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The city is awash in blooms! Here's how to experience Natchez now! Photo Credit: G. Douglas Adams  Last year year, I founded the Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival because the extraordinary Crepe Myrtle Blooms of Natchez are worth celebrating! While there’s not a festival with speakers this year, our Committee members have created a perfect experience to Celebrate the Blooms! There's three self-guided free tours have been developed by Crepe Myrtle Historian and Committee member, Elaine Gemmell:
 10,000 Blooming Trees & Counting! self-guided bloom tours So here's a summer sightseeing trip idea: take in some of the loveliness and deliciousness that Natchez offers and experience the city in a low contact manner! Rita Tebbetts tells us the trees are still moving towards peak season and that the blooms should be pretty possibly even into August! "Of course, mother nature didn't get the Co-Vid memo. Come to Natchez to take in the show. the beauties won't mind a bit if you want to snap a few photos to share with friends. You'll need evidence anyway to prove to doubters what you will witness. The best photos are probably done from a distance, but these trees won't mind if you want to move in close. I don't think they will be taking social distancing too seriously," Tebbetts said. Take in the magnificent architecture of Natchez!  FREE MAPS! In addition to digital downloads at VisitNatchez.org/events Self-guided bloom tour maps are available: Fat Mama's Tamales Rolling N' The Dough Regina’s Kitchen Natchez Brewing Company Biscuits & Blues The Guest House Natchez Coffee Company Natchez Grand Hotel 100 Main Pearl Street Pasta Silver Street Gifts Natchez Convention Center Photo Credit: Ben Hillyer FOR UPDATES: Natchez Celebrates the Blooms FB event page and VisitNatchez.Org/Events #NatchezCelebratestheBlooms SUCCESSFUL DEBUT See 2019 News Stories & Details On Press Page: https://www.peterpatout.com/press.html Scroll down the page to read about last year's event. 
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 I became aware of our rich culinary culture early on having grown up in Bayou Teche Country, Patoutville, just next door to New Iberia. Our family was filled with great cooks. Simple backyard gatherings, crab boils this time of the year, often become incredible feasts.
The pleasures of the table, and how it evokes friendly conversation and develops lifelong friendships is a tradition I carry forth in my life. Sometimes I post pics on social media capturing these traditions. Are you enjoying blueberries and peaches these days? Has peach cobbler always been this good? Fittingly, New Iberia and Natchez get their due in this short list of tasteful small southern towns in Forbes Magazine (click for story).I'm glad for the Tabasco shout-out, which is like adding sunshine to a meal, and over in Natchez, Regina Charboneau gets her due. I encourage you to visit all the restaurants featured, and to bring a friend. Bon Appetit!  Be well and safe through these challenging times.
I wear a mask and encourage others to do the same. BLOOM ALERT! SAVE THE DATE! |
 | JOIN US DOWNTOWN! High on the Bluff with an Afternoon Breeze |
Celebrate the Blooms!
NATCHEZ INTERNATIONAL CREPE MYRTLE FESTIVAL
July 10-11, 2020
Social events | Informative Talks | Self-Guided Bloom Tour |
Cocktails Under the Blooms
You will want to stay overnight - All Events Downtown
Bring your Friends! Book your Room!
NATCHEZ INTERNATIONAL CREPE MYRTLE FESTIVAL
July 10-11, 2020
Social events | Informative Talks | Self-Guided Bloom Tour |
Cocktails Under the Blooms
You will want to stay overnight - All Events Downtown
Bring your Friends! Book your Room!
It needed to happen! Natchez in full-bloom is sublime!
I founded the event last year, our first year, and along with the help of dedicated Master Gardeners and other volunteers, this Festival came to life. We also honored the memory of Sally Ballard, who planted 2,000 Crepe Myrtles in the year 2000! Natchez has a long history of citizens committed to the beautification of the town - and it shows! This celebration amongst the blooms is a wonderful respite. Read about our SUCCESSFUL DEBUT that story is located on the Press page of this site: scroll down the page to view.
I founded the event last year, our first year, and along with the help of dedicated Master Gardeners and other volunteers, this Festival came to life. We also honored the memory of Sally Ballard, who planted 2,000 Crepe Myrtles in the year 2000! Natchez has a long history of citizens committed to the beautification of the town - and it shows! This celebration amongst the blooms is a wonderful respite. Read about our SUCCESSFUL DEBUT that story is located on the Press page of this site: scroll down the page to view.
Updates Posted Soon:
VisitNatchez.com/Events
Take in the Architecture
Fantastic Southern Cuisine
More than 10,000 Trees & Counting
Have you seen Natchez
in full bloom?
