Savor the Coast Launches Guided Food Tour Experience in Ocean Springs, Highlighting Local Restaurants and Coastal Culture

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS — A new locally owned experience is offering visitors and residents a fresh way to explore downtown Ocean Springs while contributing to the city’s growing recognition as one of the Gulf Coast’s most distinctive travel destinations.

Savor the Coast, a guided walking food tour, features curated tastings at locally owned restaurants paired with stories of the city’s history, art, and coastal culture. Since its launch, the experience has already welcomed guests from 20 states within its first month, drawing visitors from across both the East and West Coasts.

Ocean Springs has continued to gain national attention in recent years for its walkable downtown, thriving arts scene, and strong collection of locally owned restaurants. The city has been featured in national travel publications and recognized as one of the Gulf Coast’s most charming small towns—factors that continue to drive increased visitation to the area.

The launch of Savor the Coast aligns with broader growth in Coastal Mississippi tourism. According to Visit Mississippi, tourism generates billions in economic impact annually and supports thousands of jobs statewide, with the Mississippi Gulf Coast serving as a key driver of that activity. Experiences that connect visitors directly with local businesses are increasingly recognized as an important part of that ecosystem.

“Local food tours are one of our favorite things to do when traveling,” said co-founder, Aimie Barton. “It allows you to try multiple local cuisines while learning the city’s history. And we just thought Ocean Springs would be the perfect place to launch one.”

The approximately three-hour walking tour covers about one mile through downtown Ocean Springs, with stops at a variety of independently owned restaurants. Along the way, guests gain insight into the city’s creative identity, historic character, and role within the broader Gulf Coast region.

As travelers increasingly seek authentic, experience-driven tourism, culinary tours and locally guided experiences have become a growing segment of the travel industry. Savor the Coast builds on that trend by offering a social, small-group experience designed to help visitors connect more deeply with the destination.

Local restaurant partners also benefit from increased exposure and repeat visitation, as guests often return to their favorite stops after the tour.

“Savor the Coast was created to give people a meaningful way to experience Ocean Springs beyond just visiting a few restaurants,” said Aimie’s husband and co-founder, Clay Barton. “We wanted to create something that connects guests to the stories behind the food while also supporting the small businesses that make this community special.”

Tours are currently offered weekly, with advance reservations recommended, and can host up to 16 guests per group. Private tours are also available.

For more information or to view upcoming tour dates, visit www.savorthecoast.com.

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About Visit Mississippi
Celebrated as the Hospitality State and proudly known as the Birthplace of America’s Music, Mississippi invites visitors to experience a rich tapestry of culture, history and unforgettable adventures. From the soulful sounds of the Delta to the serene beauty of the Gulf Coast and Appalachian foothills, Mississippi is a destination where every journey tells a story.

Visit Mississippi, a division of the Mississippi Development Authority, serves as the state’s official destination marketing organization. As storytellers and cultural ambassadors, we champion Mississippi through strategic global marketing, innovative partnerships, and creative collaboration. Our mission is to elevate the state’s thriving tourism economy and inspire visitors from around the world to discover the magic that is Mississippi.

Learn more at visitmississippi.org