This Quiet Mississippi City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Imagine yourself kayaking down the Bouie River, strolling through a colorful rose garden, or feeding giraffes at the city zoo. Or maybe you prefer the thrill of treasure hunting in local antique markets! If any of these itineraries resonate with you, the perfect destination is waiting in southern Mississippi: Hattiesburg. With a population of fewer than 50,000, this town is one of the most underrated spots in the southern US, and here is exactly why.
Hiking, Biking, And Paddling Trails
Many miles of trails weave in and out of Hattiesburg, ranging from hiking and biking routes to canoe waterways. One of the most famous in town is the Longleaf Trace Trail, a 44-mile linear park that was completed in the early 2000s as part of a rails-to-trails project. The route begins in Hattiesburg, passing through several neighboring towns, eventually ending in Prentiss. You can hike, bike, or skate the paved path for as long as you like, before turning around and heading back into town!
After a little walk on the Longleaf Trace, you can continue your outdoor adventure on the Leaf and Bouie Rivers. These rivers are part of the Pinebelt Blueways, a 50+ mile network of waterways that extends from Jones County through Perry County. There are five main water routes to choose from, ranging in length from 5.7 miles all the way up to 18.4 miles. Travelers who need to rent a kayak can do so directly through the Piney Woods Conservation Group, which offers solo kayak trips down all five waterways.
Golf Courses
If you enjoy golf, this next section is for you. Hattiesburg has several golf courses open to the public, many of which take advantage of the region’s natural landscapes. The first on your list is the Shadow Ridge Golf Club, an 18-hole course spanning about 500 acres of rolling hills. Along the course, you will find magnolias, pines, and dogwoods, along with streams, lakes, and nature preserves. Timberton Golf Club is another premier option, designed by course architect & PGA Tour professional Mark McCumber. First opened in 1991, the 18-hole course has received recognition in numerous golf publications. About 20 minutes south of Hattiesburg, you will also find Pine Creek Golf Club. This course is 18 holes as well, and is often considered the best-drained course in Mississippi. In addition to the typical tee times, the club offers golf lessons as well, in case you are looking to improve your skills!
Other Outdoor Activities
In addition to its trails and golf courses, Hattiesburg is home to some other eccentric attractions, like zoos and rose gardens! The Hattiesburg Zoo is a huge highlight for families, featuring all kinds of animals like capybaras, alligators, flamingos, giraffes, anteaters, and many more. The zoo also offers additional experiences like train rides, a high ropes adventure course, a petting zoo, giraffe feeding, and carousel rides, making it easy to spend the whole day simply exploring the zoo.
The All-American Rose Garden is quite interesting as well, originally planted in 1973. Earning a feature in the American Rose magazine in 1992, this semicircular garden is composed of 32 flowerbeds, each showcasing unique rose hybrids. You may also enjoy spending a sunny afternoon at Duncan Lake, a 17-acre recreational site with picnic tables, a disc golf course, areas for fishing, pavilions, and a walking track.
Shopping And Dining
Make sure to pack light and come hungry! You will likely need the extra space in your suitcase (and your belly) for everything Hattiesburg has to offer. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can stop by the Lucky Rabbit, a vintage market with nostalgic gifts. They also have old-timey displays to check out, like old video game systems, old cola machines, and working payphone booths! Afterward, you can pick up a new book from The Author Shoppe, a locally-owned, independent bookstore that was founded in 2020.
As an intermission between all your shopping, stop by Loblolly Bakery for a variety of classic pastries, innovative treats, freshly squeezed orange juice, and specialty coffee. Later on in the day, you can grab a bite and beer from Keg and Barrel, a beloved beer emporium that has over 120 different beers on the menu. They also specialize in traditional Southern dishes, such as shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and burgers made with Mississippi grass-fed beef.
A Town That Everyone Enjoys
Every person has their own preferences when it comes to travel. Some people prefer to spend their vacations outdoors, while others prefer to explore the local shops and bakeries. Hattiesburg is one of those destinations that delivers on many fronts. Between its hiking trails, waterways, golf courses, lakes, bookstores, and pubs, you can almost certainly find something here, no matter how niche your tastes are. So get out there and get ready to explore this town for yourself!
