Students at Jones College enjoy fun and friends, but sometimes there is an itch to escape the monotonous schedule for an adventure outside of campus without breaking the bank. Located in and near downtown Hattiesburg, there are activities that cost little to no cash, and all that is needed are friends.
The Lucky Rabbit, owned by Brandon and Abby Thaxton, is an eccentric store filled with unique finds that consists of two large buildings sporting elaborate festive decorations on the outside, which beckon passersby. This store is for those who enjoy being transported back to the past, with items such as a retro arcade area containing arcade game machines like Pacman, Donkey Kong and Nintendo 64 consoles attached to functional CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs available for anyone to play for free.
The Lucky Rabbit also offers a plethora of items to admire, such as a plant area, records, books, furniture and niche items such as bobble heads, vintage postcards and even advertising posters of the ‘50s.
Only open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., it can get crowded, making it less fun for those who don’t enjoy loud places. In addition, located in Aurora Square, many festivals take place around the Lucky Rabbit adding to the cheerful, bustling atmosphere. With its immense size, the Lucky Rabbit is not meant to be seen in one day. Instead, be prepared to take several trips back throughout the school year, because something new will be found every time.
A way to broaden one’s horizons without breaking the bank can be enjoyed at the Hattiesburg Zoo. Adult tickets at the booth cost $10, but are $8 if ordered online before 9 a.m. Enjoy an hour or two of discovering animals from around the world and learning about the Earth’s impact on them.
Examples of animals are a tiger from the Asian exhibit, giraffes from the African exhibit and a black jaguar in the South American exhibit. There are many more animals to see, but be prepared for the occasional smell, and keep in mind to stay adventurous.
What’s more, the zoo has special events throughout the year. This Christmas holiday the zoo hosts Lights of the Wild on Dec. 6-8, 13-15 and 19-23 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Lights of the Wild will have light displays, holiday treats, unlimited train rides and photos with Santa. People of all ages can find something to enjoy. Visit hattiesburgzoo.com for more information.
In the middle of downtown Hattiesburg, there is a quirky area located in an alleyway beside the Saenger Theater.
The attraction, owned by the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, will bewilder anyone who comes across it by chance. The Pocket Museum, open 24 hours, is fondly named the tiniest museum in Mississippi because of its tiny attractions such as a Spider-Man figurine shooting webs on the brick wall, or a scene of miniature people getting bit by a shark behind an electrical box.
Not only does it feature tiny people in their daily lives, but also vivid art splattered on the ground, doors and even on a whole wall of a building. One notable art is of a narwhal painting on the ground coming to life with its seemingly 3D tusk drawn on a post. Beside the narwhal, a circle says dance on me, and once stepped on, music with disco lights turn on.
This exhibit is no cost for the young at heart to discover what is inside every nook and cranny of this imaginative alley. Moreover, all of these activities provide not only fun at nominal cost, but cultivate adventure to discover the unseen of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Visit downtownhattiesburg.com for more exciting activities.
by Destiny Velasco
