Crew Cuts
THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST
Rodney Dykes, an AirTran Airways Crew Member, talks about a place that is close to his heart.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, offering miles of beautiful beaches. Rodney Dykes, a customer service and ramp agent for AirTran Airways, is enjoying his ninth year with the company and on the coast
Team Work
The coast is a visual feast, with the inviting glow of casino lights paired with the soft beauty of the ocean and white sands. And after suffering a great deal of damage from Hurricane Katrina, Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi, are stronger and more welcoming than ever. Dykes says the community has come together in a way that has never been seen before, and the efforts to rebuild have been extremely fruitful.
Casino Royale
Casinos abound on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and the prestigious Beau Rivage (www.beaurivage.com)—known affectionately to the locals as “The Beau”—is among Dykes’ favorite hangouts. The magnificent hotel and casino under the MGM Mirage umbrella can be seen above the beach’s skyline, offering year-round entertainment, lodging and world-renowned clubs, such as Eight75. Dykes says the club’s high-profile atmosphere and unique setting makes it one of his favorite bars. Major acts also frequent Headliners at Beau Rivage, most recently Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chris Botti.
The IP Casino, Resort and Spa (www.ipbiloxi.com), which underwent extensive renovations in 2005, is also high on Dykes’ list. “Chill Ultra Lounge, inside the IP, is a great place to go,” he says. “When it reopened, it had some awesome bands perform, like the Jimmy Buffet tribute band.” The IP also offers numerous restaurants, from casual to fine dining; a six-theater cinema; and Infusion, a modern coffee bar.
Other casinos on the coast include the Palace (www.palacecasinoresort.com), Boomtown (www.boomtownbiloxi.com), Isle of Capri (www.isleofcapricasino.com), Grand Biloxi (www.harrahs.com), Treasure Bay (www.treasurebay.com) and the long-awaited Hard Rock Casino (www.hardrockbiloxi.com), which opens this month.
Start Your Engines
When Dykes isn’t working or enjoying the nightlife, he takes advantage of exciting coast-specifi c events, like Cruisin’ The Coast (www.cruisinthecoast.com), taking place Sept. 30 through Oct. 7. During this annual event, which is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, car enthusiasts from more than 37 states drive to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to showcase a variety of antique, classic and hot rod automobiles. —Erica Fox