Fan-Favorite Spots in Laurel and Jones County: Top Places to Eat, Shop, and Play 

Friday, April 22nd, 2022

If you’re planning a trip to Laurel and Jones County, we have plenty of tips and tricks to help you make the most of your visit. Whether it’s the top casual dining spots, a perfect itinerary for a couples getaway, or new things to do in Jones County, we have all the intel you need to dine, shop, and play like a local. But don’t just take our word for it! We have visitors who vacation in our hometown season after season, and they are sharing the best ways to explore Laurel and Jones County.

Shop Eat and Play in Laurel Mississippi

Insider’s Tips from Repeat Visitors 

Those who visit Laurel and Jones County fall instantly in love with our small town. For some, they keep coming back again and again, and we definitely don’t blame them! Here are some great tips from folks who have traveled here multiple times. 

Downtown Laurel is just as cute as what you see on the show…If you go to the museum, be sure to play the Art Bingo game. No prizes but it’s fun and a great way to really see everything. – Shellye C.

Definitely go to Lott Furniture! Great people, great furniture and accessories! Just down from Laurel Mercantile. Also, the Loft Restaurant is fabulous!! Make a reservation. We also LOVE 320 Fifth Street, casual dining and live music at 320 W Fifth Street with outdoor dining… -Barbara K. 

Be sure to check out Hellfighters…One of the best shops in town… jewelry, motorcycles, clothes, black rifle coffee, purses, yard art, etc…A wonderful staff that supports a great mission…the store itself is beautifully decorated!! You will be so glad you went by… -Gail B.

The walking tour is awesome! The guide is so knowledgeable and super fun. The weather in the spring was perfect and the flowers were so beautiful! -Delaney F. 

 

Fan Favorites Spots

Our community has a deep commitment to hospitality, so deciding where to eat and shop can be tricky since everywhere you turn, you’re sure to find a restaurant serving delicious cuisine and a shop ready to welcome you with souvenirs, clothes, home décor, and top-notch customer service. Our fans are dishing on their favorite spots to shop and eat during a Jones County getaway. 

Most Recommended Restaurants 

 

Most Recommended Shops

 

Are you already a repeat visitor? If you’re planning your second (or third or fourth) trip to Jones County, here are some great spots to add to the itinerary of your next visit. 

 

 

Explore Jones County: What to Do in Ellisville, MS 

Tuesday, April 12th, 2022

When you’re ready for a small town getaway, Ellisville, Mississippi is an ideal place for the whole family to enjoy. Get ready to dine and play in Jones County! 

Where to Eat 

If you’re anything like us, much of your travel plans revolve around where to eat next. Fortunately, a jaunt through Ellisville, Mississippi, also means being surrounded by fabulous restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

No Southern vacation is complete without something expertly fried and served in heaping portions. In Ellisville, the must-stop spot for just that is Charlie’s Catfish House. Open Thursday-Saturday, Charlie’s Catfish has been voted best catfish in the state by Mississippi Magazine for good reason! Regulars will tell you the recipe for the catfish hasn’t changed since it opened, and that’s the highest compliment since customers – locals and tourists alike – have flocked to Charlie’s Catfish for generations.

Barry’s Burgers is a new spot by the same owners of PDI / Phillips Drive-In located in Laurel. Since they opened in 1948, the PDI has been serving up some of the best burgers in Mississippi, so you know Barry’s Burgers is a must-try. Burgers, sandwiches, and salads are on the menu for lunch, while breakfast options are delectably Southern treats such as chicken and waffles, buttermilk biscuits and gravy, and more.  Check out the full menu here.

The Humble Place may be too humble to brag, but we will happily do it for them. Delicious, Southern cuisine and excellent hospitality are on the menu. With a full playground and kid-approved food options, it doesn’t get much more family-friendly than The Humble Place. No matter how filling your lunch or dinner is, make sure to try the bread pudding – trust us! 

 

The Great Outdoors 

In our corner of the country, we’re surrounded by hard working people with wonderful small businesses. We have endearing shops, crave-worthy restaurants, and beautiful historic districts, but the charm doesn’t stop there. We’re lucky here in Jones County, Mississippi to be home to the DeSoto National Forest. Year-round recreation opportunities abound for the hiker, bicyclist, camper, canoeist, horse enthusiast, hunter, and fisherman. Discover this treasured piece of nature during your Jones County getaway.

