News & Events
Southeast District Gathering 2025
Herbs: All Shook Up Ocean Springs, MS
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Southeast District Gathering Agenda
Thursday, October 23, 2025 Pre-Gathering Event
4:30 pm Member Registration
5:00 – 6:30 pm Dinner at Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort
6:30 – 7:30 pm Welcome, HSA Connections with HSA President Betsy Smith Southeast District Meeting
7:30 pm Elvis Bingo at the Sunset Lounge – Relax & Mingle
Friday, October 24, 2025
8:45 am Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center
9:00 – 10:00 am A Spot of Tea with Cheese & Chocolate
10:00 – 10:20 am Break / Snacks / Visit Ways & Means Table
10:20 – 11:15 am The Cure is in Your Cupboard
11:20 am – 12:30 pm All Things Hibiscus with Tasting
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch and Ways & Means
1:30 – 2:30 pm Deep Dive into Elder: Ancient & Modern Myths, Traditions, & Scientific Musings
2:30 - 3:00 pm Ways & Means Wrap-Up
3:30 – 5:00 pm Courtney Farms
5:30 pm Dinner at Bacchus on the Bayou
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Breakfast on your own
9:50 am Meet at Walter Anderson Museum
10:00 – 11:30 am Tour of Walter Anderson Museum
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Ocean Springs, Mississippi, lies at the heart of the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast on the eastern shore of Biloxi Bay. It's known as the City of Discovery in recognition of the French establishment of a settlement here in 1699. Long before the French arrived, however, the area was appreciated for its beauty and natural resources by Native Americans. The attributes that brought these early residents have attracted a diverse stream of people during the past 300 years. Ocean Springs has been flavored by many influences during its rich history, and now in the 21st century, it has a unique character.
Nestled along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the City of Ocean Springs is a vibrant and eclectic arts community. It is home to numerous galleries, artist studios, and over 100 restaurants, and recently opened its first micro-brewery. There are bike rentals in town if you would like to ride on the 16 mile bike path along the beach.
Gathering Site
The gathering will be held at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center on Friday. The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center is the keystone of the public arts community in Ocean Springs. Affectionately known around town as The Mary C, it is located in the historic 1927 Ocean Springs Public School Building located in downtown Ocean Springs. The Center is located at 1600 Government Street, Ocean Springs 39564.
Our meeting will take place on the 2nd floor. There will be a guide to direct us to the location.
Each member is highly encouraged to contribute items to be sold at the ‘Ways & Means Table’ to benefit the Southeast District Operating Account.
Accommodations
You are in for a treat with the hotel accommodations this year. We have reserved a block of rooms for out-of-town guests at the Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 for the special rate of $149 plus tax. The hotel has a rich history since its beginning in 1927. Many famous and infamous guests have enjoyed the resort over the years. This locale was a destination in itself and was a favorite of Elvis Presley in the 1950s. When he visited, he could often be found in the lounge enjoying a cocktail and playing the piano. This boutique hotel has a beautiful pool, tennis courts and a golf course.
Make your reservations early to insure availability of the limited number of rooms at the special rate. To make your reservations, call the hotel directly at 228-875- 4211. Mention that you are with the Herb Society of America to get the reduced rate.
If you are flying in for the gathering, you can use the regional airport in Gulfport, MS.
General Information
The cost of the gathering is $135.00 and is all inclusive. The price includes the Thursday night pre-conference dinner and business meeting in the Sunset Lounge located at the Gulf Hills Hotel. On Friday, all speakers, tastings, and lunch are included. Friday dinner at Bacchus on the Bayou and the Saturday tour at the Walter Anderson Museum complete the package. Breakfast is on your own each morning. Please bring a portable fold up chair to enjoy the poolside in the evenings. It’s going to be a great weekend and we hope you’ll join us!
Catering Information
Registration for Event (all-inclusive ~ Thursday Dinner, Friday Speakers, Friday Lunch & Dinner & Saturday Tours)
Friday Lunch Choice ~ #1 Spinach & Cranberry Salad with raspberry dressing and bagel chips;
#2 Caprese on Ciabatta;
#3 Chicken salad on croissant **All choices are served their famous pimento cheese in a cup and a cookie.
Thursday and Friday Dinner, prix fixe
