Mother’s Day Getaway: Relaxing Girls Weekend Ideas in Laurel & Jones County

Friday, May 5th, 2023

When it comes to girls’ getaway ideas, Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi has no shortage of girl-friendly fun waiting to be had! From bachelorette parties to Mother’s Day vacations and every excuse in between, when it’s time to grab your girls for a weekend away, relaxation, rejuvenation, and all around renewal are on the itinerary in Laurel and Jones County! 

Girls Weekend in Laurel Mississippi

Relax

Situated just outside of Laurel, The Lodge at Sweetwater is a nature retreat unlike any other. 

The Lodge at Sweetwater Studios, is a glamping tent lodge and retreat center exclusively for adults and is designed to bring together local artists, aspiring creatives, and nature and yoga enthusiasts.

Trails, spas, glamping, and the like are reason enough to plan a ladies-only retreat, but when choosing your vacation dates, be sure to check out the events at The Lodge throughout the year. Featuring a variety of themes, foraging enthusiasts, meditation fans, family-fun seekers, and yogis (and many, many more hobbyists) are sure to find an event to get away from the real world and back to nature. 

Check out the full listing of events here..

Renew

High-quality spa services with Southern hospitality? Sounds like an obvious choice for a girls weekend to us! Afterall, self care shouldn’t just be a trip to the grocery store sans kids. Hello, spa day! 

Be sure to add Renew Medi Spa to your girls weekend plans. With a goal for every customer to leave glowing, treatments like massage, IV hydration therapy, LED light therapy, and more are just what every ladies vacation needs. 

 

Rejuvenate 

What could be more rejuvenating or invigorating like a day shopping in our charming boutiques and antique shops? Sounds delightful. Scouting the most sought after spots from your favorite HGTV show? Yes, please! Sipping lattes and wine in local hot spots? Done and done! 

We’ve got plenty of itineraries for your next girls weekend to Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi. Don’t miss these: 

The Ultimate Guide to a Laurel and Jones County Girls Getaway

Experience the Filming Location of HGTV’s Home Town

Fan Favorite Spots to Shop & Play in Laurel, MS

 

For even more information about what to do, see, and eat in Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi, be sure to check out our blog and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! 

Home Town Fans: Your Second Visit Itinerary

Tuesday, November 15th, 2022

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 on Central Avenue, 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 

 

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. 

Plan a Budget-Friendly Vacation to Laurel and Jones County

Tuesday, November 1st, 2022

They say the best things in life are free, and that can definitely be said of a vacation to Laurel and Jones County! Our small town is packed with free and budget-friendly events, activities, and dining options. Here are plenty of family-friendly things to do without breaking the bank. 

Lauren Rogers Museum of Art

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Laurel and Jones County 

One of Laurel’s most frequented attractions is the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Visited for the architecture, exhibits, and events, the always-free museum is a perfect family-friendly activity for rain or shine. For a unique way to view the museum, stop by the front desk and grab an artBINGO card for an interactive exploration of the exhibits! Kids and adults alike enjoy this interactive scavenger hunt.

Whether you’re a fan of HGTV’s Home Town or just a lover of beautiful locations, be sure to visit Scotsman General Store. Here, you’ll find the Scotsman Snowball Stand, Food Truck Park, and Scotsman Woodshop. You’ll also find Laurel and Jones County’s newest mural. It’s a great place to spend as little or as much as your budget allows, plus relax and enjoy the beauty of our small town life. 

Speaking of beauty, Laurel’s Historic Downtown is a must-see. Every Friday through November 18th, take a free tour of Laurel’s HIstoric District led by the art director of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art! Tours depart from the museum lobby at 10:30 and last approximately one hour. 

If tours aren’t available during your visit, take a free, self-guided Walking Tour of Historic Laurel Homes which features 23 stops taken at your own pace.

For even more ideas of free and cheap things to do in Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi, check out these 19+ historic sites, plus all of the ways to spend the day in the Great Outdoors without breaking out your wallet! 

Bosun Joes in Ellisville Mississippi | Budget Friendly Dining in Laurel MS

Affordable Dining Options: 4 Lunches under $10

When it comes to pleasing your palate, there’s no need to sacrifice staying on budget. Our restaurants offer plenty of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for every budget. These four lunches under $10 are mouth-watering and utterly craveable. 

Note: prices and offerings are subject to change. Be sure to check with the individual restaurants for the most current menu prices

Comfort food-lovers searching for familiar Southern flavors will enjoy The Humble Place in Ellisville where you can find menu options such as The Big Daddy Chicken Sandwich with fries and a drink for $10.00. For even more Southern cuisine, try the Blue Plate Lunch Specials at Bosun Joe’s where you can find classic country entrees served with fries and a roll for $8.29. 

What next? After you’ve dined (deliciously!), stay in Downtown Ellisville to shop at Carpenter Bros Emporium of Wonderful Whatnots for a blast from the past. Explore the store to find unique, vintage treasures that are sure to bring back memories for the folks in your group. 

If burgers and fries are on your mind, be sure to check out the iconic PDI / Phillips Drive-In in Laurel, MS. The vibes and eats are nostalgic, and everything on the menu is under $10.00. If dessert is in your budget, don’t skimp on the milkshakes and malts. 

What next? After your meal, walk across the street to Hellfighters USA for a truly distinctive shopping experience. At Hellfighters, find everything from clothes, accessories, Christian books and decor, plus Mike’s Almost Every Day Swap Meet for thousands of priceless motorcycle parts. Even if you don’t spend a dime, Hellflighter’s USA is a must-see spot! 