The outdoor fun doesn’t stop there – there are more opportunities to cast your line. Bogue Homa Lake is a 882-acre lake located in Jones County, offering a beautiful fishing retreat just minutes away from the downtowns seen on the small screen. Fish from the shore or on one of three piers for bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass. 

 

Arts & Culture 

This April, music will fill the air on the campus of Jones College. The Spring Recital Series gathers musicians from the region and music from around the world. The series continues on Friday, April 8, when guests can catch a performance of The Impromptu Piano Trio. April 22, will feature Keys, Bow, an da Slide, and the series ends with A Mezzo’s Three Course Meal, on Friday, April, 29, 2022. All concerts are free and open to the public. Be sure to follow the Jones College School of Art, Music, and Performance for details.

Jones College has an active calendar of fine arts and sports throughout the academic year. Visit JCJC.edu for more information.

 

New Things to Do in Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi

Wednesday, January 19th, 2022

In Laurel and Jones County, there’s always something new to discover, and that is truer than ever this year! From art to nature to shopping, we’ve got plenty of new things to see and do during your next Mississippi vacation! 

Lodge at Sweet Water Studios

Photo courtesy of Lodge at Sweetwater Studios

Ride in Style 

You can’t feel blue when you’re cruising through Laurel wrapped in pink! Laurel Home Tours takes visitors through the Laurel Historic District, iconic Laurel sites, and famed attractions in a hot pink stretch hummer. This unique tour is not only fun, but informative! For more information or to book your pink limo tour, call 601-319-3210. 

Looking for more tour ideas for your Laurel and Jones County vacation? Check out our walking historic home tour or our mural tour.

 

Your Nature Retreat Awaits

You’ve seen it on the small screen and you’ve heard us wax poetic about Laurel and Jones County. The shopping, the dining, the unique attractions, but there’s also a great opportunity to explore the great outdoors when you’re here. 

One great chance to do just that is by visiting the Lodge at Sweetwater Studios, located south of Laurel and Ellisville. This tent lodge, yoga, and arts center brings together creatives, outdoor enthusiasts, and yoga lovers for a unique retreat. Book your time at The Lodge to experience glamping in canvas tents, a greenhouse spa, lake and nature trails, plus a yoga studio, and more! Start planning your retreat.

 

A Journey to Healing 

Located in Laurel, Brush Strokes is a unique art studio with a mission for healing. Founded on the belief that art is therapeutic, Brush Strokes provides a distinctive place for its guests to partake in art therapy workshops and events, as well as take art lessons through a variety of mediums. To find out more about events, classes, and workshops taking place during your visit to Jones County, or to get details on commissions available, be sure to check out BrushStrokesJourney.com.

 

Stump Jumpers Junktion

Antique lovers will be happy to see another amazing shop added to our thriving array of vintage and antique stores in Laurel. At Stump Jumpers Junktion, shoppers will find gifts that are truly one of a kind, antique furniture, collectibles, items from days gone by, plus new merchandise such as shirts, candles, and jewelry.

Tip: if you’re looking for even more vintage, thrifting, and antiquing fun, be sure to check out our full list of antique shops in Jones County as featured in this itinerary.

 

State of the Art

Our ever growing city is doing it again! Scotsman General Store and Woodshop is expanding, and with the expansion comes a new mural! The beautiful mural, painted by Laurel’s River Prince of Prince Sign Co. is located atop the new observation deck. Swing by to check the art out now, and be sure to follow along with Scotsman General Store for details about the opening of their new addition! 

 

4 Reasons to Visit Laurel & Jones County

Monday, December 20th, 2021

If you need a reason (or five) to visit Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi, we definitely have you covered! Let’s talk about why you should plan to eat, play, stay, and explore The City Beautiful! 

