a scenic walk away to wrap up the perfect day in Ocean Springs.

With great indoor and outdoor seating, you can enjoy the warmth of the day while sipping on a brew to stay cool or you can take cover in the shade and really wind down!

Wedding Season at The Roost

At The Roost, we love "LOVE” & all of the celebrations that come with it.

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Whether you need a picture-perfect spot for an engagement shoot, an intimate setting for a small ceremony or a beautiful spot to get ready, we’ve got you covered! Our sweeping, live oak canopies, sun-soaked porches, a *swoon-worthy* plunge pool and plenty of unique & luxurious suites create an unforgettable setting for your special day. With 19 well appointed suites, we also have plenty of space for your guests to stay while they are in town!

Photo by Tilley Photography

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Take a look at some of our past brides for some inspiration!

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We know a lot goes into planning a wedding. From invites to cakes to photographers and catering, the to-do list can feel a bit insurmountable at times. That’s why we’ve gathered a few of our favorite, local vendors to help you plan your big day!

• PHOTOGRAPHERS

  Eisley and Oak

  Vibes by Justin Mitchell

  MbM Photography

  Tilley Photography

  Kole Photography

  EJR Photography

  Jessie Newton Photography

  Anna Cirlot Photography

• VIDEOGRAPHER

  Cinemattic Moments

• MAKE UP ARTISTS

  Emily Smith, MUA

  Kasper Ly

• FLORALS

  Maiden Hair Floral

  The French Potager

  Rose’s Florist

  Lady Di’s

• CATERING

  Food Booze Hiccups

  Eat Drink Love

  Makin’ Groceries

• CAKES

  Lacey Cakes MS

  Sweet Enchantments

• EVENT PLANNING

  Gray Gatherings & Events

  Bamari Event Planning

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If you are interested in hosting an event or reserving a room block at The Roost, head to our Events Page to fill out the inquiry form!

Our COVID-19 Post

Hello guests both past and future, locals and visitors,

Times have sure gotten strange, haven’t they? And, with things changing every minute, it’s becoming difficult to keep up. These unprecedented times have created quite a bit of uncertainty within the travel and hospitality industry.  As unfortunate for our business as this has been, we are encouraging anyone not traveling out of necessity to stay home. We ourselves have struggled a lot over the past few days about whether or not we should close our doors temporarily until the coast is clear once again. However, we have found that we actually have an opportunity to help. Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff are still traveling to and from work and some still need places to stay that are clean, furnished, and comfortable. Families of high risk individuals might need to create separation for the recommended quarantine period. And we are here for these individuals and cases. We are in the unique position to be able to offer 100% self check-ins and access to our rooms; we are offering these individuals traveling out of necessity a highly discounted rate for however long they need to stay with us.

Of course, we are taking every precaution and CDC guideline seriously, and we have made a lot of changes to both our procedures and policies in order to ensure the safety of both our guests and our staff.

• Our lobby is now closed to the public

• 100% self check-ins prevent unnecessary face-to-face contact

• Additional towels and necessities are provided at the start of each stay instead of the daily room refresh.

• Ozone machine helps clean the room for 24 hours after each guest.

• Room rotation helps prevent back to back guests in the same room and gives our housekeeping time to deep clean the room.

• Housekeeping is required to wear disposable gloves and change into scrubs on property and wash them after room cleans.

For a full list of current CDC guidelines and information, please visit their website here.

Our guests are not here to vacation, they are here out of a specific need, and we are here to help fulfill that need. We are just trying to do our part for our community.

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In an effort to further help our community, here is a list of recommended practices as set forth by the World Health Organization and the CDC:

WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

This will help kill any viruses that may be on your hands.

Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

MAINTAIN PHYSICAL DISTANCE

Practicing proper social distance (at least 6 feet) when someone coughs or sneezes helps prevent breathing in any air or water droplets that may contain the virus.

By staying home except to get groceries, medical attention, or for a nice stroll you are also helping slow the spread of disease.

CLEAN AND DISINFECT YOUR HOME

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. For a complete disinfection guide, click here.

