Known as the “Hub City,” Hattiesburg, MS, is a charming Southern town full of delicious food, outdoor fun, and one-of-a-kind shopping experiences. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast looking to enjoy an unforgettable meal or an adventure-seeker out to explore scenic landscapes, here are seven reasons to add Hattiesburg to the top of your must-visit list!
The Lucky Rabbit
More Info: theluckyrabbit.com
Located in the heart of Downtown Hattiesburg, The Lucky Rabbit is a beloved two-building shopping destination. The store welcomes shoppers every Saturday and Sunday, inviting them to peruse its apparel collection, sweet treats, accessories, and home decor. As you shop, take note of the unique displays of vintage soda machines, classic arcade games, and working payphone booths.
If you visit The Lucky Rabbit on the first Saturday of any month, you’re in for a real treat! The store’s First Saturday Market shuts down the street outside to offer outdoor shopping alongside food trucks and family-friendly fun.
Birdie’s
More Info: birdhousecafe.net
Formerly known as Birdhouse Café, Birdie’s offers a cozy backdrop for a delicious breakfast or lunch. Situated inside one half of an appliance store, the local eatery was opened by Chef Katie Dixon in 2013. Focusing on healthy foods with a Southern twist, you can enjoy everything from hearty salads and sandwiches to refreshing smoothie bowls, coffee, and tea.
Southern Prohibition Brewery
More Info: soprobrewing.com
A local staple since 2013, Southern Prohibition Brewery (also fondly known as SoPro) offers refreshing craft beer alongside a menu that puts a flavorful and unique twist on classic bar food.
While SoPro brews are available locally and across five states, a visit to the official SoPro taproom is an absolute must. In addition to year-round classics like Suzy B (a wheat blonde ale) and Devil’s Harvest (a breakfast IPA), you can also enjoy a rotating selection of seasonal brews.
When it comes to food, start with standout appetizers like the pizza roll nachos or boudin egg rolls. For your entrée, you can’t go wrong with the open-faced pot roast melt, Korean BBQ pork belly rice bowl, or fried chicken sandwich.
Hattiesburg Zoo
More Info: hattiesburgzoo.com
Offering multiple acres of family-friendly fun in Kamper Park, the Hattiesburg Zoo is the ideal place for travelers of all ages to spend an afternoon. Home to over 100 species of animals, visitors can enjoy close-up views of everything from alpacas to flamingos, monkeys, tigers, zebras, and donkeys.
Before or after paying a visit to the adorable zoo animals, be sure to check out some of the other attractions. You can dig for gems and stones at the Mining Expedition, climb the High Ropes Adventure Course, or take a ride on the electric train.
Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
More Info: hattiesburgpocketmuseum.com
Dubbed ‘Mississippi’s Tiniest Museum,’ the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum offers an ever-changing and whimsical lineup of unique exhibits. Tucked discreetly away in an alley near the Saenger Theater, the museum has previously hosted exhibits highlighting everything from the Smurfs and Pop-Tarts to Woodstock and McDonald’s.
In addition to the museum, be sure to stop by the Pocket Theater, which features a rotating selection of short films. Then, when you’re done visiting the museum and theater, carve out some time to explore the surrounding art installations in the alley, as they make for the perfect photo op!
Longleaf Trace
More Info: longleaftrace.org
A premier destination for runners, walkers, and hikers alike, Longleaf Terrace is a serene 44-mile park that winds through Hattiesburg and its surrounding towns. If you’d prefer to bike through the trail system, stop by the Longleaf Trace Gateway to rent a bicycle, starting at $15.
Longleaf Trace is also popular among horseback riders, offering a 24-mile soil equestrian trail. Recognized as one of the best trails in South Mississippi, it’s home to 10 horse stalls, a cozy camping area, and a group pavilion.
SB Tip: Veer off at Longleaf Trace’s Hardy Street spur to enjoy a sweet treat from Shipley’s Do-Nuts!
Big Trouble
More Info: eatbigtrouble.com
For a delicious dinner, stop into Big Trouble for Asian-American-inspired fare. With Chef Jeremy Noffke at the helm, the restaurant is known to craft favorites like crab rangoon dip, steamed buns, fried rice, and ramen.
To wash down your dinner, order a craft cocktail from the Big Trouble Bar, which offers standouts like Purgatory Punch (featuring bourbon, rum, cognac, honey, lemon, black tea, and soda water) and Darling Nikki (made with rum, allspice, cinnamon, grapefruit, and lime).
Enjoy your adventures in Hattiesburg, MS!
This article is sponsored by Visit Hattiesburg.
