No, Alan and I didn’t see a ghost on our visit to Baer House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Vicksburg, Mississippi. But we slept with enough stories, antiques and memorabilia to satisfy any baby boomer historian.
What a lovely bed and breakfast!
Located in Vicksburg’s historic downtown district, the 1870’s era Eastlake Victorian home has seven guest rooms, most with private baths. We stayed in the Scarlet Room, which was painted red, of course, and included a king-size bed, fireplace and very large bathroom.
Owner at the time, Doug Coustineau, serves breakfast in the former ballroom. After guests sample Italian creme brulee French toast or southern eggs casserole, Doug leads them on a tour of the home while sharing its stories. With so much history, there’s plenty to tell making it hard to break away for the day’s exploration of Vicksburg.
From Baer House Inn, you can walk to the McRaven Tour Home, The Old Courthouse Museum or wander through downtown shops to the bluff overlooking the river. Another option is to drive through the 1,800-acre National Military Park where 17,000 Union troops are buried from the siege of Vicksburg during the Civil War.
In the afternoon, Baer House Inn hosts a social hour of wine and appetizers, once again in the ballroom. For dinner arrangements, ask Doug for suggestions. He’ll even make the reservations for you.
Doug introduced us to Rusty’s Riverfront Grill, the locals’ favorite for seafood, and Cafe Anchuca, where southern delicacies are presented in an antebellum setting.
Combine your stay at Baer House Inn with a drive on the Natchez Trace.
