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As FOX8 points out, nearly 8% of U.S. adults experience seasonal depression during the winter holidays. It is a time when feelings of loneliness are intensified by the many social events that occur during the last few weeks of the year. For some, however, even after the holidays have ended, those undesirable feelings can continue to escalate.

While each individual has a different elixir of reasons why the time immediately following the holidays can be so emotionally challenging, there are a few strategies that can help you get out of your funk. The items in this article are not meant to treat or cure individuals suffering from moderate-to-severe SAD — they are intended to help people who are looking for a little nudge in the right direction so they can get back to their preholiday selves.

What are post-holiday blues?

Post-holiday blues are feelings of sadness that emerge when the holidays end. These feelings can happen for a variety of reasons. They may be triggered by setting unrealistic goals for yourself — which you believe you failed to live up to. They can be brought about by unpleasant memories of past holidays. For some, the feeling of sadness is a symptom of withdrawal from the adrenaline that accompanies the stress and/or excitement of preparing for the holidays. Lastly, the lack of light over the winter months may put individuals in a slow spiral that starts in the fall and lasts until the spring.

The symptoms that help identify seasonal depression can be as subtle as craving carbs or having lower energy levels. Other signs include mood changes, seemingly inexplicable aches and pains, sleep changes, weight gain and a withdrawal from activities you previously enjoyed.

Strategies to reduce post-holiday sadness

Depending on the underlying cause for your post-holiday sadness, your path back to wellness will entail different strategies. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can combat the effects of SAD by using prescribed medication, which can help increase serotonin levels, or try vitamin D supplements. Engaging in aerobic exercise and ensuring you get a quality night’s sleep are also essential to maintaining a positive outlook. Additionally, using a light therapy lamp for just 30-60 minutes a day can have a dramatic impact on your symptoms.

Items that can help lift you out of your post-holiday funk

[ Now vitamin D-3 Supplements ]

Vitamin D can help the body make serotonin and dopamine, which may help alleviate some of the symptoms of seasonal depression. These softgels are manufactured to provide a highly absorbable vitamin D that is usually produced by the skin after exposure to the ultraviolet energy of the sun. This offering contains 240 softgels that are not manufactured with yeast, gluten, soy, milk, egg or shellfish. Since too much vitamin D can be toxic, this option should only be pursued if you are under a doctor’s care.

[ NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill ]

Regular exercise is beneficial to people suffering from depression because it encourages the body to release endorphins that can increase overall feelings of well-being. This treadmill, from a trusted brand, has a cushioned deck and a speed range of 0-12 mph. It features a commercial-grade tread belt for durability and has a 300-pound weight capacity.

[ NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle ]

When you purchase this top-quality studio cycle, you get a 30-day membership to iFIT so you can stream live and on-demand workouts. The model has an adjustable display screen, a quieter incline motor and it can auto-adjust resistance so you can enjoy a hands-free workout. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair your own Bluetooth headphones to the bike for a high-quality audio experience.

[ Yogasleep Whish White Noise Sound Machine ]

Lack of sleep has been linked to depression. If you have trouble falling and staying asleep, a white noise sound machine could be beneficial. This model by Yogasleep features a lightweight, portable design. Besides the company’s trademark white noise, this unit has 16 additional sound options that can help you get the rest you need to feel fully refreshed in the morning.

[ Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock ]

It can be difficult to wake up on dark winter mornings. If this is the case for you, a sunrise alarm clock may be the answer. Philips’ dawn simulator features 20 brightness settings along with three wake-up sounds that help gently rouse you from your sleep with a natural light that can help combat seasonal depression.

[ Verilux HappyLight ]

According to the Mayo Clinic, a lamp that offers 10,000 Lux can be effective at reducing the symptoms of winter depression. This full-spectrum UV-free light therapy lamp provides a safe way to help diminish the symptoms brought about by SAD. The evenly distributed light is flicker-free, glare-free, and hotspot-free. It can help boost your mood and increase your energy throughout the darker winter months. The slim, lightweight design makes this model suitable for on-the-go applications.