 

4. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun 

If a girls’ weekend is in the works, Laurel should absolutely be the destination. Split an AirBnB or stay at a name brand hotel, and get ready to eat, shop, and take pics to document the fun! From coffee to wine and pastries to pasta, there’s plenty to please your palates while you dine at our local restaurants. Ready to shop? Hit our cute boutiques or spend the day discovering antiques. Museums? Check. Casino? We’ve got it! TV-worthy Historic District ready to be explored? Of course! We’ve got it all for your next girls-only getaway! 

Start planning your Girls’ Weekend

Reasons to Visit Laurel & Jones County

Photo courtesy haless_yeahh_ via Instagram

 

3. Love is in the Laurel Air 

Grab your sweetheart and hit the road. A road trip with a stop to cozy up in a B&B and explore a charming small town like Laurel, MS? Now that’s Nicholas Sparks-level romance. Discover treasures as you peruse our unique shops, dine deliciously at our local eateries, and don’t leave without visiting one of our bakeries or candy stores downtown for a sweet treat! 

Start planning your Couple’s Getaway

Reasons to Visit Laurel & Jones County

Photo courtesy lisaann_rippy via Instagram

 

2. HGTV Fans Can’t Get Enough 

We’ve heard it time and time again, fans of HGTV’s Home Town come for the as seen on TV experience, but they come back again and again because they simply can’t get enough of our small-town charm! And we really don’t blame them. In Laurel & Jones County, the food is fantastic, the shopping is undeniably charming, and everywhere you turn, we’re serving up Southern hospitality in helpings as big as a side of mac and cheese at Pearl’s Diner! 

Plan Your HGTV Home Town Fan Vacation 

Reasons to Visit Laurel & Jones County

Photo courtesy hometownrealtor_with_heart via Instagram

1. We Really Do Want You Here

Whether you call it Stars Hollow or a Hallmark Channel movie, Laurel, Mississippi is a tv-worthy setting (literally). We really are the kind of town where please and thank you are heard. Where family, helping out your neighbors, and making things beautiful are taken seriously. We have a deep affection for pancakes in December, we think the loblolly is the best darn tree this side of the Mississippi, and we’ll take any excuse to gather downtown and celebrate something or nothing as a community. We’re proud to say we’re from here, and even more proud to show you around. We love our visitors and take care to make them feel welcome. We hope you’ll be next! 

Find out more about why we love our hometown

Reasons to Visit Laurel & Jones County

Photo courtesy allyelyse04 via Instagram

For more information about visiting Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest. 

Home Town Fans: Your Second Visit Itinerary

Monday, November 15th, 2021

You’ve been to Laurel & Jones County to see the sites, but now you’re back for round 2! We love hearing how many fans of HGTV’s Home Town come back again and again to shop, dine, and play in Laurel & Jones County, Mississippi. If you’ve seen the highlights of our hometown, here are some great spots to add to the itinerary of your second visit. 

HGTV's Home Town's Ben and Erin Napier on Porch Swing

First Trip Recap 

For your first visit, you’re definitely going to hit the highlights of what you’ve seen on the show. We’ve got your perfect itinerary here, but let’s recap. 

  • Of course you’ll shop at Ben & Erin Napier’s stores, Scotsman General Store & Woodshop and Laurel Mercantile Co. 
  • You’ll peruse the Historic Downtown, and you’ve taken your picture with at least one blue truck and a few murals. 
  • You saw the Arabian sign at Laurel Little Theater and took a tour of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. 
  • We’re hoping you grabbed some delicious food and one too many desserts while you were here! 

 

Back for Seconds

Your second visit will likely still include much of what you saw during the first time through our hometown (we’re hoping you brought some new folks to show Laurel & Jones County, after all), but here are a few ideas for things to add to your itinerary during Round 2. 

 

Something Old, Something for You! 

As you likely already discovered, our town is full of plenty of unique antique malls and stores. Antiquing in Laurel & Jones County is no amateur sport. Whether you’re looking for high end antique furniture, unique vintage collectibles, or funky finds from days gone by, the treasure you seek is definitely in our plentiful shops. Here are a few waiting for you to peruse: 

 

Carpenter Brother’s Emporium of Wonderful Whatnots & Hole in the Wall Food Joint – A step back in time located in Ellisville 

Rusty Chandelier – So many booths, you could spend the whole day perusing! 

