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.

 

Laurel & Jones County Nominated in Mississippi Magazine’s ‘Best of Mississippi’ Reader Poll

We are so excited to share that some of your favorite spots in Laurel & Jones County are nominated in more than 50 categories for Mississippi Magazine’s ‘Best of Mississippi 2021!’ Featured, is everything from dining and fashion to local activities and home and garden and we would love your support to show why Jones County is the best place to be!

 

Crave-Worthy

Food always holds a place in our hearts and we hope it does for you too. While dining isn’t the only thing to do in Jones County, it is definitely one of our favorites past times and we’d love to know which local eatery is your go-to, so make sure to vote!

Jones County Restaurant Best of Mississippi 2021

Charlie’s Catfish House

Dining Category

Mimmo’s (Pizza & Italian Food)

The Loft (Steak)

Phillips Drive In (Hamburger)

Café Le Fleur (French Fries)

Pearl’s Diner (Fried Chicken)

Hog Heaven (Barbeque)

Smokehouse of Laurel (Barbeque)

Blue Crab Grill (Catfish)

Charlie’s Catfish House (Catfish)

Sake Café (Sushi)

Pearl’s Diner (Cornbread)

Lee’s Coffee & Tea (Sweet Tea)

Julia’s Bakery (Tamales)

Reyes Mexican Grill and Bar (Tamales)

Blue Crab Grill (Seafood)

Pearl’s Diner (Ethnic Food & Blue Plate Special)

The Loft (Fine Dining & Outdoor Dining & Appetizer)

Lee’s Coffee & Tea (Deli & Coffeehouse)

Gecko’s Fresh Eats (Healthy Restaurant)

The 5000s (Food Truck)

Bird Dog Café (Outdoor Dining)

Shug’s Cookie Dough & Bakery (Sweet Shop/Bakery & Dessert)

Sweet Somethings Bakery (Breakfast/Brunch & Sweet Shop/Bakery)

Small Coffee Big Taste (Coffeehouse)

Café Le Fleur (Dessert)

 

Cast your vote for each Dining category.

 

 

Shop ‘Til You Drop

The charming boutiques and shops are where you can find us most weekends. Whether you’re looking for apparel, a good book or something for man’s best friend, Jones County has it all! The categories below represent a variety of shops favorited by the locals and a must see by visitors.

Best of Mississippi 2021

Guild and Gentry

Fashion Category

The Pink Anchor (Accessories)

Quarter Century (Quarter Century)

Guild and Gentry (High End Men’s Apparel)

The Pink Anchor (Teen/Tween Apparel)

What a Girl Wants (Teen/Tween Apparel)

Plaid Pecan (Clothing Consignment)

The Remnant (Clothing Consignment)

Guild and Gentry (Men’s Casual Clothing)

 

Cast your vote for best Fashion stores.

 

Specialty Retail Category

The Cotton Boll (Gift Shop)

Hill’s In House Jewelers (Antique Jewelry & Fine Jewelry)

The Bookstore in the Window (Bookstore & Stationary Shop)

Sawmill Animal Hospital (Pet Goods and Services)

 

Cast your vote for best Specialty Retail.

 

Health & Beauty Category

Epic Style (Salon & Beauty Enhancements)

Faith N Fitness (Fitness Center)

New State CrossFit (Fitness Center)

 

Cast your vote for the Health and Beauty category.

 

Fun for the Whole Family

Everyone knows if you’re looking for something to do, you don’t have to look far in Jones County. Activities and events are hosted every year and gives you a chance to visit the local farmers market or have a relaxing day of golf! What is something you look forward to each year?

Lauren Rodgers Museum - Best of Mississippi 2021

Lauren Rogers Museum of Art

Activities Category

Downtown Laurel (Overall Shopping Destination)

Laurel Loblolly Festival (Fair or Festival)

Downtown Laurel Farmers Market (Farmer’s Market)

Peddler’s Junktion (Flea Market)

Rusty Chandelier (Flea Market)

Laurel Little Theater (Performing Arts Venue)

Laurel Street Park (Park)

Mason Memorial Park (Park)

LRMA (Museum)

Laurel Country Club (Golf Course)

Pine Cone Drop New Year’s (New Event)

Wine Down Downtown (New Event)

 

Cast your vote for best Activities.

 

Home and Garden Category

LOTT Furniture Co. (Furniture Store & Home Décor and Accessories)

Southern Antiques Gift Mall (Home Décor and Accessories & Places to Find Antiques)

Rusty Chandelier (Places to Find Antiques & Home Décor Resale/Consignment)

LRMA (Art Gallery)

Pinehurst Rathskeller (Art Gallery)

Laurel Mercantile Co. (Kitchen Shop)

Southern Antiques Gift Mall (Kitchen Shop)

The Cotton Boll (Kitchen Shop)

Laurel Nursery & Garden (Yard and Garden Shop)

 

Cast your vote for the Home and Gardens Category

 

The final results of the 2021 Best of Mississippi reader poll will be released on February 15, 2021. Cast your vote daily between now and then!