It's Exquisite to Behold!
No other city can boast the extraordinary display of
Crepe Myrtles blooming like Natchez, Mississippi.
Crepe Myrtles blooming like Natchez, Mississippi.
Photo by G. Douglas Adams
Natchez is filled with incredible real estate opportunities and is a wonderful place to live and celebrate! Many architectural gems are available and it's a buyers market. If you are interested in learning about Natchez area historic properties to buy, or if you want to sell, please call me on my cell phone: 504.481.4790.
DUNLEITH IS SOLD AND TWIN OAKS NEWS!
THE JEWEL OF THE CROWN!
Dunleith Historic Inn is Mississippi’s only surviving Temple-type
form antebellum home surrounded by columns
Dunleith Historic Inn is Mississippi’s only surviving Temple-type
form antebellum home surrounded by columns
Maybe you’ve heard that Dunleith Historic Inn recently sold to prominent New Orleans hotelier Joe Jaeger and his business partners Mike Blattner and Randy Waesche. The property is now in good hands. I join the community's excitement about this sale.
Marketing this property allowed me to share my love, passion and belief in Natchez, and the interest I developed in Dunleith was global!
Over three years, I attracted 24 qualified buyers and submitted 5 offers ranging between $3.5 and $4.5 million. The latter was an all cash offer in September of 2018 from a California client I represented.
This was an extraordinarily difficult listing which required me to weather the challenges of the original seller's bankruptcy, the involvement of a court-appointed trustee, and an eventual bank foreclosure of the property.
The foreclosure formally ended my Dunleith listing, at which point the bank pursued, without my involvement, a number of my prospective buyers, including Joe Jaeger.
Because I was the the agent who first introduced the eventual buyer to Dunleith, I am proud to have been instrumental in this sale. I appreciate what Dunleith means to Mississippi and lovers of historic buildings everywhere.
Marketing this property allowed me to share my love, passion and belief in Natchez, and the interest I developed in Dunleith was global!
Over three years, I attracted 24 qualified buyers and submitted 5 offers ranging between $3.5 and $4.5 million. The latter was an all cash offer in September of 2018 from a California client I represented.
This was an extraordinarily difficult listing which required me to weather the challenges of the original seller's bankruptcy, the involvement of a court-appointed trustee, and an eventual bank foreclosure of the property.
The foreclosure formally ended my Dunleith listing, at which point the bank pursued, without my involvement, a number of my prospective buyers, including Joe Jaeger.
Because I was the the agent who first introduced the eventual buyer to Dunleith, I am proud to have been instrumental in this sale. I appreciate what Dunleith means to Mississippi and lovers of historic buildings everywhere.
Vertical Divider
Joe Jaeger now joins hospitality legend Warren Reuther in choosing to invest in Natchez. More investment in this charming river city is sure to follow.
Jaeger's Business partner Mike Blattner lives in Natchez and the group is already moving forward to reopen the luxury property as an inn, restaurant and event venue in coming months.
For more information on Dunleith, view my 83 page property information packet here. The Jaeger team loves it!
Jaeger's Business partner Mike Blattner lives in Natchez and the group is already moving forward to reopen the luxury property as an inn, restaurant and event venue in coming months.
For more information on Dunleith, view my 83 page property information packet here. The Jaeger team loves it!
While Natchez is a buyers market offering incredible values for historic properties, Dunleith's sale and these recent events point to a stronger real estate market ahead:
Optimism is growing in Natchez!
- the location of Vidalia Denim Mills and area manufacturing growth
- the exponential impact of the film industry and Tate Taylor and John Norris’ continual area investment
- and the former Train Depot moving toward development.
Optimism is growing in Natchez!
I AM EXCITED TO BE
THE LISTING AGENT FOR
THIS INCREDIBLE PROPERTY
Just across the street
from Dunleith Historic Inn ...
Twin Oaks Greek Revival Home
LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Income Producing Investment
Located in an Opportunity Zone
Established Bed & Breakfast with Six Rooms in Separate Building
Twin Oaks, formerly known as “White Cottage,” built circa 1852
Twin Oaks benefits from its proximity to Dunleith
as a source of additional rooms, dining & entertaining capacity,
a commercial kitchen ideal for cooking classes, and it's perfect
for small conferences, corporate and special events
View property information packet
THE LISTING AGENT FOR
THIS INCREDIBLE PROPERTY
Just across the street
from Dunleith Historic Inn ...