BREATHE

Socially distancing and self-quarantine doesn’t mean to stop taking care of yourself. Find moments of joy each day. Go on walks. Practice mediation or yoga. Pick up a new hobby. Read a book. Listen to music. The list could go on and on.

Be sure to maintain a healthy diet and go for walks or runs. Exercise and sunlight help boost your immunity and leaves you feeling good.

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If you have any more questions regarding how we are working to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our community don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 228.285.7989. Or if you know someone that is needing a safe and clean place to stay while they work, send them our way.

Dining in Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs is a popular culinary hotspot on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! With a large variety of cuisine, there is something for everyone. We've gathered together a list of some of our favorite, local eateries. And the best part? You can walk to most every spot from The Roost! All you have to do is check-in and bring your appetite!

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@vestige.restaurant

VESTIGE

715 Washington Avenue

Owned and operated by the dynamic husband-wife team, Alex and Kumi, Vestige offers contemporary dishes with a focus on seasonality, sustainability, and locality. Recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a Semi-Finalist, Alex draws a lot of inspiration from Japan, where Kumi grew up. Their menu may change, but it's always delicious.

@eatdrinklovecatering

EAT DRINK LOVE

604 Porter Avenue

Located just steps from your suite is Eat Drink Love. This lunch spot is a local favorite! They offer not only a delicious meal catering service, but their seasonal salads, sandwiches, wraps, and dips are some of the best in Ocean Springs! They are also the kitchen for The Wilbur Bar, so even if you miss their lunch, you will still have the opportunity to try some of their dishes (with an amazing drink no less)!

CHARRED

1019 Government Street A

Nestled near the very heart of downtown Ocean Springs, Charred is a delicious oyster and steakhouse that offers a wide variety of dishes highlighting both the land and the sea. Enjoy brunch, lunch, or a nice dinner in this well established local spot! And afterwards, we'd recommend wandering further down Government Street. You are sure to find some live music- just follow your ears!

@greenhouseonporter

GREENHOUSE ON PORTER

404 Porter Avenue

Just down the street from The Roost is a sweet, little gem. The Greenhouse on Porter is based out of a renovated greenhouse and offers different styles of homemade biscuits with a variety of toppings each and every day! Their extensive tea and coffee menu make this an excellent choice for getting started in the morning or a quick bite in the afternoon! They have cultivated a very welcoming and artistic atmosphere that really highlights all that is special and unique about this area.

@white_pillars

WHITE PILLARS

1696 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS

Okay, we know we said this was all about places to eat in Ocean Springs, but we just had to include White Pillars over in Biloxi. Owned by Chef Austin and his wife, Tresse, this couple have established an extremely popular and successful restaurant. It has been voted Best Restaurant on the Coast and Chef Sumrall was recently nominated as a Semi-Finalist by the James Beard Foundation. Serving up fresh and local dishes and incredible cocktails, White Pillars is a wonderful experience not to be missed!

@theshedbbq

THE SHED BBQ

7501 MS-57

A short drive down the highway brings you to one of the most eclectic BBQ & Blues joints on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Shed (there isn’t a more accurate name out there) is built from random pieces and parts to create a one-of-a-kind experience for locals and visitors. Boasting incredible BBQ dishes featuring homemade sauce from their “saucery”, a full bar, and great music, The Shed has become a well-loved and highly recommended establishment on Coastal MS!

@maisondelu

MAISON DE LU

626 Washington Avenue Suite B

Right across the street from our sister property, The Inn at Ocean Springs, you’ll find a French named restaurant. Maison de Lu offers a truly unique and memorable experience with their al fresco dining on their back or front patios, intimate indoor seating, full bar serving delicious cocktails, and their French inspired menu. Maison de Lu is that perfect stop after a day full of downtown shopping and museum going, and is sure to make everyone happy!

PHOENICIA GOURMET RESTAURANT

1223 Government Street

Just down Government Street, you’ll find one of the longest running fine dining restaurants in Ocean Springs. Operated by a local family with Lebanese roots, Phoenicia’s strives to deliver a unique dining experience with a focus on traditional Mediterranean dishes like grape leaves, hummus, and shwarma and coastal favorites like seafood and grits and fish forward dishes. They are open for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner making this a great spot for any time of day!