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The seventh episode of HBO reality series “Hard Knocks” tracking the Miami Dolphins late in their season covered two devastating losses, the one against the Baltimore Ravens and that of outside linebacker Bradley Chubb due to the torn ACL in his right knee.

There were dramatic visuals that were difficult to watch of the moment Chubb went down, clutching his injured knee which will keep him out for the remainder of the season.

Chubb was heard telling trainers he couldn’t move the knee with how much pain he was in before being carted off.

Defensive tackle Zach Sieler prayed with conviction in his voice while on a knee for Chubb as he was given medical attention. Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel told Chubb he loves him as he was carted away. Inside linebacker Duke Riley got emotional speaking about Chubb to reporters inside the visitors’ locker room.

Chubb was pictured walking out of M&T Bank Stadium to the team bus on two crutches.

His injury wasn’t the only one suffered in Baltimore. Cornerback Xavien Howard was in a walking boot on his left foot after exiting with the foot injury. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa complained about the way he landed on his shoulder following a slide on his last snap.

A look was given into how the Dolphins handled the loss, knowing their aspirations of the No. 1 seed in the AFC evaporated but they still have the AFC East crown and a No. 2 seed in the playoffs in front of them with a win in the regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills.

“Let’s take this ass-whooping and apply it like all we have in front of us is winning the AFC East,” coach Mike McDaniel was seen telling Tagovailoa.

Tyreek Hill couldn’t stop saying “I can’t believe it” after the loss as the stunned faces of Dolphins players were seen walking off the field after the 56-19 defeat.

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The week of injuries the Dolphins had going into the game was also put in perspective, although Jaylen Waddle’s ankle injury that kept him out against the Ravens was not included in the coverage.

Tagovailoa told position coach Darrell Bevell that, after the Cowboys game, he had swelling along his injured thumb on the throwing hand that left it purple all the way down the side of his hand. He said it made it tough to grip the football by the end of the game.

Running back Raheem Mostert was heard complaining about what he was experiencing with his ankle injury in team facilities, namely tightness in the area, before missing the Ravens game.

Rookie running back De’Von Achane was seen in a walking boot in the team auditorium due to his toe injury. It’s remarkable he was able to go for 107 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown.

Safety Jevon Holland was shown preparing to play for the first time since missing four games with MCL sprains in both knees.

Tuesday’s episode was the first to feature experienced defensive coordinator Vic Fangio as Miami prepared for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Holland and fellow safeties DeShon Elliott, Brandon Jones and Elijah Campbell were talking about how much they have enjoyed his scheme since they got accustomed to it earlier in the season over a meal at one of their homes.

It also gave kicker Jason Sanders his moments coming off the previous week’s win over Dallas where he converted five field goals, including three from beyond 50 yards and a short game-winner, to be named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

The episode also included neat helmet cam footage of what Tagovailoa sees during practice.

By TIM REYNOLDS

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic saved its best for the end of its American Athletic Conference debut.

Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin each scored 20 points and No. 17 FAU used a 14-0 run in the closing minutes to finish off a 79-64 win over East Carolina on Tuesday night.

Bryan Greenlee scored 13 off the bench and Vladislav Goldin finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Owls (11-3, 1-0). The big run at the end turned a two-point edge into a 16-point lead.

“Nice to get back home and start conference play, begin a new chapter in the American Athletic Conference and start off the right way,” FAU coach Dusty May said. “I thought our guys stayed the course. It was a back-and-forth game.”

It was, until it wasn’t. The late spurt turned a nailbiter into what looked like a runaway, even though East Carolina either led or was tied for half the game.

Brandon Johnson scored 15 for East Carolina (7-7, 0-1), while Quentin Diboundje added 13 before departing with a lower extremity injury with 5:31 remaining. RJ Felton had 12 for the Pirates, who missed their last eight shots.

East Carolina has now lost 75 of its last 78 games against ranked opponents — and is 0-57 in such games on the road.

“We were there. We put ourselves in position,” East Carolina coach Michael Schwartz said. “I thought for 35 minutes we executed what we tried to execute. And we saw all game what an elite team they are, but in the last five, six minutes … they exploded like a volcano. They just erupted and you can see the speed and just how dynamic they are on offense.”

