Hattiesburg, Mississippi, affectionately referred to as the “Hub City,” is an exuberant Southern vacation spot overflowing with civil rights historical past, legendary music tradition, a creating artwork scene and outside journey.
From the second I arrived in Hattiesburg within the Magnolia State, it was clear this metropolis had one thing particular. Their forward-thinking spirit immediately resonated with me and I regretted not having greater than 2 days in Hattiesburg to soak all of it in.
If you’re questioning what to do in Hattiesburg, this information will allow you to navigate its eclectic points of interest, together with the full of life downtown and scenic outside areas. Make probably the most of your go to and uncover the Hub City’s must-see highlights, even on a fast journey.
Hattiesburg mural at T-Bones Records & Cafe
Explore the Great Outdoors in Hattiesburg
Cycle down Longleaf Trace
One of Hattiesburg’s crown jewels is the Longleaf Trace, a 44-mile-long rail-trail that stretches by way of the Pine Belt area. Ideal for biking, strolling, and jogging, this scenic path winds by way of loblolly forests and farmlands and the candy odor of Southern Magnolia. Bring a motorbike or lease one domestically and absorb the fantastic thing about Mississippi’s countryside.
“Together as One” mural by Ivan Roque on the Longleaf Trace
More Outdoor Activities in Hattiesburg
Stroll by way of the All American Rose Garden on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi.
Spend the day in Paul B. Johnson State Park enjoyable with a picnic by lakeside or kayaking.
Go on the one official geocaching tour in Mississippi. The Hattiesburg GeoTour has greater than 40 hides to find.
Discover the Creative Side Of Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg Street Art
Hattiesburg is residence to a formidable outside gallery that salutes the group’s artistic spirit. Discover the eye-catching artworks by native and regional artists on the Hattiesburg Public Art Trail – a self-guided journey by way of town’s hanging murals and installations. With a imaginative and prescient to change into the City of 100 Murals within the coming years, spearheaded by the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art (HAPA), this initiative brings highly effective narratives of happiness, historical past, variety, and inclusion to on a regular basis life.
“Suffrage” mural by artist Heidi Pitre
Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
When you learn concerning the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, it doesn’t do it justice. This quirky attraction began life in lockdown to encourage folks to get out of the home and have a little bit enjoyable and has since change into Mississippi’s tiniest museum.
Tucked away in a downtown alley behind the Saenger Theatre, the house showcases eye-catching murals and immersive 3D flooring work, like an Abbey Road crosswalk, however the actual magic lies in its ever-changing micro-exhibits of nostalgic memorabilia and avant-garde curiosities. Keep your eyes peeled for little lego males hidden in crumbling brickwork, cats perched on doorframes, and mysterious figures peeking from pipes.
When you’re planning what to do in Hattiesburg, don’t miss strolling down Pocket Alley. It’s a playful expertise that proves massive creativity thrives in small areas.
Murals within the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum alleyway
More Art and Culture Spots in Hattiesburg
Visit the Sarah Gillespie Museum of Arts, which has over 600 items from artists from Mississippi.
Hattiesburg Saenger Theater, an Art-Deco in downtown, hosts a combined bag of performances from ballets and movie screenings to magic and Off-Broadway exhibits.
Experience a full of life live performance or exhibition on the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).
Immerse Yourself In The History Of Hattiesburg
Drive the Hattiesburg Freedom Trail
The Hattiesburg Freedom Trail honours town’s pivotal position within the Civil Rights Movement, marking key websites the place activists fought for justice within the Sixties. A big cease on Mississippi’s Freedom Trail, it contains places like Mount Zion Baptist Church, a gathering place for organisers, and the historic Eureka School, now a civil rights museum. Hattiesburg performed an important position within the Freedom Day 1964, when tons of risked intimidation to register to vote.
The Vernon Dahmer statue stands as a strong tribute to his struggle for voting rights, bearing his iconic phrases: “If you don’t vote, you don’t count.” In 1966, he made a courageous radio announcement providing to pay the ballot tax for many who couldn’t afford to register. The subsequent day, the Ku Klux Klan retaliated with a violent assault on his residence, and he subsequently died.
Vernon Dahmer Memorial
More Historical Activities in Hattiesburg
Visit the African American Military History Museum, which highlights the contributions of Black troopers from the Civil War to trendy conflicts.
Located at Camp Shelby, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum is devoted to preserving Mississippi’s army historical past.
Enjoy The Quirky Shops In Hattiesburg
Find Your Treasure in The Lucky Rabbit
The Lucky Rabbit, a self-proclaimed junk store, is a treasure trove of classic finds, quirky residence décor, and native artisan creations. While it’s a favourite amongst guests searching for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, the ever-changing shows maintain locals coming again for extra. There’s additionally an outside café space, and this eclectic spot even contains a recreated Stranger Things set — how might I resist the enjoyable picture alternative? It’s solely open on weekends, so plan your journey effectively; this quirky store is an expertise in itself.