Peddlers’ Junktion – From furniture to clothing to niche finds like knives and silver, you’re sure to find something to take home! 

Southern Antique Gift Mall – Be sure to head upstairs for antique booths, including lots of furniture.

Bookstore in the Window – Located upstairs at Lott Furniture Co., fans of used books will enjoy browsing. (Note: the store features new books and other gift items as well)

The Remnant – Your go-to place for used clothes, plus some household items 

Stump Jumpers Junktion – Lofts of vintage variety. Be sure to grab a tea or shake from 104 Nutrition while you’re there. Shop while you sip! 

 

Veterans Memorial Museum

Did you know that the Veterans Memorial Museum in Laurel holds a piece of the USS Arizona which sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor? It’s one of only three private museums in the world that feature a piece of the Arizona! Fans of Ben’s Workshop will remember this from the episode where he builds a new display for the museum. Stop by to see this and more including thousands of artifacts, memorabilia, weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and educational materials related to the armed forces and military history of the ​United States.

 

More Murals, Please 

How many murals can you count? You’ve seen them on the small screen, but we’re adding even more! The new observation deck at Scotsman General Store & Woodshop (coming soon!) is sure to be a crowd favorite and a must for an Instagram-worthy pic while you’re here. 

 

We can’t wait to welcome you to our hometown! For more ideas of where to shop, eat, and stay while you’re here, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Let the Show Begin: Theater, Festivals, & More are Back!

Tuesday, August 31st, 2021

This fall and winter, there’s plenty to do in Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi. Take in a show, shop at local boutiques, and explore our unique attractions. Get ready to breathe in the heart and soul of our little corner of Mississippi with events, performances, and a whole lot of Southern hospitality!

Loblolly Festival | Events in Laurel MS

 

Loblolly Festival

Arguably the most anticipated annual event in Jones County, the Loblolly Festival is back this year and sure to be better than ever! Loblolly, which celebrates Laurel’s heritage as a sawmill town, is held on the first Saturday of October. The arts and crafts festival features a variety of vendors, plus kid-friendly activities, craveable fair food, various demonstrations (including a chainsaw artist), and an appearance from Mr. Loblolly himself! We’ll see you on October 2, 2021.

Music & Theatre Take the Stage

Theatre is back in Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi! Located in the iconic Arabian Theatre building, Laurel Little Theatre is taking patrons back to the stage in 2021 and 2022! The 61st Season of shows includes Steel Magnolias (September 24-26 & October 1-3), The Last Night of Ballyhoo (February 11-12 & 18-20, 2022), and Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical (June 2-5, 2022). Get details and tickets.

From the stage to the streets, musical treats can be found at the Live in Laurel Fall Concert Series. These family-friendly performances feature shows by Grayson Capps, Molly Thomas & The Rare Birds, and Latisha & Friends! Grab a chair and head to Trustmark Art Park on September 11, October 23, and November 13, 2021.

One of our favorite events every month is Wine Down Downtown! Get ready to shop, sip, and savor the fun in Downtown Laurel. Hosted by Laurel Mercantile Co. and Laurel Main Street, Wine Down Downtown is the perfect way to experience our small-town charm, explore shops, and “wine” down! Wine Down Dates for the fall are on September 17, October 15, and November 12, 2021.

 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Landrum’s Homestead & Village’s annual events are a magical way to celebrate the holidays! Plan to attend the Old Tyme Fall Holiday Events in Ellisville MS | Laurel and Jones County MSFestival (October 17), Christmas at the Homestead (November 28-29), or the Christmas Candlelight Tour (December 5, 12, & 19). Whether you come to see the mystery house in the fall or the thousands of twinkling lights at Christmas time, guests are guaranteed to find fun for the whole family.

Merry Marketplace is the one-stop shop you need to find a gift for everyone on your list (and maybe a little something for yourself too)! Make plans to attend this indoor market on Saturday, November 20, 2021, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

 It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping – especially when shopping means time spent in Downtown Laurel! The Annual Downtown Christmas Open House takes place each holiday season in Laurel, MS. Make your list, check it twice, and kick off your holiday shopping with in-store specials, giveaways, music, & more!  Don’t miss out on even more ways to experience yuletide cheer with parades, tree lightings, and more!