A 12-2 run turned a three-point deficit into a 52-45 lead for FAU with 12:15 left. East Carolina simply wouldn’t go away, making it a one-possession game — down by three points or less — on six separate occasions in the next seven minutes.

But six straight FAU points, a mini-burst where Greenlee made a 3-pointer and then found Goldin for a 5-footer, gave the Owls what was then their biggest lead, 71-63 with 3:15 left. They kept pulling away from there.

“Over the course of the last couple years, we’ve proven we can find different ways to win,” May said.

BIG PICTURE

East Carolina: Tuesday marked only the second true road game of the season for the Pirates, who lost 81-59 at George Mason on Nov. 25. They opened with 11 of 13 at home, the road game at George Mason and a neutral-site 70-65 loss to Florida on Dec. 14. That game was played about two hours south of Gainesville, the Gators’ home.

Florida Atlantic: The last time the Owls lost consecutive games was the last two contests of the 2021-22 season, when they fell to UAB in the Conference USA tournament and Northern Colorado in the CBI event. FAU was 3-0 after losses last season (winning by an average of 19 points) and is now 3-0 after losses this season (winning by an average of 18 points).

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Florida Atlantic is trying to avoid joining the list of teams this season to go from No. 8 or higher in the rankings to out of the poll entirely. Michigan State was No. 4 in the preseason and was out by the time November ended. Miami and Creighton both reached No. 8 before tumbling out. The Owls were No. 7 last week before the loss to Florida Gulf Coast.

6 POINTS, 7 SECONDS

FAU cut an eight-point deficit to two in a seven-second span of the first half. Martin made a 3-pointer as East Carolina’s Ezra Ausar shoved Goldin in the back. The foul gave the Owls an extra possession — and Martin hit another 3 to get FAU within 23-21.

UP NEXT

Florida Atlantic: Visit Charlotte on Saturday.

East Carolina guard Quentin Diboundje (7) defends Florida Atlantic guard Bryan Greenlee (4) Tuesday in Boca Raton. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

General Daily Insight for January 03, 2024

Holding back can be a challenge. Perfectionist Venus disagrees with expansive Jupiter at 5:55 am EST, creating a dilemma between being proper versus daring, and our heightened emotions only add to the confusion. In addition, the sensitive Moon sextiles Venus, indicating that now is the time to act with grace, so bold attitudes may end up embarrassing us. On the other hand, the Moon also squares the confident Sun, making it difficult to stay quiet when we want to break free. Play it cool!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Is now the time to speak your mind? Since you may have been having to monitor how you express yourself recently, you might be feeling boxed in. This pressure grows as you try to express yourself with honest positivity. Others could be taking advantage of your current good nature as well, which can add to your desire to say things without running them through a filter. Watch out — that probably won’t end well! You may need to hold your tongue a bit longer.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Now may not be the time to take that risk with your hair. You might have been considering a bold style change, dramatic wardrobe addition, or another exciting alteration to your looks, but by the time everything is said and done, it’s unlikely that it will still be what you want. Even if you feel ready to change your whole look, you may wind up just as ready to turn back the second it’s completed, and it may be too late then.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Risky behavior might land you into hot water with someone close to you. Since you likely enjoy shaking things up now and then, this might sound like it can’t be too bad. Maybe you think any impacts won’t affect your connection in the long run — that’s not a wise train of thought. No matter how fun the impulse sounds in the moment, such unexpected behavior could genuinely hurt your real friends, loved ones, or even romantic partners. Remain a little predictable.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

The enemy of your enemy might not be your friend. You’re possibly befriending someone who is a bit negative, but the two of you still bond over disliking the same people and things. However, this person may be more negative than they seem at first — and remember, those who will speak badly about others to you are most likely speaking badly about you to other people. Consider the benefits of keeping this co-conspirator at arm’s length, rather than welcoming them with open arms.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