T-Bones Records & Café
T-Bones Records & Café is a ceremony of passage for any music lover visiting Hattiesburg, with its giant vinyl retailer stocking Deep South favourites, jazz legends and modern-day artists.
First opened in 1999 by producer Tim Ramenofsky as an unbiased file retailer, T-Bones was purchased by Harry, who labored for the founder. He has added a restaurant serving sandwiches, house-made desserts and its personal model of chilly brewed espresso. T-Bones Records & Café has change into a beloved Hattiesburg establishment, being a group hub for regulars and a much-recognised model. And, after all, the mural “Hattiesburg: Birthplace of Rock n Roll” outdoors is an enormous drawcard for all that come to town!
More Shops To Visit In Hattiesburg
Main Street Farmers Market is a unbelievable place to assist native distributors whereas choosing up contemporary produce, selfmade items, and artisan crafts.
49 Antique and Flea Market affords retro furnishings, pre-loved clothes, and quirky nick-nacks.
The Author Shoppe is all about books, drinks and group.
Dine in Hattiesburg’s Local Restaurants
Hattiesburg is residence to 200 domestically owned eating places, giving it extra native eating choices per capita than wherever else within the state. So, with fewer quick meals massive chains and extra independently-run eateries and craft breweries, there’s extra creativity and group vibes. Here are some spots I attempted and liked, however there are loads extra wonderful eating places and cafes in Hattiesburg to strive!
Breakfast at The Midtowner
For a style of traditional Southern consolation meals, head to The Midtowner, the place hearty breakfast plates, biscuits, and grits draw within the queues. Their home-style cooking and heat hospitality guarantees a memorable eating expertise. I debated between the Catfish and Grits or the Southern Sampler, however the Avocado Toast with roasted corn and feta gained me over—and it bursting with flavour!
Opened by restaurateur Robert St. John, this spot pays homage to the normal American diner whereas incorporating contemporary, domestically sourced substances. Designed to evoke a way of group,
Avocado Toast with roasted corn and feta
The Midtowner in Hattiesburg
Eat Healthy at Birdies
Owner and Chef Katie Dixon is an actual ball of happiness and vitality and had me smiling for the remainder of the day. The Birdhouse Café was opened in 2017 at one facet of a kitchen equipment retailer, making a homely front room with an open-plan kitchen fashion inside. She serves wholesome breakfasts and lunches with a Southern twist, and every dish is known as in honour of somebody who has had an influence on Katie’s life.
Katie, a finalist on Masterchef season 7 and Food Network Star season 14, additionally affords meal prep, candy treats, personal eating, catering, and cooking courses. As a spokesperson for the MS UProot Campaign and a companion with Walmart, Katie advocates for more healthy communities by way of reasonably priced recipes.
After being fed Deep South consolation dishes on my highway journey, I used to be prepared for a inexperienced detox juice and a nutritious salad, and Katie delivered simply that and extra.
Healthy Salad at Birdies
Chef Katie & The Team
Dine at Big Trouble
Big Trouble is the brainchild of three associates on the Hattiesburg hospitality scene. Chef Jeremy Nofke started his culinary profession beneath the steering of Robert St. John and has change into identified for his experiential strategy to Asian “atypical” dishes with a splattering of Southern tastes. Can you think about shrimp fried rice topped with crispy pork rinds and a deconstructed bacon cheeseburger bowl?
|| YOU LIKE TO READ ABOUT CLASSIC SOUTHERN DISHES YOU NEED TO TRY
Experience Festivals and Events
Unfortunately, my journey dates didn’t align with any festivals in Hattiesburg. Given how exuberant and welcoming town is, I’d extremely suggest planning your go to round one. Here are some nice choices I got here throughout whereas researching The Hub City.
Mardi Gras is the massive annual carnival celebration with exuberant parades and loopy events.
Extra Table Events: Founded by Restaurateur Robert St. John, they increase funds to finish starvation in Mississippi.
HubFest: One of Hattiesburg’s largest annual occasions celebrating group and creativity, HubFest brings collectively meals distributors, artists, and musicians for a full of life road competition downtown.
Downtown Crawfish Jam: A real Southern expertise, the Downtown Crawfish Jam combines stay music with heaps of freshly boiled crawfish.
Festival South: Spanning a number of weeks, Festival South is a multidisciplinary arts competition that includes performances in music, theatre, and dance.
Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival: Annual occasion with greater than 100 craft beers to select from.
“Wonderful Day” mural by Ricardo Moody
Where to Stay in Hattiesburg
From elegant bed-and-breakfasts to boutique inns, Hattiesburg affords quite a lot of lodging that cater to completely different journey kinds. Find your excellent keep!
Cabin at Longleaf Piney Resort
|| YOU LIKE TO READ ABOUT ALABAMA’S MOST SUSTAINABLE GETAWAY
Quick hyperlinks to Visit Hattiesburg
PIN What To Do in Hattiesburg MS
Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks, which implies I could obtain a small fee in the event you click on a hyperlink and buy one thing that I’ve beneficial. It comes for gratis to you. Thank you on your assist.