The pageant opened Friday night at the City Auditorium, Southern Exposure started at the Natchez Little Theater and hoop skirts were found in houses all around town &045;&045; just some of the signs that Spring Pilgrimage has started.

Saturday was opening day and while antebellum homes were opened, tourists were filling them. And the bright, sunshine-filled morning and pleasant temperatures were just right for touring, many of the visitors said.

Rose Mary and Tom Meyer of Minneapolis made their way down the Mississippi River and just happened to catch Natchez on the first day of Pilgrimage. We &uot;came to where there was spring,&uot; Rose Mary said of the nice weather Saturday. They loved their first visit to town.

&uot;It’s like stepping back into time,&uot; Tom said of the tours. &uot;The architecture is great, but I think I’ve enjoyed the people as much.&uot;

It was Kyle and Allison Duke’s first trip to Natchez as well, having just moved to Oxford from Nashville. Allison had heard of Natchez and the Dukes are trying to see as much of their new state as they can.

&uot;We have really enjoyed it (Natchez),&uot; Allison said. &uot;What we really like is hearing the stories behind the pieces and the families.&uot;

The reputation of beautiful homes held up for Liz Weeks, who lived in England and now makes her home in Fair Hope, Ala.

&uot;We’ve seen lots of lovely, stately homes, and this is the nicest since Blenhiem Palace,&uot; she said of the Shields Town House on Union Street. While it may be small, it is &uot;elegant&uot; and has so many authentic furniture pieces, Weeks and her friends said of the home.

Sisters Carmen Shelton and Evelyn Rogers of Arkansas planned their trip to Natchez for spring break, wanting to come during Pilgrimage.

Shelton said she loves anything historical and the plants in Natchez were another draw for her.

&uot;We just knew this was a great time to come,&uot; she said of Pilgrimage.

Harold and Inarae Young made a repeat trip to Pilgrimage Saturday, and they love to visit the town.

&uot;I just love the old homes, and I love the flowers,&uot; Inarae said.