Explore Jones County: What to Do in Ellisville, MS 

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! 

Downtown Ellisville, Mississippi

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.

 

Welcome to Jones County, Dixie Youth World Series!

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 

9 Casual Dining Spots in Laurel & Jones County

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.  

 

A Homeschool Field Trip to Laurel & Jones County, Mississippi

Whether you’re virtual schooling, homeschooling, or just looking for an educational road trip, Laurel and Jones County is ready for your little learners! From history to art, these fun and informative activities are sure to entertain your whole family!

 

Landrum’s Homestead & Village Educational Field Trip Laurel MS | Landrums Homestead and Village

History comes to life at Landrum’s Homestead and Village here in Laurel, MS. With a step back in time, your family is in for a uniquely educational experience! The homestead – which is a recreation of an 1800s settlement – spans more than 30-acres and has more than 85 buildings, display, and exhibits. When you’re at Landrum’s, you’ll find an 1863 log house and corn crib, barn and farm animals, blacksmith shop, restored houses, village chapel, one-room school house, antique farm and tool equipment, a barber shop, watermill gristmill, and so much more!

Bonus Idea: Events at Landrum’s such as Old Tyme Fall Festival, Christmas at the Homestead, and Christmas Candlelight Tours offer even more homestead excitement with fun activities for all ages!

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