Twin Oaks Greek Revival Home
LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Income Producing Investment
Located in an Opportunity Zone
Established Bed & Breakfast with Six Rooms in Separate Building
Twin Oaks, formerly known as “White Cottage,” built circa 1852
Twin Oaks benefits from its proximity to Dunleith
as a source of additional rooms, dining & entertaining capacity,
a commercial kitchen ideal for cooking classes, and it's perfect
for small conferences, corporate and special events
View property information packet
Street view of beautifully scaled main house under a canopy of
majestic live oak trees on six-acres of raised grounds
Read my blog post
majestic live oak trees on six-acres of raised grounds
Read my blog post
From my blog:
WHY INVEST IN NATCHEZ?
TWIN OAKS GREEK REVIVAL HOME For Sale
see listing for many photos
LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Income Producing Investment
Located in an Opportunity Zone
Established Bed & Breakfast with Six Rooms in Separate Building
Twin Oaks, formerly known as “White Cottage,” built circa 1852
Located in an Opportunity Zone
Established Bed & Breakfast with Six Rooms in Separate Building
Twin Oaks, formerly known as “White Cottage,” built circa 1852
They're empty nesters and so my dear friends Regina and Doug Charboneau are looking for a smaller home and are offering their lovely Twin Oaks for sale.
The Allure of Twin Oaks
Bed & Breakfast
Twin Oaks is a gem! This is a fine Greek Revival house with generously scaled rooms
Twin Oaks achieves a statement of restrained, but articulate, monumentality through deft siting, sense of scale, and detail rather than through overwhelming size or complication of design.
The main house offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. This is an exceptional property for entertaining as well as an events venue. The six rooms for the Bed and Breakfast business are separate and located on the property grounds. There's even a Chapel on site.
Befitting Regina Charboneau's national culinary reputation is her fabulous kitchen that's perfect for large gatherings. She's taught many of her legendary cooking classes here. Read more about Regina here.
Delve into the historically rich Twin Oaks Property Information Packet my team and I developed located on my website here, and more about her kitchen below!
The main house offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. This is an exceptional property for entertaining as well as an events venue. The six rooms for the Bed and Breakfast business are separate and located on the property grounds. There's even a Chapel on site.
Befitting Regina Charboneau's national culinary reputation is her fabulous kitchen that's perfect for large gatherings. She's taught many of her legendary cooking classes here. Read more about Regina here.
Delve into the historically rich Twin Oaks Property Information Packet my team and I developed located on my website here, and more about her kitchen below!
Even the New York Times knows of Regina's culinary talent and amazing ability to solve Thanksgiving dilemmas through her tried and true fantastic recipes and advance planning: How to Dazzle without the Frazzle.
From her kitchen, she's written three phenomenal award-winning cookbooks, taught her legendary cooking classes, and created the memorable cuisine for so many family celebrations, special parties and events she's hosted there....
From her kitchen, she's written three phenomenal award-winning cookbooks, taught her legendary cooking classes, and created the memorable cuisine for so many family celebrations, special parties and events she's hosted there....
Read more about her wonderful new Regina's Kitchen that offers cooking classes and a wine bar here, where you can master her ethereal biscuits and more.
You'll want to dine there and you'll love being able to pick up the perfect picnic to enjoy on the River. You'll also want to look for her King's Tavern Restaurant and the award-winning Charboneau Rum Distillery created by her husband Doug and their son Jean-Luc when in Natchez.
Finally, stay tuned for her Regina's Kitchen youtube videos offering culinary tips, techniques and information about her cooking classes. For example, here is her six minute egg video. Keep going Regina!
You'll want to dine there and you'll love being able to pick up the perfect picnic to enjoy on the River. You'll also want to look for her King's Tavern Restaurant and the award-winning Charboneau Rum Distillery created by her husband Doug and their son Jean-Luc when in Natchez.
Finally, stay tuned for her Regina's Kitchen youtube videos offering culinary tips, techniques and information about her cooking classes. For example, here is her six minute egg video. Keep going Regina!
Six Guest Rooms on Twin Oaks Grounds
Recommended Reading:
New York Times on Natchez
Knowing Natchez by its Dead
In this fascinating thoughtful piece by Richard Rubin, he interviews my friend Mimi Miller of the Historic Natchez Foundation. History offers clues as to why the city remains a jewel today.
You must see! The Natchez City Cemetery is an incredible sight to behold where beauty and history converge....among the landscape features are 490 Crepe Myrtles which are a highlight of the Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival!
In this fascinating thoughtful piece by Richard Rubin, he interviews my friend Mimi Miller of the Historic Natchez Foundation. History offers clues as to why the city remains a jewel today.