 

  For even more events in Laurel & Jones County MS such as Bingo Night at the YWCO, Trivia Night at 320 Fifth Street, and more, check out our full events calendar.

 

Welcome to Jones County, Dixie Youth World Series!

Wednesday, July 28th, 2021

We couldn’t be more excited that the Dixie Youth Baseball World Series is coming to Laurel, MS! With spectacular outdoor fun, family-friendly attractions, delicious dining options, and shopping galore, you’re guaranteed to find adventure throughout Jones County! 

 

Take Me Out to the Ball Game…and beyond!

While you’re here, let our interactive map be your guide! We’ve gathered some of the top points of interest for your trip to Laurel and Jones County! When you’re off the field, fun is guaranteed! Start building your itinerary!

 Alabama Dixie Youth Baseball World Series

Seventh Inning Stretch 

When you need to get out and explore between games, Laurel and Jones County is full activities for everyone in your crew! 

From strikes on the field to strikes in the lanes, Country Lanes Entertainment is the perfect place to entertain the whole family with bowling. Their kid-friendly menu makes planning even easier. Dinner and a family-friendly activity all in one place? Yes, please! 

Country Lanes isn’t the only fun rink in town. Champs Club in Laurel is a great spot for family recreation! Not only does Champs Club feature a skating rink, visitors will also find inflatables, tumbling, and trampolines!

Want some family-friendly fun that is educational as well? Landrum’s Homestead and Village is the spot for you! This living history museum lets guests travel back to the late 1800’s through exhibits depicting life and daily activities of days gone by. The homestead covers over 30 acres and has over 85 buildings, displays, and exhibits that are interesting and educational (don’t worry, we won’t tell the kids that part!). 

It wouldn’t be a trip to Laurel and Jones County without a little shopping! Our Shopping Guide helps you find boutiques, antiques, name-brand stores, and all of the best spots to shop to your heart’s (and wallet’s) content here in Jones County. 

If you want to spend even more time in the great Mississippi outdoors, check out our Outdoor Guide for must-see outdoor spots in the New State of Jones.

Fans of HGTV’s Home Town may be the most excited that the Alabama Dixie Youth World Series is headed to Laurel and Jones County, and we definitely understand! If you’ve seen our town on the small screen, you know there’s plenty to explore while you’re here! Fans of the show can start planning using our guide for the as seen on TV experience! 

 

Meal Time

Besides dominating on the field, if there’s anything athletes love to do, it’s eat! 

While you’re here, you can try new spots such as The Humble Place in Ellisville (hello, dinner and gift shop fun!) or grab delicious eats at some of our fan favorite casual restaurants. No matter what you’re craving, when you’re ready to grab some grub, find the perfect restaurant for your family using our interactive map. 

 If you’d prefer to grab to-go meals, our Jones County Take-Out Group can help guide you to the best spots to get local fare on the go. 

  

The Doctor is In 

If you need to seek medical care while you’re in town, here’s a list of urgent care clinics and hospitals. If you are in immediate danger, of course, please dial 911.

 

Fast Pace Urgent Care Clinic 

305 Hill St 

Ellisville , MS 39437

 

Hattiesburg Clinic 

415 S. 28th Avenue

 Hattiesburg, MS 39401

 

MEA Medical Clinic 

1515 Jefferson Street

 Laurel, MS 39440

 

South Central Regional Medical Center ER 

1220 Jefferson Street

 Laurel, MS 39441

 

TrustCare Health 

1706 W 10th Street

 Laurel, MS 39440

 

South Central Urgent Care 

1430 Jefferson Street 

Laurel, MS 39440

 

Ellisville Medical Clinic 

203 Avenue B

Ellisville, MS 39537

 

 

Photo by Brandon Mowinkel

The Great Summer Road Trip: Laurel, MS is a Must-Stop Destination

Wednesday, June 30th, 2021

There are few things more quintessentially Americana than the go-at-your-own-speed adventure of a road trip! Whether you’re headed to New Orleans to laissez les bon temps rouler or beach bound for some fun in the sun, Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi is a must-stop spot when you hit the open road this summer! 

