NATCHEZ — Hotels and bed and breakfasts alike report high occupancy rates in the early days of Spring Pilgrimage.

Co-director of the Devereaux Shields House Eleanor Fry said she was pleased with how many guests are staying at the bed and breakfast.

“We have a few rooms available throughout Pilgrimage, but for the most part we are booked through April,” she said.

Natchez Pilgrimage Tours Executive Director Marsha Colson said that opening week has already experienced a 10-percent increase over last year’s first week.

“Ticket sales have been steady so far,” Colson said. “There was very little down time on opening day.”

Despite the rain many house tours had high numbers.

“There were very heavy morning and lunch rushes,” Colson said.

Clark Feiser, president of Auburn Antelbullum Home, was also pleased with the turnout.

“We have only been open once on the tour and had 132 ticket sales,” Fesier said. “We expect a good turnout Friday, too.”

Auburn will also be featured in a post-Pilgrimage tour in late April that will host a re-enactment of a ladies tea from the War of 1812.