You must see! The Natchez City Cemetery is an incredible sight to behold where beauty and history converge....among the landscape features are 490 Crepe Myrtles which are a highlight of the Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival!
OPENING ALERT: Regina's Kitchen
Southern Cooking School
Épicerie & Wine Bar | 312 Main Street
I'm so proud of my dear friend Regina Charboneau. She is the Ina Garten of Natchez having written numerous cookbooks, and is a classically trained renowned chef.
With Regina’s Kitchen, she offers so much to locals and visitors. At her Southern Cooking School, you can make her legendary biscuits and more. Cafe tables spill out overlooking Main Street. Stop for a glass a wine and something delicious. Her Epicerie offers picnic essentials to go, and that space leads into a lovely Wine Bar & Bistro with live music!
Regina's Kitchen is a great complement to her critically acclaimed King's Tavern, and the family's Charboneau Distillery which wins medal after medal for its rum offerings. The Distillery is open for tours.
Finally there's Twin Oaks, a classic Greek Revival Home where Regina has taught cooking lessons and hosted events. There are six charming guest rooms on the grounds.
Regina is from Natchez and left to pursue her culinary dreams. She realized great success in San Francisco and has always cooked from the heart adding Natchez to the plate. Glad she came home!
With Regina’s Kitchen, she offers so much to locals and visitors. At her Southern Cooking School, you can make her legendary biscuits and more. Cafe tables spill out overlooking Main Street. Stop for a glass a wine and something delicious. Her Epicerie offers picnic essentials to go, and that space leads into a lovely Wine Bar & Bistro with live music!
Regina's Kitchen is a great complement to her critically acclaimed King's Tavern, and the family's Charboneau Distillery which wins medal after medal for its rum offerings. The Distillery is open for tours.
Finally there's Twin Oaks, a classic Greek Revival Home where Regina has taught cooking lessons and hosted events. There are six charming guest rooms on the grounds.
Regina is from Natchez and left to pursue her culinary dreams. She realized great success in San Francisco and has always cooked from the heart adding Natchez to the plate. Glad she came home!
COMING SOON: Papi y Papi
Coffee, Cigars, & Cacao
636 Franklin Street
He wasn't open and Dub Rogers still welcomed me on a cold winter day to his phenomenal Steampunk Coffee.
He's since closed Steampunk in anticipation of his new Papi y Papi, a specialty retail store showcasing his passion for coffee & espresso alongside his love for cigars and cacao (think fine chocolates).
And while I'll miss the magic of Steampunk Coffee, I can't wait to see and taste what Dub Rogers' next downtown establishment will offer... Papi y Papi will be exceptional! Follow along on instagram: @papiypapi for updates.
He's since closed Steampunk in anticipation of his new Papi y Papi, a specialty retail store showcasing his passion for coffee & espresso alongside his love for cigars and cacao (think fine chocolates).
And while I'll miss the magic of Steampunk Coffee, I can't wait to see and taste what Dub Rogers' next downtown establishment will offer... Papi y Papi will be exceptional! Follow along on instagram: @papiypapi for updates.
Join me for the Festival!
Take in the Blooms. Natchez has over 10,000 Crepe Myrtles and Counting...
Take in the Blooms. Natchez has over 10,000 Crepe Myrtles and Counting...
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Festival Itinerary & Event Updates Posted Here: Visit Natchez
This really happened! It all started with an idea I had last summer to celebrate
the abundant beauty of Crepe Myrtles in Natchez!
This really happened! It all started with an idea I had last summer to celebrate
the abundant beauty of Crepe Myrtles in Natchez!
No other city can boast the extraordinary display of Crepe Myrtles blooming like Natchez, Mississippi. On Friday, June 21 & Saturday, June 22, Crepe Myrtles will be the star of a festival celebrating their beauty and offering educational talks to promote their continued enjoyment. Book your stay now!
Beginning with a Crepe Crawl (walk) downtown Friday night, and gathering again Saturday, at the Natchez Farmers Market where Master Gardeners offer advice and Crepe Myrtles will be on sale, and then onto free lectures at the Natchez Historic Foundation covering Crepe Myrtle history and proper maintenance - yes Crepe Murder is to be avoided!
There’s also a self-guided tour to view the city’s most splendid blooms on Saturday and book signings.
Beginning with a Crepe Crawl (walk) downtown Friday night, and gathering again Saturday, at the Natchez Farmers Market where Master Gardeners offer advice and Crepe Myrtles will be on sale, and then onto free lectures at the Natchez Historic Foundation covering Crepe Myrtle history and proper maintenance - yes Crepe Murder is to be avoided!
