Home to more than 81,000 citizens, Hattiesburg is a city that has seen tremendous growth over the last decade. From new businesses, incoming students, and other residents, the Hub City has seen its share of growth. According to the Hattiesburg Chamber of Commerce, Hattiesburg now has 10,759 businesses. That’s a lot of business that brings in a lot of revenue to the city!
Way Downtown
Downtown Hattiesburg is one of the most popular areas in the region. Filled with restaurants, art, family fun, and boutiques, this place called home by many, has been greatly poured into throughout the years. The Arts Hattiesburg has a reputable arts culture. The Hattiesburg Community Arts Center (HCAC) is located in downtown Hattiesburg. It is a 36,000-square-foot facility that features spaces for performing arts, dance studios, and classrooms where free after-school art classes take place. In addition to this, the Saenger Theater is also located in the heart of downtown Hattiesburg. This beautiful center serves as the community’s center for performing arts. Make sure to stay tuned into their website and Facebook page, to see when they post updates on upcoming events. The theater has hosted comedy shows, ballets, concerts, and more! The Hattiesburg community understands the importance and the impact of the arts within a community, which is why these venues are dedicated to providing the Hub City with many artistic opportunities, outlets, and resources.
Let’s Grab a Bite to Eat
One of the best ways to revive a community is to expand its eating options. Who doesn’t enjoy grabbing a bite to eat after work, church, or on a Saturday evening? After you’ve finished performing, painting, or taking your children to the after-school program at the HCAC, you can walk (or drive, due to the heat) a few blocks down to grab some food at some of the restaurants downtown. Dine in at Blu Jazz Café, winner of the “best new restaurant in the Pine Belt” to try some tasty, Cajun cuisine. Looking for something more classic? Check out Coney Island Café for breakfast and burgers!
Something For Everyone
There is always something to do here. Because of the efforts that have been put into expanding downtown Hattiesburg, you’ll never run out of things to get into.
Alley Cats
Looking to sharpen your axe-throwing skills? Alley Cats is located in the historic district of downtown Hattiesburg for an evening of fun with friends and family!
Category 5 Smash Room
Raise your hand if life has been stressful. Let’s face it — we all get overwhelmed with the ups and downs of life. Sometimes, we simply need an outlet. Category 5 Smash Room is a fun, unique way to blow off some steam!
The Lucky Rabbit
Spend an entire Saturday downtown at The Lucky Rabbit — two large buildings next door to each other that are filled with unique finds and nostalgic treasures.
Hattiesburg Zoo
Small zoo, BIG impact. The Hattiesburg Zoo continues to grow and offer new exhibits and community events, plus train rides, a splash pad, a high ropes course, cabanas, and more.
Some May Wonder…Why?
Why is it so important to invest in a community, outside of the basics, such as food, shelter, clothing, and education? Why is reviving downtown Hattiesburg significant? Why do these different activities, restaurants, and businesses matter? In short, these things matter because the people who live here do. Daily, we live our lives — oftentimes by muscle memory. The leaders in Hattiesburg have worked (and continue to work) incredibly hard to provide an environment where the public can explore different niches and ways of life, and hone in on their own respective interests.
On a Final Note
The outpouring of resources, creativity, and ultimately passion is what has driven the revival of downtown Hattiesburg. Regardless of what your goals are or what niche you’re interested in, you can be sure you find something that suits your fancy downtown, in the Hub City of Mississippi.
