Wherever I May Roam - Your Guide To Visiting Hattiesburg

By: Wherever I May Roam

RESOURCE GUIDE FOR LUXURY TRAVEL, CULTURE, & EATS

This blog originally appeared on whereverimayroamblog.com. You can view it in its original format here.

Hattiesburg is a city in south Mississippi offering both big city advantages and small-town charm. Known as “Hub City” due to its central location between Jackson (MS), Gulfport/Biloxi (MS), New Orleans (LA), and Mobile (AL), Hattiesburg is an ideal destination for travelers all over the south.

Here is our guide to visiting Hattiesburg, including where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and when to visit. Hattiesburg has a lot to offer so come play and stay a while!

Here is your guide to visiting Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Where To Stay

The Courtyard Hattiesburg is the perfect place to stay during your visit. Its in a great location for easily getting around town. The hotel has an outdoor pool, onsite restaurant and bar, fitness center, plus free parking and Wi-Fi.

Rooms at the Courtyard Hattiesburg are very spacious and nicely decorated. They have comfortable beds with luxury bedding, smart TVs with steaming capabilities, a mini-fridge, microwave, work desk, and nice sitting area. These rooms are great for relaxing after a long day of exploring all that Hattiesburg has to offer.

Stay at the Courtyard Hattiesburg when staying in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

What To Do

Visit the Hattiesburg Zoo

The Hattiesburg Zoo is home to nearly 100 species of animals from around the world. It is divided into three geographical regions (The Americas, Asia, and Africa), each housing animals that are native to that area. The most popular animals at the Hattiesburg Zoo are by far the Two-Toed Sloths. Tickets are only $5, but you can add other experiences on to your ticket (Mining Expedition, High Ropes Adventure Course, Train and Carousel Rides). The Hattiesburg Zoo is open from 10 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Sunday, except in the winter.

Tip: Don’t miss the touch Africa Petting Zoo and barrier-free Wallaby Walkout exhibit where you can hang out one-on-one with Wallabies and a Kunekune Pig.

Our guide to visiting Hattiesburg, Mississippi includes a stop at the Hattiesburg Zoo to admire the animals.

Shop at the Lucky Rabbit

The Lucky Rabbit is a junk joint full of antiques, vintage items, handmade goods, furniture, and more. The store is only open the first weekend (Thursday to Sunday) of each month. While this might seem strange, it’s so there is a new inventory each time you shop. Trust me, you will want to plan your trip to Hattiesburg around The Lucky Rabbit’s opening!

Our guide to visiting Hattiesburg, Mississippi includes shopping at The Lucky Rabbit and other local stores.

Have A Beer At the Southern Prohibition Brewing

Southern Prohibition Brewing (SPB) aims to brew great beer and make Mississippi an awesome place to live. Take a tour of the brewery on Saturdays, every hour on the hour from 1 to 5 PM. Tours are $5 and include a four ounce pour. When you are finished, relax and enjoy a beer in the SPB Tap Room (open 5 to 10 PM Wednesday through Friday and 12 to 10 PM on Saturday). Our guide to visiting Hattiesburg wouldn’t be complete without a stop here.

Note: Enter on the corner of Mobile and 2nd Street in Downtown Hattiesburg.

Our guide to visiting Hattiesburg includes stopping by Southern Prohibition Brewing for a cold craft beer.

Explore the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum

The Mississippi Armed Forces Museum is the only state-operated museum dedicated exclusively to military history. Located on the Camp Shelby military post, it honors the servicemen and women of all branches from Mississippi and others who received training in Mississippi during times of war. The exhibits at this free museum explore Mississippi’s military involvement from the early 19th century to the present and include more than 17,000 artifacts. The Mississippi Armed Forces Museum is open from 9 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Saturday.

Note: You must present a driver’s license to get into Camp Shelby.

Here is your guide to visiting Hattiesburg, Mississippi with plenty of educational stops, cold beer, shopping, and family fun.

Visit the African American Military History Museum

The African American Military History Museum is inside of the old 6th Street USO Club, which served African Americans during World War II. Come be inspired by bravery as you recount military history though the eyes of African American soldiers. The museum, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, is open from 10 AM to 4 PM Wednesday through Friday and 12 to 4 PM on Saturdays.

Our guide to visiting Hattiesburg, Mississippi includes a stop at the African American Military History Museum.

Drive Through the Southern Miss Campus

Hattiesburg is home to the University of Southern Mississippi, most commonly referred to as Southern Miss. While you are in town, drive through the beautiful campus where Brett Favre, Jimmy Buffet, Tori Bowie, Robert L Stewart, and Governor Phil Bryant (MS) went to school.

Be sure to drive through Southern Miss' campus while in Hattiesburg.

Where To Eat

Keg And Barrel

Keg and Barrel is Mississippi’s premier beer emporium, offering more than 100 kinds of beer. Inside of a late 1800’s home, the food at Keg and Barrel is a combination of unique pub flair and traditional southern foods. Whether you are in the mood for burgers, pizza, salads, seafood, or chicken, you are sure to find it on the menu at Keg and Barrel.

Must Order: Beignet Bites

Note: Keg and Barrel serves brunch on Sundays.

Our guide to visiting Hattiesburg, Mississippi includes having a tasty meal at Keg & Barrel.

Crescent City Grill

The Crescent City Grill is my favorite restaurant in Hattiesburg. Featuring seafood, pasta, soups, and salads, everything on the menu is fantastic! In the mood for a drink? The Crescent City Grill has a 1,000 label wine list, hundreds of whiskeys, more than 150 kinds of beer, and a classic cocktail menu.

Must Order: Crabmeat Wontons

Note: Crescent City Grill receives fresh seafood every day of the week and makes their own salad dressings!

Our guide to visiting Hattiesburg, Mississippi includes having a tasty meal at Crescent City Grill, the favorite as voted by locals.

Blu Jazz Cafe

The Blu Jazz Cafe is a super laid-back restaurant in historic Downtown Hattiesburg. The food is very affordable and the menu has a little bit of everything. This is an awesome spot for a late night cocktail and appetizer or weekend brunch.

Must Visit: Saturday night for live music.

Our guide to visiting Hattiesburg, Mississippi includes having a tasty meal at Blu Jazz Cafe.

When To Visit

Hattiesburg, Mississippi has special events all year long!

Spring: Art Walk, Live at 5, Hattie 100 Bike Race, Downtown Crawfish Jam Music Festival, HubFest
Summer: Farmers’ Market, Summer Tunes, Star-Spangled Celebration, Craft Beer Fest
Fall: Live at 5, Mobile Street Renaissance Festival, Downtown BBQ Showdown, Dearly Departed Walking Tours
Winter: Art Walk and Holiday Open House, Olde Time Christmas, Christmas Parade, Pine Belt Holiday Expo and Christmas Market

Visit Hattiesburg, Mississippi

From great food to fun attractions and tons of military history, Hattiesburg has a lot to offer. Use our guide when visiting Hattiesburg or craft your own adventure by picking up the HBurg Hotspots map from the Visitor Center. You are sure to find something to enjoy in this southern Mississippi town!

PicturedA cool mural in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Taylor Pittman Hardy wrote this article. The Hattiesburg CVB paid for my activities, lodging, and meals while visiting. All opinions and reviews are my own and unbiased.