A risk you take could wound another person at the moment. You’ll potentially encounter a chance to have tons of fun — but this activity may prevent you from fulfilling a commitment that you’ve already made to someone else. No matter how long you’ve been waiting for an opening like this, consider whoever else is involved. The opportunity might not even pan out like you want it to! Ultimately, you’ll probably find deeper satisfaction by letting that window close and fulfilling your promise instead.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Your desire to be nurturing may outweigh your aspiration to stay firm. Lines can be crossed today, especially if someone who already has tried to push your boundaries is struggling. You may feel bad for them, tempting you to allow them past your personal fences or to sacrifice something so that they can have it instead. However, this person likely isn’t appreciative of what you’re giving up, and you don’t want to realize that you should have stood firm after it’s too late. Trust yourself.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Your friends or peers could be encouraging you to do something that you’re not really interested in. This activity may be something that you’re not comfortable or experienced with, and while they want you to join in with them, it’s possible that they’re gaining much more enjoyment from it than you will. It could even be something that you’d regret doing as time goes on, and you may wish that you had listened to your gut and said no. Walk away from peer pressure.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Your intuition might not line up with what you can see at this time. Even if everything appears completely wonderful and peaceful on the surface, you may sense that something is off. While you’re likely wary of appearing irrational or annoying, this gut feeling could be so strong that you need to honor it. Whether this means not spending time with an otherwise interesting stranger or setting aside an opportunity you’d usually seize, it may seem odd. Still, trust your sixth sense!

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Today’s distracting calls might be coming from inside the house! You’re possibly bursting with impulsive energy, craving the risk of running wherever your mind takes you! That said, your friends or community might have advice that you would do well to listen to. It could make you feel restless or caged in, but there are some daring actions that would land you in hot water if you pursued them. Don’t throw away what you have for a passing impulse.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

You may be losing steam. Perhaps when you started on a project, you had a lot of energy and inspiration for it, but now that you’re in the middle of the process and have experienced some trial and error, you might be ready to give up. Sometimes it’s much harder to finish plans than start them. The initial genesis typically feels so fun, while the actual implementation ends up being more of a slog. Don’t give up now! You can see this through.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Past lessons can be relevant in the present. Your sign is known for efforts to make what you do as original as possible, but too much deviation may net you practically unrecognizable results. You could also have so many ideas that they’re pulling you in opposing directions that can’t cohere into productive goals, trapping you in a tangle of potential rather than making way for action. Muddled pitches probably aren’t everything they are in your head, so try to come back down to earth.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

You might have a good idea that you’re keeping under wraps. While it’s wise to avoid bragging about your chicks before they hatch, this notion could be better served by being shared with others. It may even solve a problem for a group that you’re currently a part of. Sitting on this potential project until the moment for action has passed would likely leave you hollow and unfulfilled, so go ahead and lay out your blueprints for your peers to consider.

KISSIMMEE (AP) — A group of volunteer divers believe they have found the remains of a woman in a vehicle submerged in a retention pond near Walt Disney World, apparently solving a 12-year-old mystery about what happened to her.

Divers from Sunshine State Sonar said they believe they found the remains of Sandra Lemire on Saturday while diving in a small retention pond at the Disney World exit on Interstate 4 in Kissimmee, Florida. Lemire disappeared in May 2012. She was last seen leaving a restaurant in Kissimmee, driving the minivan that was found.

The group of divers had been searching for Lemire in 63 bodies of water over the last year and a half. Last week, a tip from an Orlando Police Department detective about the location of a cellphone tower that last received a call from Lemire’s phone helped them narrow the search to the retention pond, the group said in a statement on social media.

“We located what appeared to be a minivan submerged in 14 feet of water,” the statement said. “Our team quickly suited up and dove on the vehicle to make the license plate confirmation.”

The Miami Hurricanes reportedly lost a veteran cornerback to the transfer portal on Tuesday.

Davonte Brown, a fourth-year junior, will leave the Hurricanes after just one season with the program, according to 247Sports. Brown has not publicly announced that he is transferring.

Brown transferred to Miami from UCF last winter, shortly before his younger brother, Damari, signed in the Hurricanes’ 2023 high school recruiting class. He played 11 games this past season and notched 10 tackles with one pass deflection.

