When I think of coastal retreats, Mississippi does not come to mind. That's why Bay St. Louis surprised me when my sister- and brother-in-law introduced me to the charming Gulf Coast town in November. It was my first time in Mississippi, and I was pleasantly surprised by the slow, quiet vacation spot and all it had to offer, from seafood restaurants to coffee shops to locally owned boutiques and antique stores.

We only spent a day there, so I didn't get to take in all the town has to offer, but on this episode of Southern Hospitality for Beginners, Beverly Frater of the Hancock County Historical Society and Bay St. Louis-based interior designer Shannon Stage fill me in on the town's rich history and Southern charm that appeals to visitors from all ocer the country.