5 things to do: Mississippi Gulf Coast

• Advocate Marketing Staff
• Published: Apr 27, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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1. Where golf in the state began
The oldest golf course in the state, which opened 100 years ago, is just a short drive away in Gulfport.

Great Southern Golf Club, the site of a PGA Tour stop back in 1945, offers green and cart fees totaling less than $50 year-round. Private and group lessons are available for those looking to get in the game. The par-71 course is at 2000 Beach Drive in Gulfport. For more information, call (228) 896-3536.

2. Hear some tunes, help the arts
Spending Fourth of July weekend on the coast? Make a stop at Ocean Springs to hear some music and help out a cultural center.

The fourth-annual Ocean Springs Music Festival will be July 4 on Front Beach Road. The event first took to the stage in 2005 to help raise funds for the Scharr-Ello Music Room at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center.

The event is in conjunction with the city’s fireworks display and a volleyball tournament. Bands will play from 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.

For more information, call (228) 818-2878 or log on to http://festival.oceanspringsmusic.com.

3. Splash into fun in the sun
Take a ride on the Horn Island Blaster or Camille Cutter. It might sound quite painful, but it’s not.

Those are just two of the attractions visitors can ride at Gulf Islands Water Park, in Gulfport between Interstate 10, exits 31 and 34.

Visitors can play in the fast lane with slides such as the Deer Island Express or take it easy in Lazy Pearl River. There are also attractions for toddlers.

Cabanas and fishing camps are available to rent. Group rates and season passes are available. For more information, call (866) GULF FUN   or visit http://www.gulfislandswaterpark.com.

4. Roll the dice
Games, food, hotels and shows are only a few Mississippi attractions. When many people think about the state, they think about casinos.

More than 10 casinos, from Bay St. Louis to Biloxi, offer gambling in an all-inclusive location. World-class entertainment takes the stage along the coast, where casinos offer multiple dining options.

Visitors will soon have the chance to experience Margaritaville Casino and Resort in Biloxi, the effort of Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. and singer Jimmy Buffett, set to open in 2010. There are also other casino/resort developments proposed for the area.