Pro Football Focus gave Brown a 57.5 defensive grade with a 53.9 coverage grade. He played 180 defensive snaps.

Brown’s younger brother, Damari, was a four-star prospect coming out of American Heritage. He played 280 defensive snaps in eight games, starting three games. He had 14 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus gave him 66.1 defensive grade and a 65.4 coverage grade.

Brown is the first Miami cornerback to enter the portal, but the Hurricanes will also lose at least two other cornerbacks, Jaden Davis and Te’Cory Couch, because they are out of eligibility.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday announced the arrest of a teenager in the fatal shooting death of a Tamarac man in November.

Because of his age, the young man was not identified in the news release issued Tuesday. Names of juveniles are typically released if they are charged as adults, a decision that has not yet been made in this case.

The teenager is accused of shooting Mateo Delgado inside his vehicle near the 7000 block of Northwest 79th Avenue in Tamarac. Delgado, 21, of Margate, drove away from the scene and crashed into a nearby pole, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation led to the teenager’s identification as a suspect. The suspect, who also lives in Margate, was arrested without incident and booked into the Juvenile Assessment Center on a charge of felony murder.

Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.

 

By Caroline Eubanks | Chicago Tribune

The coastline of Mississippi is small but mighty, only 50 miles along U.S. Route 90.

But for generations, its communities have attracted visitors from near and far, first gaining popularity following the Civil War as New Orleanians hopped the trains and steamboats heading east to avoid yellow fever epidemics.

During this time, the six main towns along the route were given the name “Six Sisters of the Gulf Coast.” Today, the beach towns — especially Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs and Biloxi — are favorites for travelers in search of sun, especially during the spring and summer months. The area has plentiful public beach access and, for those feeling lucky, casinos along the water, not to mention fresh local seafood hauled in every day. There’s also a rich history, with historic homes and museums focusing on the coastal ecosystem, like the Mississippi Aquarium and the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum.

But what travelers might not know is that this area is also where many artists have settled amongst the Spanish moss-laden oaks for generations. For visitors seeking to incorporate the region’s art, artifacts and history into their travels, these three towns are laden with treasures.

Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs is straight out of a postcard, with a row of dramatic oak trees shading the art galleries and shops downtown. Italianate and Gothic Revival cottages dot the six historic districts in the city of about 18,000. Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright even designed a bungalow in town for his mentor, Louis Sullivan, before it was destroyed by a hurricane.

The arts community is literally in the roots of Ocean Springs, where the clay is pulled out of the soil, specifically from the nearby Pascagoula River Basin. Shearwater Pottery (102 Shearwater Drive; 228-875-7320; shearwaterpottery.com) is one of the most notable artisans in the state, founded in 1928 by Peter Anderson with his parents, George Walter Anderson and Annette McConnell Anderson. Peter built the kiln and Annette purchased equipment from potter George Ohr’s estate, in nearby Biloxi, after his death.

They crafted hard-fired earthenware that is still highly sought-after, glazed in colors inspired by the coastline in hues of green, blue and brown. It’s still run by Peter’s children and the showroom on the Mississippi Sound offers visitors a chance to own a piece of this history, including plates, bowls, mugs and figurines of the animals that call the region home.

But the Anderson family legacy doesn’t end there. Peter Anderson’s son Walter became an artist in his own right, first working for Shearwater. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art (510 Washington Ave.; 228-872-3164; walterandersonmuseum.org) honors his work, including furniture he constructed for his home and colorful paintings of Mississippi flora and fauna. A highlight of the museum is the “Little Room,” a small paneled room with brightly painted murals featuring a day on the Gulf Coast from sunrise to sunset. Anderson kept it locked away from his family, who discovered the masterpiece after his death. Another wing features panels Walter Anderson was hired to paint for the Works Progress Administration with bold, geometric patterns.

He often escaped to Horn Island, one of the nearby barrier islands now part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, for inspiration and solitude. The boat he rowed across the sound is one of many objects on display at the museum. Visitors can have the same transformative experience by renting their own vessel to make the journey or booking a tour with a charter company.

