While you are in Natchez for the 2010 AASHTO Spring Meeting, you will want to explore one of America’s most fascinating cities. The area was first occupied by the Natchez Indians and was settled by the French in 1716, two years before New Orleans, Louisiana, giving Natchez the distinction of being the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River. British and Spanish rule followed and in 1798 Natchez became Mississippi’s first territorial capital. Over 1000 buildings in Natchez are listed on the National Register of Historic Places making it impossible to resist adding an extra day or two to your visit.

Thursday, May 20- Chef’s Demonstration and Luncheon - Carriage House Restaurant: Make your reservations to dine with Chef Bingo Starr in the famous Carriage House Restaurant located on the grounds of the majestic antebellum home, Stanton Hall. Chef Bingo Starr, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, is the former chef of the 5 Diamond rated Windsor Court in New Orleans. Chef Bingo has worked under Emeril Lagasse in all of Emeril’s restaurants in New Orleans. He was named Best New Chef in New Orleans by THE NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE while he was the chef at Restaurant Curvee’. In 2000, Chef Bingo was rated one of the Top 20 Best Chefs in the country by ESQUIRE MAGAZINE and one of the Top 100 Chefs in the World by CONDE NAST. Those attending the luncheon will not only have the opportunity to enjoy Chef Bingo’s superb cuisine, but will view a live cooking demonstration presented by him. Afterwards, one can browse leisurely in the adjoining “AS YOU LIKE IT” Silver Shop or stroll the grounds of Stanton Hall. Please make your reservations early as space is limited. Time: Arrive at 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Chef’s Demonstration and Luncheon. Event Cost - $20.00

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Thursday, May 20- Black History Tour: A tour of the sites that tell the story of African-Americans in the Natchez area is sure to be a fascinating experience. The tour will be lead by Darrell White, Director of the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture. The tour includes mansions built and owned by freemen, historic black churches, and “Forks of the Road,” the site of the second largest slave market in the Deep South. Time: Arrive at 2:30 p.m Black History Tour. Event Cost - $10.00

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Thursday, May 20- Reception at Natchez Visitor Reception Center followed by “Transportation Angels On The Bluff” @ Natchez City Cemetery: Join us for the reception and cocktails at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center. This event is followed by an elaborate presentation at the Natchez City Cemetery with selected gravesites being featured. This production presents local citizens and/or family descendants who portray notable transportation individuals buried here. Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m Reception at Natchez Visitor Reception Center. 7:30 – 10:00 p.m “Transportation Angels On The Bluff”. This is a walking tour. Don't forget your comfortable shoes! Event Cost - $0.00 The age of Natchez (1716), and its strategic location on the Mississippi River, the Natchez Trace and the old Spanish El Camino Real Road have contributed to the unusual tapestry of the Natchez City Cemetery. We have a wonderful, interesting mix of European, African, Asian, Jewish, Catholic and Protestant inhabitants. Therefore, the stories that lie in our cemetery are absolutely mesmerizing. Ben Franklin once said, “Show me your cemetery and I will tell you about your town.” Our cemetery speaks volumes about Natchez. This candlelight evening tour will give you a glimpse into the life of Major General William T. Martin and Natchez’s highest ranking General in the Army of the Confederacy. He was a successful attorney, soldier, railroad builder, and postmaster. His presenter has some uncanny life similarities. Meet Mrs. Ferriday Byrnes, a dynamic player in the long road of seeing the Natchez Trace Parkway to fruition. Through her tireless efforts and constant persistence we now enjoy a beautifully scenic drive from Nashville to Natchez. Captain T. P. Leathers was the most famous and the most colorful riverboat captain in American history. Hear his account of the famous 1870 steamboat race with the “Robert E. Lee” against his boat, “Natchez VI”. Stroll along Jewish Hill to a breathtaking view of the Mighty Mississippi River. This is Ole Man River at its best! Finally, The Turning Angel, the signature monument of the Natchez City Cemetery and made famous by Greg Illes, a Natchez mystery writer. Besides being the title of a best selling novel it has a moving and tragic story of its own. One of our veteran actors will captivate you with this story and its effect on our town in 1908.

