Under the Apron Strings: Fourth of July Weekend in Mississippi

As we travel to Mississippi this 4th of July holiday, we find ourselves indulging in some of the best southern cuisine and hospitality.

Our first stop right off The Natchez Trace is Shaggy’s on the Rez. This vibrant restaurant is located on the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Brandon, MS, overlooking central Mississippi’s “Big Water.” We enjoyed Shrimp Nachos to start. Sitting on the outside patio overlooking a spectacular view of the water, we continued with the Royal Reds and Triggerfish Tacos along with some cold drinks.

Dinner was about 45 minutes southwest of Jackson, MS in Learned, MS, population 83, in Hinds County. The community has the name of one Mr. Learned, an early settler.

Built in the late 1800’s, H. D. Gibbes & Sons began as a general merchandise store. In its early days, the store was a primary center for commerce in Learned, Mississippi and the surrounding community. The business has been in continuous operation and owned by the Gibbes family since day one. In 2009, H. D. Gibbes & Sons began offering steak, lamb chops, and seafood served with homemade potato and vegetable casseroles on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Live music, top-notch cuisine, and a unique dining experience draw customers in each weekend. “Community seating,” food served on paper plates, and paper towels for napkins are all part of the Gibbes experience.

We dined with my sister-in-law, Phoebe and brother-in-law, Stephen. The four of us each ordered something different, Phoebe with vegetables: potato casserole, squash casserole and spinach casserole. I had the filet, squash casserole, and spinach casserole. Stephen had their famous salad with Comback sauce, lamb, and sweet potato. Alton had the 16 oz. hand-cut ribeye, potato casserole, and a baked sweet potato. After all that goodness, we couldn’t help ourselves but to have their homemade dessert. They are known for their funeral cake, chocolate sheet cake, chocolate icing, ice cream, and chocolate syrup. I could not pass up on the pound cake with strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and whipped topping. One more dessert we tried was buttermilk pie!

We drove back to Jackson and made the 9:30 p.m. IMAX movie, Top Gun and returned to our lovely “hotel” at the Jackson Country Club.

We went to Church this Sunday morning and then to the Jackson Country Club for brunch.

The next pic is my brother-in-law on the golf course. We enjoyed the 4th of July festivities at his home yesterday.

Stay tuned for the 4th of July party …