Walter Anderson’s work also influenced The Roost (604 Porter Ave.; 228-285-7989; roostoceansprings.com), a 19-room boutique hotel a few blocks away on a historic stretch of Porter Avenue with an outdoor pool and a speak-easy bar. Rooms are spread across two buildings and feature prints from his woodblocks, produced in collaboration with his family.

Lil’ Market Deli & Bagelry (720 Bellande Ave.; 228-300-4545; iheartbagel.com) is best for a bite on the go, enjoyed on a downtown bench or a boat trip to a barrier island. The mural-covered shop sells deli sandwiches piled high with Boar’s Head meats and kettle-boiled bagels.

Biloxi

Founded in 1699 under French rule, the Biloxi of today is most commonly associated with the brightly lit casinos that line the waterfront. But the arts community dates back over a century. Sculptor George Ohr, also known as the “Mad Potter,” began selling his wares as far back as 1879, opening his own kiln with local clay. He had a long mustache and his pieces bore his signature whimsical curves and ruffles.

Despite appearing at the 1904 Chicago World’s Fair, Ohr’s work didn’t come to prominence until after his death. His shop closed in 1909 after devastating losses due to theft and fire. It was untouched until 1972 when what remained was sold to a collector who grew his Ohr’s following in the New York City art scene. Ohr’s work is now displayed at the Frank Gehry-designed Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art (386 Beach Blvd.; 228-374-5547; georgeohr.org), with curved metal wings similar to Ohr’s pottery, nicknamed “The Pods.”

Some of today’s art set has moved west to downtown Biloxi, specifically the revitalized Howard Avenue corridor. The famed Zero Blues Club from Clarksdale, Mississippi, opened a Biloxi location in 2022 (814 Howard Ave.; 228-910-6600; groundzerobiloxi.com), hosting its signature live music and “Art in the Alley” arts market to highlight regional creatives.

Greenhouse (152 G.E. Ohr St.; 228-327-0579; biscuitsprings.com) settled down the street in 2020, bringing with it a rotating selection of local artwork plus fluffy biscuits and coffee served all day.

On the drive through town, one of the starkest visuals is what isn’t seen along the coast: homes. Thousands were destroyed during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, including 250 from the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the remaining trees, stripped of their branches, have since been transformed into artwork, carved into the likeness of dolphins, pelicans and other creatures that call the area home.

One of the few Biloxi buildings to withstand the storm was the White House Hotel (1230 Beach Blvd.; 228-233-1230; whitehousebiloxi.com), which started as a boardinghouse in the 1890s. After a decadeslong closure, it reopened in 2014 with rooms overlooking the gulf and a restaurant called Cora’s, named in honor of the hotel matriarch.

Bay St. Louis

Founded in 1818 for its location near the railroad, hotels and boardinghouses, the town of Bay St. Louis could be an extension of New Orleans with all of the art galleries, antique stores and cheerful murals. There’s no shortage of quirky annual events that bring out the creativity of locals like Frida Fest and Dolly Should, which honor Frida Kahlo and Dolly Parton with costume contests and art walks.

Folk artist Alice Moseley moved to the town in 1989 and got her start selling paintings depicting scenes of southern life at flea markets. After her death, her son opened a museum in her honor, the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum (1928 Depot Way; 228-467-9223; alicemoseley.com), in the town’s former train depot.

Browsing the shops of the Bay, the creativity is seen in many forms, including artwork and locally made goods. The Shops at Century Hall (112 S. 2nd St.; shopsofcenturyhall.com) is filled with art galleries, vintage clothing and gifts. Clay Creations (105 S. Toulme St.; 228-466-6347; claycreationsllc.com) makes miniature versions of local landmarks from clay.

Locals and visitors alike gather at the Pearl Hotel (104 N. Beach Blvd.; 228-688-0400; pearlbsl.com), a 53-room boutique hotel with coastal-inspired décor. It features the Thorny Oyster, a popular restaurant highlighting the bounty of seafood in the area and proving that you don’t have to be artistically inclined to appreciate all that the Mississippi coast has to offer.

Caroline Eubanks is a freelancer.