Budget-friendly day trips are fun for all ages but especially in the Golden Years. There are many options but due to space, only a few can be described here. To be able to drive to a destination in two or three hours and return home the same day is a pleasant outing. However, now that Amtrak is back and running twice daily to New Orleans and Mobile, new adventures have been opened without driving.
Day trips to the large cities to the West and the East of us can be leisurely visits without a particular plan. Or they can have a theme or special reason such as sporting events, plays, dining, shopping, museums and many other events and sites.
Such was the case for a day trip to the Crescent City by Gulfport’s Trinity Bookworms. After reading “Miss Ella of Commanders Palace” by Ti Adelaide Martin, the group traveled to New Orleans by train and lunched at the famous restaurant owned by the Brennan family. “As we learned in the book, there is always a Brennan family member there during operating hours,” says book club member Lynn Hoyt. “So, we met the Brennan on board, Brad Brennan, and some members had him autograph their books.”
Before Amtrak returned, the group drove to Mobile after reading about Africa Town and its history and again later to celebrate their fifteenth anniversary.
There are many things to do in Mobile including the Mobile Carnival Museum, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park and the Lower Dauphin Street Historic District as pointed out by former tour leader Dave Vincent. “In Mobile there is a science museum near where you get off the track, if you go by train, that is really interesting,” he says.
Vincent continued, “Over in New Orleans be sure to see the World War 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.”
