Bad news first: 2023 has NOT been my year for technology. First my hard drive crashed, then I went on a trip with just one lens and that lens stopped working, then my new hard drive ALSO crashed, then I replaced that lens, then my camera body died. But that means there’s very good news! I’ve finally entered the 21st century with mirrorless technology, and my first go at shooting with my brand new R6 was a lovely Labor Day Weekend. The kids thought we were going on a long road trip and were a little confused about how we had time to hang out at the yacht club after church before leaving, but I’m glad we didn’t miss out on the fun there.
I actually hadn’t walked around Front Beach in a while, and seeing it all through a new viewfinder was so fun!
Finally it was almost “check-in” time, which meant a very short drive (surprise, kids!) to our destination for the night: the newly redesigned Gulf Hills Hotel. We loved the modern vibe of the room, and the bunk beds were perfect! (The last time I stayed in one of these rooms was right before our wedding in 2010!)
But the real eye candy was in the spacious lobby and other common areas. So many fun details! I loved all the floral art and the subtle nods to Elvis, who famously frequented this place back in the day. (And check out the jigsaw puzzle in progress—I think every hotel lobby needs that!)
The website says “a looser kind of luxury,” and that descriptor is just right—hanging out here felt delightfully fancy and yet chill and relaxed at the same time.
Pool time! The classy/funky vibe continues out back!
I wasn’t expecting the ping-pong and corn hole area—so fun!
While the kids were happily entertained, I had some leisurely camera time exploring all the little details.
Alex took a break to visit the Sunset Lounge…
…and we all enjoyed our drinks poolside.
I think it’s safe to say a good time was had by all!
Gulf Hills doesn’t have its own restaurant (yet!) so we planned on having dinner at Capone’s, which is right next door. I hadn’t been there before and was looking forward to more new experiences, but it wasn’t meant to be—they were too short-staffed to accommodate us in a timely manner, and courteous enough to tell us so.
So we headed back into town and had a DELICIOUS meal at Lady May! It’s wild how different it felt eating out knowing we were going back to our lovely hotel instead of home. Such vacation vibes right here in our beloved Ocean Springs!
Jonas was worn out after dinner (and also Kilwins, which I apparently failed to photograph), so Alex put him to (bunk) bed while Afton and I circled back to the jigsaw puzzle! The sweet front desk staff brought us this Richard’s Rainwater, which I had never heard of but am now a big fan of. Also, some kids came in from the pool and played this beautiful piano. One of them was INCREDIBLY talented (and apparently plays by ear and has perfect pitch?!)! If that was your kid, please thank him for the serenade—we thoroughly enjoyed it!
The next morning, we spent a bit of time on the adjacent clay tennis courts! There was a bit of confusion at the front desk about whether these were included, but luckily we ran in to one of the co-owners of Gulf Hills who clarified that we were indeed allowed to play here while staying at the hotel. (Thanks, Roxy!)
Afton said she doesn’t prefer the clay court, but you can’t beat this view!
We worked up an appetite and headed back downtown for breakfast at Buzzy’s (one of few places open on Mondays in Ocean Springs.) We had to wait a bit, which meant another little walk with the camera. One of the perks of some of our favorite businesses being closed on Mondays is that it’s easier to photograph them sans people, ha!
Our Buzzy’s breakfast was YUMMY as always!
That’s a wrap on our fantastic Ocean Springs Labor Day Staycation! I highly recommend a Gulf Hills getaway, whether you live far away or just a few miles down the road. :)
