NATCHEZ — While recent inclement weather has put a damper on Spring Pilgrimage, leaders are hopeful an upswing is in the future.

“In terms of visitation, we’re down slightly from where we were at this time last year,” said Lindsey Shelton, executive director of Natchez Pilgrimage tours.

Most tourists, Shelton said, look forward to seeing the azaleas bloom about the historic properties, but with so many rainy days, tourists have rescheduled their visit.

However, Shelton said that downward trend is slowly rising.

“Sales are picking up every day, and I am confident we will see an increase in visitors in the next few weeks,” Shelton said.

And while tourism numbers have been low, area restaurant managers said business has been busy.

Mary Starr, manager of The Carriage House Restaurant — a staple on many tourists’ to-do lists — said pilgrimage season is the “bread and butter” of yearly income.

“January and February have been extremely quiet, so we definitely depend on this season,” Starr said.

On average, Starr said The Carriage House serves anywhere from 55 to 75 people during a pilgrimage weekday — a much higher number than off season.

Most guests, Starr said, come specifically for the restaurant’s renowned fried chicken.

“People usually hear about us through Trip Advisor or word of mouth,” she said.

On Natchez’s riverbank, Mike Wagner, owner of The Camp Restaurant, said despite unfortunate weather, business has increased as well.

“This is our first pilgrimage, so we didn’t really know what to expect,” said Wagner, adding that the restaurant’s river location has served as its sole form of advertisement. “Most people like to eat out on the porch here — so rainy weather can cause our numbers to go down, but business has still been pretty strong.”

Mark Brockway, shift supervisor at The Castle Restaurant, said he’s seen business pickup mostly on weeknights.

“We’re always busy on the weekends, but during pilgrimage, business spreads to the weeknights too,” said Brockway. “The restaurant usually serves between 80 to 100 people a week during pilgrimage.”

And when tourists dine in Natchez, they’re likely to spend the night too.

Walter Tipton, Natchez Convention Center manager, said March has been a strong month in terms of occupied rooms at the Natchez Grand Hotel.

“We have 119 rooms and we’re running at about 78 occupancy — and we’re not even at the end of the month,” Tipton said.

Typically, Tipton said March, April and October are the most heavily booked months at the hotel.

“People usually plan away from the cold weather and holidays — and those months are the best for that,” Tipton said. “We didn’t have our usual crowd the first few weeks because of the weather, but we’re having an uptick now.”

And just like any other tourism business, Tipton said pilgrimage relies on visitor-generated revenue.

“Pilgrimage, it’s been going on since 1932,” he said. “I don’t think it’s going anywhere.”