Page 75 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2026

II Museum, one of the top museums in
America. Also, the Audubon Zoo is great
for a day trip.”
For a driving day trip, Vincent suggests
Laurel. “The Lauren Roger’s Museum
is a wonderful museum and has visiting
exhibits,” he said. “Also, the manager of
the museum does tours of Laurel and
shows you where many of the homes that
Ben and Erin Napier have made over for
their tv show Home Town. The Napiers
are also the owners of an interesting
mercantile store downtown.”
Heading back to Alabama, venerable
Bellingrath Home and Gardens has
something beautiful to offer in every
season. Coming up is their dazzling
holiday display. Dating to the 1930s, this
showplace welcomes tour groups.
Another easy drive is Covington,
Louisiana, with plenty of small town
charm. It offers lots of antique shops
along with art studios and wetlands full of
wildlife wonder. The 31-mile Tammany
Trace, a hike-and-bike trail, connects
Covington to Abita Springs, Mandeville
and other small towns in St. Tammany
Parish, making it easy to explore all that
local culture has to offer.
Looking to our North to a city that may
be overlooked, Hattiesburg is the perfect
day-trip destination from the Coast, says
Marlo Dorsey with visitHATTIESBURG.
“With premier dining options, excellent
shops and boutiques, and vibrant art and
attractions, Hattiesburg is great for a day
trip.”
She recommends the first stop to be
breakfast or brunch at the Midtowner.
Or enjoy Southern-style meals and
locally roasted Grin Coffee in a nostalgic
atmosphere across the street from the
University of Southern Mississippi.
There’s even a Hattiesburg Coffee Trail if
you’re interested in trying 17 local coffee
shops!
“Next, walk the streets of Downtown
Hattiesburg, which is easily walkable,”
Dorsey suggested. “There are plenty of
places to explore. Venture to the Pocket
Museum in the alley next to the historic
Saenger Theater. Miniature exhibits,
public art, and photography opportunities
await.”
History buffs can check out the 1964
Freedom Summer Trail. This self-guided
tour features stops at famous sites in
Hattiesburg’s role in the Civil Rights
Movement. Listen to voices from the
past tell the story of Freedom Summer in
Hattiesburg.
“As an added plus, these attractions are
all budget friendly, or even free,” Dorsey
says. “And, Hattiesburg offers many
budget-friendly dining options.”
Bellingrath Gardens
Mobile Carnival Museum
Tammany Trace Trail
Brad Brennan,
center, with
members of the
Trinity Bookworms
World War II Museum
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net November 2026 | 75