There’s also a self-guided tour to view the city’s most splendid blooms on Saturday and book signings.
CREPE MYRTLE CENTRAL
Downtown headquarters for maps, Friday tickets & information:
Natchez Architectural and Art Discoveries, 515 Main Street
Owned by our Crepe Myrtle ambassador, Jim Smith
Downtown headquarters for maps, Friday tickets & information:
Natchez Architectural and Art Discoveries, 515 Main Street
Owned by our Crepe Myrtle ambassador, Jim Smith
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019, 6-9 pm The Crepe Crawl (walk) - A fun night among the Crepe Myrtles walking along the famous “open container route”. Starting Point: Crepe Myrtle Central, 515 Main Street. Must be 21 years of age, $20 provides 2 wrist-bands for a 2-for-1 drink or appetizer at participating restaurants and a 2-for-1 cover charge at participating live music venues.
By G Douglas Adams
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019, 8 am to 12 Noon, Natchez Farmers Market,100 block South Commerce Street. Live music, fresh produce, baked goods, fresh dairy, arts and crafts and more from local growers and artists. Crepe Myrtle trees for sale. Master Gardeners handy with advice.
9 am to Noon, Educational Programming, Free Lectures & Workshop, Historic Natchez Foundation,108 South Commerce Street, Conference Room. Welcome by Peter Patout and others who will honor the memory of Sallie Ballard.
Topics include:
|  Photo by Ben Hillyer, Natchez Democrat |
Festival Sponsors are Invited
Saturday continued....
SELF-GUIDED TOURS OF THESE CREPE MYRTLE GROUNDS & BOOK SIGNINGS:maps available at Crepe Myrtle Central
 Photo by G. Douglas Adams | Natchez City Cemetery, all day, 2 Cemetery Rd., walk or drive to enjoy 490 crepe myrtles. Auburn Antebellum Home, noon-2pm, 400 Duncan Park Avenue. Tour historic home & enjoy Gumbo & Mint Juleps $20, served in restored original kitchen. Walk or drive to view 475 Crepe Myrtles within playground surrounding golf course lining road to pro shop. Take in a game of golf for extra fee. Tickets sold on-site. Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens, 2-4pm, 1358 John A Quitman Blvd., sip a Bloody Mary while walking among 125 crepe myrtles. $8 per person. Tickets sold on-site. Book Signings at Regina’s Kitchen, 2-4pm, 312 Main Street, exciting details to come! |
My vision for the Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival was met with a groundswell of enthusiasm from these garden and community leaders:
Co-Chair Regina & Doug Charboneau, Co-Chair Elaine & Mike Gemmell, Butch & Shields Brown, Jeff Mansell, Jennifer Combs, Stratton Hall, Debbie Hudson, Jim Smith, Eddie Burkes, Marcia McCullough, Peter Bundgard (current President of the Adams County Master Gardeners), Doug Adams, Bettie Jo Harris, James Wade, David Carter, Hedy Boelte, Warren and Nancy Reuther, Samantha Brown, Jim Johnson, Geoff Butcher, Rita Tebbetts, Joanne King - Crepe Myrtle QueenMother, Margaret Graves, Al Walker, Jim Blough, Carter Burns, Colleen Conner, Donna Ballard Maselli, Brenda Fuller, Clark Feiser, Lee Anne Garner, Sherry Hansen, Jason Jones, Melinda Kent, Monroe Sago, Sandra V. Ellard, Marla Toman, and more!
The Natchez-Adams Community Alliance is a sponsor providing fiduciary oversight and support.
The Natchez-Adams Community Alliance is a sponsor providing fiduciary oversight and support.
Photo by Ben Hllyer, Natchez Democrat
With this festival, we are honoring the memory of Sallie Ballard. Many historic 19th - 20th century trees have survived. In the year 2,000, Sallie Ballard made it her mission to plant 2,000 Natchez White and colorful specimens of Crepe Myrtles throughout her beloved city. The Crepe Myrtles Ms. Ballard established have made Natchez the “Crepe Myrtle Capital of the World!
Interestingly, Saturday events also coincide with the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year, thus marking the first day of summer!
Interestingly, Saturday events also coincide with the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year, thus marking the first day of summer!
Peter Patout interviews another Natchoozian - a person that chose to move to Natchez. When Jack Kelly walked into Steampunk Coffee Roasters in pink cowboy boots, I knew I wanted to meet her! Meet Jack Kelly and learn why she chooses to call Natchez home.
See Press for more News!
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