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NATCHEZ — Warmer weather has arrived. After some seriously cold days and nights, it is indeed refreshing to enjoy the warm sunshine and the early signs of spring that are beginning to bud everywhere in our beautiful city.

Yes, Spring is in the air. And in Natchez, Spring is a magical time: centuries-old trees and shrubs begin to blossom, ancient gardens perfume the air, and with all of this comes the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage, a tradition dating back to 1932.

This year, Spring Pilgrimage in Natchez will be a little different: traditional home tours will run from March 8 to April 19, and two very exciting and compacted tour and special event weekends will take place March 27-30 and April 3-6.

The changes are exciting. With a combined total of 30 historic homes, along with a number of exciting events ranging from dinners to musical soirees, there will be something for everyone – even golfers. For the first time ever, a special golf tournament is being planned to take place at Historic Duncan Park March 29.

The story of the Pilgrimage is a story of determination and perseverance, two qualities that have made ours a story of strength and resilience now lasting over 300 years. When the Natchez Pilgrimage first began, the very first in America, Natchez and the rest of the country were in the grips of the Great Depression. Things had not been going very well for our historic city and the old houses were in need of a little TLC. Some determined Natchez ladies (thank Heaven for our strong Natchez ladies) rallied under the leadership of Mrs. Katherine Miller, owner of Historic Hope Farm, and came up with the idea of a “pilgrimage.” Soon they invited the entire country to visit Natchez.

At first, the historic gardens were to be the focus. Obedient husbands all over town began to tidy up ancient brick walks and flower beds so visitors could marvel at their blooming century-old azalea bushes. But Mother Nature had another plan: a spring cold front wilted the blooms and the ladies had to engage a Plan B. They opened the doors of their historic houses and the pilgrimage as we know it was born.

Since then, the Natchez model for pilgrimage has been copycatted across the country. Many years ago, locals extended it to include a Fall Pilgrimage. An international interest in Natchez began to blossom. And in the years since, thousands, possibly millions by now, have flocked to our city from all over the world to experience something truly special – the unrivaled southern hospitality of our oldest city on the highest hill of the mightiest river.

It has been said that the pilgrimage saved Natchez. At a time when so much of the country was suffering financially, 1932 sparked an interest in The Bluff City that burns brightly to this day. A recent state tourism report showed an annual economic impact of over $187 million and a local job count of almost 1,400 jobs! Tourism has for years been our number one industry and this has truly put Natchez on the map.

Over the years, the offerings for tourists have grown. I can’t think of a city our size that offers more restaurants, gift shops and tourist attractions than Natchez. Our bed and breakfasts, short-term rentals, and beautiful (and growing) hotel market offer a variety of stay options. Great food, live music, carriage rides, historic tours, outdoor excursions – we have it all!

Our historic streets are safe and walkable. Our historic bluff with its majestic river views is captivating. And our sunsets are stunning. After all, Natchez is “The Sunset Capital of the South.”

We are especially grateful to also be showcasing our African American history, essentially woven into every detail of the Natchez story. Our NAPAC Museum, the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, is located at 301 Main St. and welcomes visitors daily from all over the world.

Our Natchez National Historic Park is another great tourism asset, featuring Forks of the Road, sadly once the second-largest slave market in the deep south. The historic park also includes other sites such as the William Johnson House, once the home of the “Black Barber of Natchez,” a free man of color, and Melrose, said to be the finest residential example of antebellum Greek Revival Architecture in the country.

A ticket to these great Natchez Spring Pilgrimage opportunities begins with a click on the cellphone or laptop. Click www.visitnatchez.org for complete details, ticket purchases, a link to the home tours calendar, and exciting information on so many other things happening this spring in Natchez, from our Music Festival events to live theater – and so much more. Information can also be found by visiting the websites of the garden clubs, www.natchezgardenclub.org and www.pilgrimagenatchez.com. Or call 601-492-3000.

Let’s celebrate Spring and the great opportunities it brings for our city. Because Natchez Deserves More!

Dan M. Gibson is mayor of Natchez.