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Friday, May 21- Morning Antebellum House Tour and Gala Reception: Join us as we tour majestic Melrose, one of the most significant historic houses in America. Melrose is maintained by the National Park Service. We will then proceed to the gracious home Auburn touring the house and grounds which were bequeathed to the “children of Natchez.” From there we will travel to Longwood, the crown jewel of Natchez, which is the largest octagonal house in America. After a morning tour we will enjoy a gala reception in historic Longwood. Time: Friday - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Morning Antebellum House Tour and Gala Reception. Event Cost - $20.00

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Friday, May 21 – Golf Tournament: "The Annual AASHTO Spring Meeting Golf Tournament” will tee off at the “Golf Club”. Enjoy a fun-filled round of best ball golf with other AASHTO delegates. Lunch will be served at the golf course prior to the event. Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch. Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Golf Tournament. Event Cost - $80 for Delegates and $100 for Non Registered Delegates Golf Tournament Registration Form

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Friday, May 21 – Individual Five Stand Sporting Clays Enjoy the fun and action of the first AASHTO Five Stand Sporting Clays Tournament. Compete individually in this exciting competition which will be held at the Adams County Sheriff’s Training Range in Natchez. Each participant will receive a vented back monogrammed shirt ($40 value) and shell bag. Details Include: Each Shooter will shoot a minimum of one round of five stand sporting clays 12 gauge shotguns will be available for use or bring your own gun 12 gauge ammunition will be provided/20 gauge provided if you bring your own gun and let us know Eye and ear protection is required and will be provided Great tournament prizes will be awarded Water, soft drinks and snacks 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Five stand Sporting Clays Tournament. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Individual Five Stand Sporting Clays. Event Cost - $15.00 for registered delegates and $20.00 for non-registered delegates

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Friday, May 21 – Host Event Night Balloon Glow Stroll the bluffs of the Mighty Mississippi River under the glow of graceful and colorful balloons. Tour and enjoy the gardens of the antebellum home Rosalie. Dine on local culinary cuisine. Enjoy the music while watching the sun set on Ole Man River. Celebrate! Time: Depart for Event - 5:45 p.m Depart For Event. Event – 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Night Balloon Glow Event Event Cost - $0.00

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Saturday, May 22 – Balloon Rides for “Lottery” Winners: Rides in the balloons over the Historic City of Natchez for the 65 lottery winners from the Host Night Event. Time: 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Balloon Rides. Event Cost - $0.00

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Saturday, May 22 - Natchez Indian Village and Jefferson Military College Tour Visit the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, historic home to a sun-worshiping tribe who called their chief the “Sun King” or “Great Sun.” See their mounds and a replica of their village. Afterwards, we will tour historic Jefferson Military College, incorporated in 1802 and named for President Thomas Jefferson. Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m Natchez Indian Village and Jefferson Military College Tour.. Event Cost - $0.00

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Saturday, May 22 – “Free Day”: Enjoy a “free day“ in the city complete with downtown walking tours of churches, historic buildings, carriage rides, and a Shopping Treasure Hunt. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ”Free Day” of shopping, etc.. Event Cost - $0.00

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Saturday, May 22 - House and Tea Tour: Meander through the House on Ellicott Hill where the American flag was first raised in 1797 in the Natchez Territory. Then, tour the gracious home The Burn, one of the earliest documented Greek Revival residences in Natchez. The tour concludes at the majestic home Magnolia Hall, where our guests will tour a period costume museum and enjoy High Tea and libations. Time: Arrive 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Antebellum House and Tea Tour.. Event Cost - $20.00

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Saturday, May 22 – Board of Directors Cocktail Party and Dinner Natchez welcomes you to gracious Stanton Hall for cocktails and a tour of the stately mansion with grounds featuring century old oaks. Afterwards dine in the award winning Carriage House Restaurant under the direction of Chef Bingo Starr. Time: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Cocktails and Tour of Stanton Hall. Event – 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. BOD Dinner in Carriage House Restaurant Event Cost - $0.00

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Visit the Official Natchez Tourism Site to find more attractions, events, entertainment and resturants.