When college baseball rolls into town, Hattiesburg transforms into BaseBurg — a passionate hub of pine trees, Golden Eagle pride, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re cheering for the hometown Southern Miss Golden Eagles or rolling in with a visiting squad, this city delivers far more than just nine innings of action. From incredible food and lively bars to scenic outdoor escapes and family fun, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend in BaseBurg.
🛞 Hub City Vibes
Take a stroll through Downtown Hattiesburg, where murals and public art splash color across historic buildings and alleys. Hidden in one of those alleys is the beloved Hattiesburg Pocket Museum — a quirky, rotating display of miniature oddities that’s become a social media gem, located in an alley next to the Saenger Theatre. At first glance, it looks like just another alleyway — but step a little closer, and you’ll uncover a whimsical, rotating world of mini-exhibits displayed behind glass and in hidden nooks. You might find tiny movie theaters playing Lego films, fairy-sized libraries, or a sock monkey opera scene. There’s also a retro vending machine selling mystery toys and interactive QR codes that link you to more info on each micro-display. It’s part art installation, part scavenger hunt.. Every month the museum changes its theme, meaning even return visitors get something new.
Looking for something unique? The Lucky Rabbit is a can’t-miss stop when in Hattiesburg. Open only weekends only, this two-story, two building vintage market is part antique mall, part movie set, and 100% Southern charm. uite literally. Inside, you’ll find themed rooms decked out with props from shows and movies. lus vintage arcade games, memorabilia, repurposed furniture, and one-of-a-kind collectibles. The atmosphere is a mix of nostalgia and whimsy, and it’s the kind of place you walk into expecting to browse for 10 minutes but end up spending an hour or more. Whether you’re hunting for a souvenir with character or just want to snap some fun photos, The Lucky Rabbit is as much an experience as it is a store. You’ll also be able to grab plenty of vintage Southern Miss and sports merchandise while in the store.
For more traditional shopping, Turtle Creek Mall offers over 80 stores, plus a movie theater to cool off in between games.
🍽️ Where to Eat
You won’t go hungry in Hattiesburg. Start your morning at The Midtowner, where locals fuel up on biscuits the size of baseball mitts and strong coffee before heading to the park.
When dinner time rolls around, treat yourself to a taste of the Gulf at Crescent City Grill, known for its upscale Creole classics like seafood pasta, crawfish dishes, and rich gumbo that hits just right after a sun-soaked game.
Ed’s Burger Joint is a fan-favorite, known for massive burgers, loaded fries, milkshakes, and a patio that’s perfect for a postgame hangout. Over at The Hattiesburger in Downtown, you’ll find a sleek, retro-style burger bar serving up simple but expertly crafted smash burgers with crispy edges and fresh toppings — a perfect game-day lunch spot.
Glory Bound Gyro Co. blends Greek flavors with Southern hospitality, Keg & Barrel offers pub food, craft beer, and a laid-back setting that’s popular with locals.
🍻 Nightlife and Drinks
When it’s time to celebrate a win (or drink off a tough loss), head to 4th Street Bar, just blocks from Pete Taylor Park — a beloved dive across from the stadium where walls are covered in Southern Miss memorabilia, if you want to hear some old Southern Miss stories of Brett Favre, Ray Guy and Corky Palmer than this is the place to go too.
Slide into Southern Prohibition Brewing Downtown With a sprawling taproom, rotating beers, and frequent food trucks, it’s a postgame favorite for locals and fans alike. If you’re looking for a more laid-back bar scene, The Mahogany Bar and The Porter Public House offer cozy atmospheres, cold drinks, and the kind of postgame banter that makes tournament weekends special. include the pullman
🌳 Outdoor Adventures
In Baseburg the outdoor adventure is just part of the experience. If you want to bike to the game, or come to the game via golf cart than the Long Leaf Trace is you best bet. The Longleaf Trace is a 44-mile paved recreational trail that stretches from Hattiesburg to Prentiss, perfect for biking, walking, or jogging through shaded forests and scenic pine corridors. On game day you’ll find The Trace filled with golf carts headed to the game.
If you’re looking to stay on the trail overnight, check out Long Leaf Piney Resort, a rustic but charming retreat located directly off the Trace with tiny cabins, firepits, hammocks, and easy access to campus. Paul B. Johnson State Park, just south of town, features a stunning 225-acre lake, wooded trails, disc golf, and plenty of space to cast a line or grill out. It’s the perfect morning getaway before a late game at Pete Taylor Park.
A little further out, the Okatoma River provides one of Mississippi’s best-kept secrets for kayaking and canoeing. With rope swings, mild rapids, and beautiful pine canopy, it’s an ideal way to explore the natural beauty that defines the Pine Belt. Back in town, Tatum Park gives you another outdoor option, with soccer fields, walking trails, and one of the city’s most popular disc golf courses. include piney leaf resort on the long leaf trace.
Family Fun
Bringing the kids or family ? You’re in luck. the Hattiesburg Zoo is just minutes from campus and features over 100 species of animals, a ropes course, train rides, and splash pad.
Right next door is Serengeti Springs, a brand-new water park loaded with slides, and a lazy river. It’s the perfect way to cool off between games or celebrate a win with the whole crew.
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So welcome to BaseBurg — where baseball fever runs high and Southern charm runs deep. Whether you’re tailgating in the Right Field Roast, floating down the Okatoma, riding your bike down the Long Leaf Trace, finding your favorite figurine in the Pocket Museum or discovering your new favorite hole-in-the-wall eatery, Hattiesburg delivers the kind of regional weekend that sticks with you long after the final pitch.
Play ball — and enjoy your stay in the ‘Burg!
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