Lovelace Drug Store

On our way back to the truck after lunch in Ocean Springs (MS), we strolled, maybe meandered, down Washington Street. Definitely moving at a more leisurely pace than walking.

Words like “charming,” “picturesque,” and even “quaint” came to mind as we passed the homes and businesses along the street in one of Mississippi's oldest designated Main Street communities.

The street, not only tree-lined, but “tree-umbrellad,” helps the city hold its coastal character and small-town charm intact.

Upon seeing the age of the neon sign for “Lovelace Drugs,” I imagined seeing “and Soda Fountain” also in neon somewhere on that sign.

A functioning drugstore since 1926 when it was the Bailey Drug Store, it changed names when Roland Lovelace and Valerie Pickel Lovelace purchased it in 1942.

And the present owner, Clark Levi restored the soda fountain to its present glory.

Time to slide into the booth and

order one of Lovelace’s own cream sodas.

Perfect way to spend an afternoon—before returning to reality.