gulf coast visitor centers

visitor experience

The Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area tells the stories of the unique people, places, traditions, and landscape, supporting local pride and authentic tourism across the coast. uA has developed Visitor Centers with interpretive signage, recharge zones, and information points, enhancing existing attractions such as the Lazy Magnolia Brewery and Buccaneer State Park.

The theme at Lazy Magnolia is the not-so-illustrious history of bootlegging in the rural Kiln area. Mississippi still had dry counties until 2020 and a few individuals in Hancock County continue to produce high-quality moonshine just a few miles away from the high-tech rocket testing facility at NASA. The Visitor Center is lined with reclaimed wood to mimic the whiskey barrels. Lounge furnishings offer a place to refresh and watch videos of the Hancock County Scenic Byways. Many pieces were made by local artisans.

Buccaneer State Park demystifies two legends: one about the pirates that plied these waters, supposedly burying sacks of gold and plunder (but really trading in enslaved people); and another myth that Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the U.S., once lived on the site (it was his son and grandson). Oversized signs greet visitors to the park and large rocking chairs create a front porch for visitors to gossip, tell stories, and watch people in true Southern style.

PROJECT DATA
Completed 2021
Cost: $30,000