Unlike its more well-known northern counterparts, the Secret Coast remains underrated, but it has much to offer to visitors of Mississippi who seek a unique and unforgettable experience. The region is characterized by a perfect blend of big-city charm and world-class attractions, thanks to destinations like Biloxi and Gulfport. These cities feature spectacular seafood restaurants, prestigious museums, and a host of natural sites waiting to be explored. For those yearning for a more idyllic setting, nearby cities like Bay St. Louis and Pascagoula offer a glimpse into the tranquil and picturesque side of the Magnolia State.

Birdwatching enthusiasts will find the Secret Coast to be a hidden treasure. The pristine beaches attract a variety of iconic shorebirds, including American oystercatchers, ruddy turnstones, and black skimmers. For a foray into the region’s stunning longleaf pine forests and tidal marsh, the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge’s Fontainebleau Nature Trail is a top-tier destination.

Animal lovers will have their share of excitement too. The Gulfport-based Mississippi Aquarium houses alligators, sea turtles, and North American river otters in a polished space, while the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies offers sea turtle and cetacean rehabilitation as well as thrilling activities like stingray snorkeling, sea lion encounters, and dolphin meet-and-greets.

Art aficionados will not be disappointed either, as the Secret Coast is home to world-class museums such as the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. Smaller spaces like the Alice Moseley Museum and the River Art Gallery add to the vibrant art scene across the region, reflecting the rich cultural heritage.

While any time is a good time to visit the Secret Coast, winter stands out with its balmy weather and fewer crowds. January, February, and March offer average temperatures of about 68 degrees Fahrenheit, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beach and outdoor activities without the summer rush.

Getting to the Secret Coast is relatively straightforward. Travelers can choose to fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and cross the Louisiana border into Mississippi or directly land at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT). The latter is particularly recommended by locals for its convenience, smaller size, and easy access to various flights.

Once in the area, visitors can explore the unique charms of cities like Biloxi, which offers a vibrant New Orleans-esque vibe, maritime museums, and a thriving gaming industry. Bay St. Louis, on the other hand, showcases tranquil beauty with picturesque beaches, camping sites, and a 4.5-acre water park at Buccaneer State Park. For those seeking wild adventures, Moss Point, located near Alabama, beckons with airboat tours and bird-watching opportunities at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

Dry skin is normal in the winter, at least for some people. If you’re one of those people that just don’t seem to be able to cope with the problem and suffer cracks in their hands that hurt, this article is for you. Here, you can find three simple DIY cures prepared with food that will fix the problem once and for all!

Windburned Skin Remedy: Green Tea

Windburned cheeks usually exhibit more-than-usual redness and feel rather dry. If store-bought lotions don’t help, try a simple cure with green tea. Rich in antioxidants, it’ll reduce redness and the chaffy feel on your skin. Actually, the antioxidants contained in green tea have been proven effective in some types of dermatoses. To prepare this DIY cure, infuse 2 green tea bags in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Remove the teabags and chill them for 30 minutes. Place them on the necessary area for 2 minutes and rinse.

Chapped Skin Mask

Dry hands can crack and even bleed in winter. Luckily, there’s something you can do to tackle the problem effectively. You need oatmeal, banana, and almond oil to prepare this healing mask. Not only does this mask help prevent dryness on the skin, but it can also reduce inflammation and heal wounds more quickly.

Make the mask with 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal, ¼ cup of banana, and 1 tablespoon of water. Add a few drops of almond oil and coat your hands thoroughly. Leave it for about 10 minutes before rinsing.

The Ideal Dry Lip Cure

Aloe is one of the most common ingredients for a variety of cosmetics. From hair care products to lip balms, its properties are known and widely used to maintain moisture and reduce inflammation. Cucumbers are another well-known ingredient that can do wonders for your face and, believe it or not, dry lips.

Combined together, aloe vera and cucumbers can reduce swelling, relieve sensitive skin, and reduce pain in cracked and damaged lips. If no store-bought lip balm can effectively treat your lips, a trip to your local grocery store can help do the trick!

Prepare the balm by pureeing ½ cucumber. Strain it and remove the juice, then stir 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel into a puree. Combine both ingredients and apply to your lips twice a day.

Damaged and dry skin is painful. But with these simple cures, you’ll be able to deal with the issue once and for all. The best thing is that every ingredient is available in your kitchen!