This is one of those places the experience is truly dependent upon the person. History does not…read morealways present itself with a rush of excitement or a spectacle to behold. Driving up to the Emerald Mound, one might think to themselves, "Look, a hill covered with grass. How quaint," and then wonder why they made the trip. This is where imagination is key to the experience. Imagine this place a thousand years ago. Imagine the indigenous people and their culture and how vastly different it is from today. We are standing in the exact same place they were. Take the time to read about it and then decide if standing on hallowed grounds aren't worth more than just a grassy hill.

I think most people in the United States know about ruins in the southwest. You may have seen…read moreancient pottery and figurines in museums. You've probably heard about the Navajo, Hopi, and other cultures of that region. The Natchez culture is not unfamiliar, either, but do you know about the mounds scattered in the southeast and the larger ancient Mississippian culture? It was new to me not that many years ago as I first saw pottery of this culture in a museum. I have wanted to see more but there doesn't seem to be a lot of pottery remaining from this period. What about the mounds? Well, what are essentially man-made hills aren't as visually compelling as a desert cliff dwelling, right? It explains why so few tourists visit. Emerald Mound is the second-largest mound in the United States and was an important ceremonial center dating from 1250 to 1600. There is some good information posted but this site is crying out for an interpretive center that could really help tell the story of this ancient culture and bring it to life.

Last time I came through here we were stopped to pick up and drop off passengers at this station…read morewhile I was finishing my tasty chicken dinner. That was 2019, pre-covid, when the menus were better and the stupid Covid protocol wasn't mandating the dining car remain closed and the Porters bring the food to your room. Digressing here :-) But today we've actually here for my sweetheart to board the train and Hattiesburg may just be our future routine train departure point. Since the train companies and the city of Mobile can't get their acts together we are forced to choose New Orleans, LA, Meridian, MS or further points for boarding a train to go up northeast. This one suits us just fine and is closer. There's handicap and temporary parking right by the front door, and there's free overnight parking directly across the street. The seating is old school church-like wood pews and there's several vending machines with drinks and snacks. The one employee that we came in contact with was very friendly and pleasant and she was quite helpful even opening and holding the door for us before boarding, nice. I also enjoyed reading about the history of the station, and some of the old pictures and posters that were hung on the walls all around. This is a beautiful old train station built in 1910 by Southern Railway Company and is an impressive one, designed in the Italian Renaissance style with a clay-tile roof. It has a 14,000 square foot interior and included a 4,000 square-foot passenger waiting room. In 2000, The City of Hattiesburg purchased the depot and 3.2 acres of land from Norfolk Southern Railways initiating a seven-year, $10 million restoration and improvement project. The restored Hattiesburg Depot was rededicated in April 2007 to function as an intermodal transportation center for rail, bus, and taxi services. It would also serve as a space for meetings, exhibitions, and special events. Bottle line: there are some funky train stations across the country, but this one is adorable, quaint, and a pleasure to hang out in while you're waiting on your choo choo.

It's a beautiful train station that has been renovated in the last few years. Its a working…read morestation but only has a handful of trains a day passing through. It closes right at 5:00 so be sure to get there before then. It really takes you back to a different time, when travel by train was the norm and when people built things to last and to look good. The room next to the waiting room has some pretty artcatectual detailing, and the fixtures are also period. teh flooring also looked original. It is small, so you will probably only spend a few moments walking around, but it will be moments well spent. Check out the train depot, you will be glad you did.

Don't fly United, they should change their name to DEBS, which means "Doesn't Ever Start Boarding"…read more We were supposed to board at 1:57, and end at 2:22, here we are waiting at 2:30! Then when we boarded, extreme turbulence, and landed so hard it broke my tv. Also, woke my brother up! Not to mention, it flung us into the seats in front of us.

This is a cool airport, only thing is. It only goes to Houston, Tx which is cool but where's the…read moreEastbound flight?

Like I said in my review of the state capitol, I was born here, my grandparents lived here. My…read moregrandfather worked downtown. We spent a lot of time as kids downtown Baton Rouge AKA "Red Stick" its french. OuiOui. My brother & I leaned to roller skate in the Capitol park here when we were kids. It's an amazing place indeed. French Louisiana *is* the state with the most spectacular history, food & ART. No one can deny its relentless beauty and uniqueness. Especially "Downtown Baton Rouge" right on the Mighty Mississippi River. Home of the LSU Tigers baby meow! Laissez les bons temps rouler. OuiOui. Highest Recommendations.

We had a great visit. Family, Fun, & Great food…read more "Southern hospitality", is a real thing!

Clean bathrooms, security, good parking, relaxed atmosphere, despite being a courthouse. Friendly,…read morehelpful employees.

My first time on a train and it wasn't bad at all. Nice way to travel. Relaxing and pleasant…read more Reasonably price especially if your not traveling too far. The observatory deck is the best thing. You can enjoy the natural light the the great scenery. Really nice way to travel. The only thing I would avoid is the food service. Anything that is already packed and sealed I would purchase. Stay away from anything they have to prepare. I noticed they don't use gloves and they will touch the food with bare hand...after handling other things such as money. Good thing you're allowed to bring your own food...in fact bring your own food!

Good morning America, how are ya?…read more Me and kiddo have been wanting to make a trip up to visit my sister for a while, and recently had the time to take a little adventure. Most any parent can attest, long drives with toddlers are painful. Especially if you are going about to solo. So, as I was weighing travel options, I decided to give Amtrak a go. My advice. Don't ride coach with a two year old. Trains could potentially be very dangerous with little exploring fingers, when the train his a bump, and you are standing it can knock you down (or into a fellow passenger) and if your toddler decides to have a meltdown of epic proportion there is no where to run (and not disturb fellow sleeping passengers). The bathrooms are like a glorified port-o-potty. Having learned that lesson on the way up there, so on the way back home to Nola, we upgraded to an econo-sleeper. Man, did that make a huge difference! You have two captains chairs that fold out to a small bed, black out curtains, and a door that you can close so the kid can scream NONONONONONO to her hearts content, and no one wants to throw you from the train. Also, meals are provided (I'm not saying good meals, but edible) and that's one less thing you have to worry about. The bathrroms are wayyyyy nicer in the sleeper cars. They even have little showers. I think the upgrade was around $60-$70 bucks. All passengers on the train can indulge in a beer or coctail, as they serve alcohol. There is a car made all clear, for those who want to look at the scenery. They make stops where smokers are allowed a chance to go grab a cigarette, or others can step out for a few minutes of fresh air. The staff were all really helpful and friendly. It was kind of fun sitting in the common area and visiting with other passengers. Now, lastly. This is a leisurely ride. If you are an impatient person, this may not be your best bet for travel. Also, then they say what time the train leaves, your butt better be there, or you will get left! The website is very user friendly. They keep it updates with arrivals and departures (our train was running a little late, and it was nice to be able to get on my smartphone and check that).