Lauren Rogers Museum of Art

Welcome to Our Hometown 

Start your road trip with a visit to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Nestled among towering oak trees and sprawling jasmine, this piece of Laurel history is the perfect place to get your arts and history fix. Not only will you get a dose of culture, but it’s the ideal place to start the tour every lover of HGTV’s Home Town wants: the walking tour of Laurel’s Historic Homes. 

Bonus: Don’t stop with just one tour! Laurel and Jones County murals are not only Instagram-worthy, they’re a tour of culture, restaurants, as seen on TV locations, and more! Find all 12 must-see murals.

Burger and Fries in Laurel MS

Let’s Eat! 

After a leg-stretching tour, make the most of your visit with some delicious Mississippi eats. Use our signature interactive map at VisitJones.VisitWidget.com to discover mouth-watering fare sure to curb your cravings! Find everything from Southern cuisine to local cafes, burgers, steaks, seafood, and more! 

Bonus: Why limit yourself to just one destination? Make the most of your visit by grabbing to-go orders from some of our most famous casual dining restaurants, and plan a picnic in one of our parks! Try Trustmark Art Park for family-friendly green space year round. 

Landrums Homestead and Village in Laurel Mississippi

Indoor & Outdoor Stops

Once you’ve dined, keep the adventure going by hitting our local shops, antique markets, and loading up on souvenirs. Shopping is around just about every corner in Jones County, Mississippi. Check out our Jones County Shopping Guide for ideas on which shops to hit in Downtown Laurel, Downtown Ellisville, and more! 

A quick trip on US 15 leads to lots of opportunities for fun for the whole family. Begin your post-lunch journey by stopping to explore at Landrum’s Homestead and Village where you’ll find activities that cater to retirees, active adults, and curious kids alike. The gift shop is a must-see for souvenir seekers, and be sure to check for any events going on during your visit for patriotic, family summer Saturdays, fall and magical holiday events.

If your road-tripping crew includes some outdoor enthusiasts, then it’s happy trails and fishing tales in Jones County! Be sure to add a stop at Big Creek Water Park on US 84 or the Desoto National Forest on US 15. 

If you’re feeling lucky, then it’s on up US 11 to Bok Homa Casino. Gaming? Check. Slots? Check. Sportsbook? Check! Play to your heart’s content, then grab dinner at the casino before you hit the road! 

Bonus: Does your road trip include making stops on the Mississippi Blues Trail? Don’t miss the marker right here in Jones County!

 

Start Planning

When you’re planning your summer road trip, don’t forget to check out our events calendar where you’ll find everything from parades to plays, cookoffs to block parties, and so much more! .

From Soso to Sandersville and from Ellisville to Laurel, there’s something for everyone in Jones County, Mississippi! Check out our brochure for attractions, restaurants, photo ops, and more! 

Plan Your Trip to Laurel & Jones County with Ease! 

Tuesday, April 13th, 2021

A trip to Laurel and Jones County is a study in Southern hospitality and small town charm, and planning your trip just got even easier! Now on VisitJones.com, we’re excited to unveil an interactive way to map out everything you don’t want to miss in Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi. 

Designed with our partners at Visit Widget, this tool provides a new way to explore what our Mississippi community has to offer, including hotels, popular restaurants, activities, shopping, and more. 

 

On any page of our site, navigate to the Plan Your Visit icon and click. Here you’ll find a tool perfect for determining what to do, what to eat, and where to stay during your weekend in Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi! 

Planning a future getaway with this essential tool is simple! Create your own custom itinerary by adding restaurants and attractions to your plan. Looking for historic sites? Need camping information? Ready to hit the links? No matter your interests, easily filter by category so that the map displays what you’re truly looking for! View it all at once or search by categories like Historic Sites or Outdoor Recreation.

 

Planning a visit around Loblolly Festival or interested in checking out a walking tour? Click on the events tab and hit Join to any event that interests you, and that event will be added to your plan. That Restaurant everyone keeps telling you about for the best fried chicken or that must-have sweet treat? Click Add to Plan and you won’t forget to try it.

