Biloxi: The Jewel of the Gulf Coast

• HelloHowdy
  [h-OW-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yah]
• YesYeah
  [yEH]
• NoNah
  [nAH]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez / no PROB-lum]
• Thank youThanks
  [thANKS]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [pAHr-dn mee / mah BAHD]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [h-OW y'all DOH-in']
• Fine. And you?Fine. How 'bout you?
  [fAHn. how 'bout yOU?]
• Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [y'all speak ING-lish?]
• I don't understandI ain't gettin' it
  [aihnt GEH-tin' it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please
  [kan ai see thuh MEH-nyoo, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [aih d-ownt eet meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI wanna pay now, please
  [ai WAW-nuh pay now, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Get outta here!
  [get OWT-uh here]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call thuh cops]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [call uh dok]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [aim lost]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [aim sik]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [ai WAW-nuh buy...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'
  [aim just LOOK-in']
• How much is it?How much?
  [how MUHCH?]
• That's too expensiveThat's too much
  [thats too MUHCH]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do any better?
  [kan yuh doh en-nee BET-ter?]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [wut time is it]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its wun]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [haf past ten]
• MorningMorning
  [mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [afterNOON]
• EveningEvenin'
  [evenin']
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yestuhday]
• TodayToday
  [tuhday]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [tuh-MOR-ow]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [fahv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-un]
• 8Eight
  [ayt]
• 9Nine
  [nain]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres thuh]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [whats thuh uh-DRESS]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?
  [kan yuh show me (on thuh map)]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens thuh nekst (buss)]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [uh TICK-it (tuh)]

Biloxi was founded in 1699 by French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville. It served as the capital of French Louisiana from 1720 to 1723. This early settlement laid the foundation for Biloxi's rich cultural and historical heritage.

The Biloxi Lighthouse, built in 1848, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. It was one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South and has withstood numerous hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The lighthouse is a symbol of resilience and a testament to the city's maritime history.

During the American Civil War, Biloxi was occupied by Union forces in 1861. The city's strategic location along the Gulf Coast made it a valuable asset. The war had a significant impact on Biloxi's economy and infrastructure, shaping its future development.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Biloxi emerged as a major center for the seafood industry. The city's location along the Gulf of Mexico provided abundant resources, and the industry became a cornerstone of Biloxi's economy. The annual Blessing of the Fleet festival celebrates this heritage.

Hurricane Camille struck Biloxi in 1969, causing widespread devastation. It was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the United States, and its impact was felt deeply in Biloxi. The city's recovery from the disaster is a story of resilience and community strength.

The legalization of casino gambling in the 1990s transformed Biloxi into a major tourist destination. The city's numerous casinos attract visitors from around the country, contributing significantly to the local economy. Biloxi's blend of entertainment, history, and culture makes it a unique travel destination.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic damage to Biloxi. The storm surge flooded much of the city, destroying homes, businesses, and landmarks. The recovery and rebuilding efforts showcased the resilience of the Biloxi community and its commitment to preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

Biloxi is known for its cultural diversity, influenced by its French, Spanish, and Native American roots. This cultural melting pot is reflected in the city's cuisine, festivals, and traditions, making Biloxi a vibrant and unique place to visit.

Biloxi is accessible via multiple transportation options. The nearest major airport is Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), located about 20 minutes from the city center. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use rideshare services to reach Biloxi. Alternatively, New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) is approximately 1.5 hours away by car. Biloxi is also accessible by bus services like Greyhound and by train via the Amtrak Crescent line, which stops in nearby Pascagoula.

Biloxi offers various transportation options to help you navigate the city. The Coast Transit Authority (CTA) provides bus services throughout Biloxi and neighboring areas. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Renting a car is another convenient option, especially if you plan to explore beyond Biloxi. For shorter distances, biking and walking are viable options, particularly along the scenic beachfront.

The official currency in Biloxi is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are conveniently located throughout the city, including at major attractions and casinos. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets and smaller establishments.

Biloxi is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, and always be aware of your surroundings. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include some parts of West Biloxi and the area around Keesler Air Force Base. It's recommended to stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night. Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Biloxi has several medical facilities, including Merit Health Biloxi and Biloxi VA Medical Center. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency issues, the Biloxi Police Department can be contacted at their non-emergency number.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, especially in the summer when temperatures can be high. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting religious or historical sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious settings. Avoid loud conversations and inappropriate behavior in places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful to other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Hi.' A handshake is also common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and Southern cuisine. Don't forget to tip, as it is customary in restaurants and bars.

To experience Biloxi like a local, visit the Biloxi Farmers Market, held twice a week, to buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals at community events and festivals, such as the Biloxi Seafood Festival and Mardi Gras celebrations. Don't miss a visit to the Biloxi Lighthouse and the Biloxi Visitors Center for a deeper understanding of the city's history. For a unique experience, take a shrimping trip with local fishermen or try your luck at one of the many casinos along the coast.