@patricksoceansprings

PATRICKS OCEAN SPRINGS

2105 School Street

Patrick’s (Formerly Jocelyn’s) has been an establishment in Ocean Springs for over 40 years! This local seafood restaurant was started and operated by Jocelyn Mayfield who perfected coastal / Creole cooking styles and recipes. After her retirement, her grandson, Patrick, reopened the doors with a few upgrades and a new name. Known for its old school style atmosphere and amazing coastal dishes, this is a perfect spot to go with friends, family, or a date! I would recommend making a reservation first, though!

This list could keep going, but we know you don’t have all day and that you’re probably getting pretty hungry by now! To keep things easy, we’ll finish up with a quick rundown of even more local spots and an even faster list of desserts, because, well, you can’t miss desserts.

• Rooftop Taco & Tequila Bar

  • The newest addition to Downtown OS, Rooftop is fast becoming known for its fun atmosphere, tacos, and large tequila selection.

• Glory Bound Gyro Co.

  • Local go-to for handcrafted hummus, unique gyros and pizzas, craft beer and live music on the weekends!

• Mosaic Tapas Bar & The Beer House

  • This casual fine dining spot features a wide variety of international cuisine, beer, cocktails, and wine!

• Government Street Grocery

  • A music hub and local favorite, The Grocery is known for their Bloody Mary’s, muffulettas & poboys, and late night fries!

• Murky Waters BBQ

  • Nestled in the middle of Government Street, Murky Waters boasts “blues, brews, and BBQ” all year long!

• Knuckleheads

  • Featuring a family-friendly atmosphere, they specialize in crawfish & burgers and have over 60 craft beers.

• The Shrimp Factory

  • Living up to the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s previous title of “seafood capital,” they offer seafood platters, poboys, and oysters.

• Lancaster’s

  • Home of the famous “sassy salads,” Lancaster’s also boasts a wide variety of soups, platters, and homemade hush puppies!

• Tom’s Extreme Pizzeria

  • You guessed it, known for their fresh cut pizzas, Tom’s has lots of specialty pizzas to choose from, or you can build your own!

• Loveshack Bar & Grill

  • This popular downtown hang is known for their classic Southern sports bar vibe, weekly karaoke, live music, and burgers!

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SWEET SPOTS

Always save room for dessert!

@_nora.elizabeth

POP BROTHERS

800 Bellande Avenue

This bright blue establishment is a big hit with locals and visitors! Pop Brothers is known for their homemade, artisanal popsicles in almost every flavor imaginable! Get yours dipped in chocolate or get a sweet treat for your sweet pup, they have it all! I’d have to say one of our favorite flavors is Lavender Milk & Honey… or Berries & Cream… or Nutella….

@quakesicecreamery

QUAKES ICECREAMERY

1922 Bienville Boulevard

A (super) fast drive down Hwy. 90, you'll find the fun and funky Quakes Icecreamery. Known for their homemade custard served in sundaes, scoops, and "quakes,” it's the perfect treat for anytime of day. And don’t forget to grab a Sharpie and sign your name on their wall of past visitors! Although, you might have to search a bit to find room!

@frenchkisspastries

FRENCH KISS PASTRIES

714 Washington Avenue

You can really taste the passion and love for baked goods and other delicacies at French Kiss Pastries! You can't go wrong with any of their decadent pastries, tarts, macarons, gelato, or the biggest cinnamon rolls you’ll ever see! It’s a great place to gather and treat yourself!

@thetatonutshop

TATONUT DONUTS

1114 Government Street

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Tatonut Donuts. You really can’t go wrong with one of their freshly made donuts! Paired with one of their gourmet coffee drinks, this spot is perfect for any morning treat!

Since they open at 6 AM to make those donuts fresh, they do close up shop around 5 PM!

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With so many places to try and so little time, it’s going to be hard to get to them all, especially since there are even more culinary favorites across the Ocean Springs bridge and along the rest of the Mississippi Gulf Coast! Luckily, our doors at The Roost are always open to help accommodate your trip anytime!