Click on the My Plan tab to adjust the order of your trip – from where to stop on the road to where to dine when you arrive, it’ll all be mapped out perfectly! 

Take your plan with you! 

Make sure you log in and download the app so that you can take your plan with you when you hit the road! You can also easily share your itinerary with friends, family, and all of your road trip companions. 

 

 

9 Casual Dining Spots in Laurel & Jones County

Wednesday, March 24th, 2021

When you’re in Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi, there’s so much to do and see! Whether taking photos, discovering our unique history, shopping our boutiques and name-brand stores, or exploring the great outdoors, you’re sure to work up an appetite in our hometown. Lucky for you, there are casual meals served up deliciously at these must-try restaurants throughout Laurel and Jones County!

 

Eat Like a Local at our Must-Try Casual Restaurants

These destination-worthy restaurants are some of the top-mentioned by our Facebook and Instagram fans – and for good reason! Dishing up seafood, comfort food, breakfast, desserts, and so much more, Laurel and Jones County’s casual restaurants offer varied selections to curb whatever you’re craving!

9 Casual Dining Spots in Laurel and Jones County - Pearl's Diner

Pearl’s Diner

Pearl’s Diner

At Pearl’s Diner, you’ll find Ms. Pearl serving up tasty renditions of classic soul food. From fried chicken and collard greens to mac & cheese and banana pudding. She loves catching up with her customers when they come in so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation while you’re there. If she’s not in, don’t worry, you can catch her serving up her famous dishes on HGTV’s Home Town in Season 2! Beat the rush by getting there early on the weekends and listen to some live music while you wait. Come for the food, stay for that small town hospitality!

 

9 Casual Dining Spots in Laurel and Jones County - Bird Dog Café

Bird Dog Café

Bird Dog Café

As seen on Season 4 of HGTV’s Home Town, Bird Dog Café is the Bell brothers way of giving back to their hometown of Laurel. The café features everything from lattes and scones to soups, chicken salad, and decadent dinner dishes. Truffled short rib pot pie anyone? Check out their Facebook page for specials.

 

Corn Dog 7

Dining at Corn Dog 7 is like being able to eat fair food even when the fair isn’t in town! Funnel cakes, corn dogs, seasoned fries, and fresh squeezed lemonade. It’s #BetterThanGood.

 

320 Fifth Street

If you like your dinner with a side of live music, add 320 Fifth Street to your itinerary! Casual dining and live music every Friday and Saturday night! Looking for a Sunday brunch spot? This is your place!

 

9 Casual Dining Spots in Laurel and Jones County - Lee's Coffee & Tea

Lee’s Coffee & Tea

Lee’s Coffee & Tea

Our walkable Downtown Laurel offers many dining establishments, and Lee’s Coffee & Tea is a must-stop! While perfect for a breakfast drink or afternoon caffeine jolt, this coffee shop is just as well-known for their delicious lunch offerings. Does Lee’s have the best pimento cheese in Laurel? You be the judge!

 

PDI / Phillip’s Drive-In

If you’re looking for a burger and fries, definitely swing through the drive through at PDI / Phillip’s Drive-in. A local icon, the PDI is known for burgers, shakes, and all the nostalgia of a classic American drive-in!

9 Casual Dining Spots in Laurel and Jones County - Bosun Joe's of Ellisville

Bosun Joe’s of Ellisville

Bosun Joe’s of Ellisville

Looking for more Southern cuisine? Try family-owned and operated, Bosun Joe’s of Ellisville. Fried catfish, po’ boys, turnips, and delicious four layer homemade cakes by the slice (or whole!).

 

The 5000

When it comes to delicious dining options, brick and mortar eateries aren’t the only option. The 5000 food truck offers signature sandwiches, salads, gourmet grilled cheeses, and specials for lunch (and dinner some nights). Don’t miss their Saturday breakfast!

 

Touted as some of the best dining spots in Mississippi by Mississippi Magazine’s reader poll, our local eateries are ready to for dine-in, outdoor dining, and takeout for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! For a full list of restaurants in Laurel and Jones County, MS, be sure to check out our Eat Page.