Hotels in Vicksburg

Sure, there are newer chain hotels on the interstates leading into Vicksburg, but to experience the true flavor of gracious Southern living, consider staying in one of the city's many historic homes that also double as bed-and-breakfast properties.

The eight-room Anchuca, 1010 First East St. (tel. 888/686-0111 or 601/661-0111; www.anchuca.com), a peach-colored Greek Revival mansion built in 1830, features a year-round swimming pool. The inn's rooms are furnished with period antiques and fine linens; many sport canopy beds. Rates run from $180 to $210. Four guest rooms in the Carriage House next door have rates of $125 to $135 double. Children 14 and under are not permitted.

Built in 1840, Cedar Grove Mansion Inn, 2200 Oak St. (tel. 800/862-1300 or 601/636-1000; www.cedargroveinn.com), sits on 4 acres overlooking the Mississippi River. There are 33 rooms $120 to $260 double, all with private bathrooms; some units sport Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, or canopy beds (Ulysses S. Grant once slept in one of them). Annabelle, 501 Speed St. (tel. 800/791-2000 or 601/638-2000; www.annabellebnb.com), is a Victorian Italianate home that dates back to 1868. The eight rooms, including a suite with a kitchen, are housed in the main mansion and an adjoining two-story building that overlooks an outdoor pool -- a definite advantage during the hot summers. Rooms ($93-$115 double, $125-$160 suite) feature high ceilings, private bathrooms (one with a Jacuzzi), and period antiques.

Back out on the highways, there are several decent chain hotels and motels. Try the Jameson Inn, 3975 S. Frontage Rd. (tel. 800/526-3766 or 601/619-7799; www.jamesoninns.com); Hampton Inn, 3332 Clay St. (tel. 800/568-4044 or 601/636-6100; www.hamptoninn.com); or the aging but popular Battlefield Inn, 4137 I-20 Frontage Rd. (tel. 800/359-9363 or 601/638-5811; www.bestwesternbattlefieldinn.com). Rooms at any of these spots range from $85 to $154 double.