If I had only three words to describe Hattiesburg, Mississippi, that’s easy: quintessential, southern hospitality. And while the city is definitely on the quaint side, there’s definitely not a lack of things to do, see, and eat, especially for a Hattiesburg girls getaway.
From hanging with the locals to test driving local cuisine here are my top picks for a Hattiesburg girls getaway.
A Perfect Hattiesburg Girls Getaway
Disclosure: I was graciously hosted by the folks at Visit Hattiesburg to give you the scoop on how to plan a girl’s getaway. All opinions are my own!
Hattiesburg is such a quaint southern city. Ideally located in Mississippi, it’s about an hour north of Biloxi and has all of the down south charm you’d expect. Add in the fact it’s filled with gorgeous public art, delicious dishes, and is highly walkable and that’s a perfect trinity for a girls getaway.
Hattiesburg Girls Getaway – Enjoy Live at Five in Park
If you’re planning a weekend getaway with your girls, make Live at Five your first stop for Friday night fun in the spring and fall. Located at Town Square Park, you’ll find live music from local artists, plenty of food trucks and booths, and artisans selling homemade goods.
When packing for your trip, don’t forget to throw some folding chairs or a big blanket in your trunk so you can kick back and relax with the locals.
Hattiesburg Girls Getaway – Have a Miniature Art Lesson
Sure the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum is a teeny, revolving art display, but the alleyway it’s located in packs a much bigger punch. From top to bottom, the street and buildings have flair from local artists that range from a Friends door replica to hidden, miniature figures to knitting pipe covers.
If you’re looking for the place for cool photos with your girl, you’ll definitely want to put Pocket Alley on your shortlist.
Hattiesburg Girls Getaway – Shop for Lucky Finds
The Lucky Rabbit is yard sale meets antique mall meets cool southern shop, and that’s only the beginning. From the second you walk through the entrance… scratch that. From the second you walk up to the Lucky Rabbit, you know you’re in for a fun time. Open every Saturday & Sunday, it’s a shopping shot spot in downtown Hattiesburg.
The place is literal eye candy that pays homage to the 1950’s and up and even has revolving, highly detailed pop culture photo opps. Pasts tributes have included Stranger Things, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and “Home Alone”, but the most recent is the Schitt’s Creek Rosebud Motel room and its accuracy, to the very last detail, is incredible – and even includes Moira’s famous wigs.
Hattiesburg Girls Getaway – Get Your Zen On
Walking into Sage Den was one of the coolest things we did in thew downtown area. Molly (my 20-year old daughter) and I have really been exploring meditation, aromatherapy, saging, and additional holistic healing methods, so looking for items to add to our collection was not only fun, it was enlightening.
During our visit, we truly loved the complimentary mini massage from Mandy Hodge and Little Shop of Massage, but the company also offers affordable classes in reiki, rune, and tarot.
Hattiesburg Girls Getaway – See All the Adorable Animals
Another cool place in the city that packs a fun punch is the Hattiesburg Zoo. Sure, the zoo tends to focus on families with children, but Molly and I visited for a few hours and had fun ooing and ahing at the baby animals.
A recent addition for 2022, its 100% electric train is not only a great add-on to your visit, it’s environmentally friendly. When you go, don’t forget to check out the bathrooms. Some of them come completely with animal exhibits!
And if you miss Walt Disney World, head back to where the giraffes are- the refreshment stand has Dole Whip Floats.
Hattiesburg Girls Getaway – Take an Art Walk
Throughout downtown Hattiesburg, keep an eye out for its 40 massive murals. Each has its own theme and vibe, so you’ll want to take in as many as you can during your visit.
If you love art trails, mosey around the 1964 Freedom Summer Trail to not only see beautiful art and sculpture, but learn how Hattiesburg made its mark on the Civil Rights Movement.
Where to Eat in Hattiesburg
We all know that Mississippi doesn’t have a shortage of southern comfort food, and Hattiesburg is no exception. And while you’ll find a little bit of everything, you definitely find a lot to please everyone’s pallets. Here are my picks for the top places to eat in Hattiesburg.
The Depot
The Depot is an ideal spot for breakfast. Right across from an actual train depot, there’s plenty of southern comfort food including Bru’s Breakfast Bowl and peppered gravy and other hearty dishes. If you want something a little lighter, definitely try the veggie hash. Also, don’t forget to check out the breakfast drink specials for a morning pick me up.
Hattiesburg Burgers and Blues
While the restaurant is exactly what it is in a nutshell, Hattiesburgers and Blues is an awesome spot for grabbing a cocktail, bite to eat, and hearing authentic southern blues. Live musicians rotate frequently, but there’s never a shortage of checking out southern culture when you go.
Keg and Barrel
Once a former Hattiesburg home, Keg and Barrel is now one of the most popular place to eat for locals. This spot offers both indoor and outdoor dining, but in my opinion eating on the porch is the way to go. The restaurant services cocktails, southern style food, and sizable appetizers.
In fact, we were so full from eating off of the appetizer menu we couldn’t eat another bite. Our picks the Greek hummus pita dip and the massive chicken nachos.
El Rayo Tex Mex
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went to El Rayo, but from the second I walked in it was a fun dining experience. The restaurant itself is decorated with ornate murals and ceilings decked out in red roses. As for the entrees, there’s no shortage of Tex Mex cuisine.
If you like fajitas, you won’t be disappointed by theirs. If you’ve never tried a chimichanga, or haven’t had one in a while, definitely give it a go.
Where to Stay in Hattiesburg
During our visit, we stayed at Hampton Inn by Hilton Hattiesburg. A budget friendly, but still very good, hotel, it’s only a few minutes from downtown Hattiesburg. Our two queen guest room was immaculate, the air conditioner worked perfectly, and the free breakfast each morning was definitely budget friendly.
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