Budget-Friendly Events in Laurel MS | Free EventsThe Knight Butcher is always serving up fresh cuisine, so head to downtown Laurel for decadent sandwiches and burgers. Grab steak kabobs, cold deli sandwiches, and unique burgers (hello, brisket!) served with chips and a drink for $8.50 or less. 

What next? While you’re downtown, wander around to shop local boutiques and antique shops or take a free, self-guided mural tour.

 

Free Events 

You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of fun things to do in Laurel and Jones County! Throughout the year, free events take place in the form of Downtown Movie Nights, parades, music festivals, and more! Be sure to check out our calendar of events to see what’s happening during your visit. 

 

 

Fall and Winter Fun in Laurel and Jones County

Friday, August 26th, 2022

When you’re looking for fall fun and Christmas celebrations, add the holiday events in Laurel and Jones County to your fall and winter plans!

Fall and Winter Fun in Laurel and Jones County | Loblolly Festival

Photo courtesy Laurel Main Street

Can you smell the funnel cakes?

Loblolly Festival is back again this year! On October 1st, the streets of Downtown Laurel will be filled with arts & crafts, vendors, demonstrations, kids’ activities, fair food, and more! Mark your calendars and make your plans for October 1st!

 

Show us a Show!

The famed Laurel Little Theatre will feature a production of Ripcord this October. This Southern comedy is full of heart, and it is sure to bring a night of laughs.

 

Boo! It’s a Scarecrow Invasion!

Is it even fall in Jones County without the Scarecrows Invasion? If you don’t know, Scarecrow Invasion is a time when downtown Laurel community comes alive with colorful and creative life-size scarecrows. Beginning September 30th, wander downtown and snap a pic with your favorites at local storefronts, city buildings, and restaurants.

Speaking of Boo!, Boo on the Avenues is a much-anticipated night of trick or treating. Thousands of children will gather on historic 6th Avenue for the Halloween fun!

 

It’s beginning to look a lot like the Jones County Christmas Open House!

Get ready to kick off your holiday shopping on November 6th at the annual Christmas Open House in Downtown Laurel. Join us in Downtown Laurel From home décor to trendy clothes and specialty gift items, you’re sure to find everything you need!

For even more holiday shopping, be sure to check out the Merry Marketplace on November 19th and Small Business Saturday on November 26th.

 

Holidays at Landrum’s Homestead and Village

Food, games, and family fun are on the itinerary on October 15th, during the Fall Festival at Landrum’s Homestead and Village.

The magic of the season comes alive at Landrum’s Homestead & Village‘s 39th Annual Christmas at the Village and Christmas Candlelight Tour. Experience Mississippi’s favorite old-fashioned Christmas celebrations! Get details at Landrums.com/events.

 

Magic in Lights and Parading Through the Streets

Laurel & Ellisville are known for having a holly jolly good time all December long. Start by watching the tree twinkle to life at the Christmas Tree Lighting in Downtown Laurel in December.

What’s more fun than pancakes and parades (we certainly can’t think of much)? The famed Kiwanis Pancake Day starts the morning of December 3rd and the Christmas parade in Laurel takes place on December 2nd. It’s sure to be a merry weekend in Mississippi!

 

More Fun on the Small Screen

Can’t get enough of the holiday season? Tune into Discovery+ starting Friday, November 11 for the Christmas movie featuring Ben and Erin!

Film follows Melissa Norwood (Katie Stevens), an ambitious Atlanta property stager who teams with her old high school crush, David Phelps (Victor Rasuk), to sell her mom’s home in their small Georgia home town. The two take on the project of renovating the house before potential buyers come to see it on Christmas Eve. Against David’s wishes, Melissa decides to spend a portion of her budget on custom projects created by a unique local couple, Henry and Sarah Wright, played by Laurel’s very own Ben and Erin Napier.

 

Want more information on fall events and things to do in Jones County, Mississippi? Be sure to check out the events calendar at VisitJones.com for fall and holiday small town fun.

 

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. 

Experience a Laurel & Jones County, Mississippi Winter Weekend Escape

Tuesday, December 8th, 2020

If you’re looking to experience an affordable weekend away this winter, Laurel and Jones County Mississippi are a winter wonderland of Southern proportions. When you visit for a winter getaway, you’ll be sure to find a plethora of unique history, local shopping, and Southern charm!

Grab a cup of coffee during a Winter Weekend in Laurel MS

Sip Something Brewed

Mississippi weather is typically pretty mild, so when the temperatures drop (even if only slightly), grabbing a hot cup of coffee or tea is a must. Our local coffee shops are always brewing up something delicious. Grab a cup to-go before you get your day started, or find a cozy table, booth, or seat outdoors to enjoy your cup of joe! Try sipping something at The Coffeehouse at Brookside, Lee’s Coffee & Tea, Bird Dog Café, Higher Ground Coffee Shop, Jitters Coffeehouse, or Small Coffee Big Taste.

 

 

Go antiquing during your winter weekend in Laurel MS

Find Something Vintage

From sipping to shopping, our picturesque storefronts of downtown Laurel and Ellisville, plus the warehouse-sized antique stores

throughout Jones County are ready for every type of collector, browser, and shopper! Three must-see stores for antique and vintage lovers include Peddlers Junktion, Carpenter Brothers Emporium of Wonderful Whatnots, The Rusty Chandelier, and Southern Antiques.

Get a full list of shops and stores on our shopping listings. 

 

Visit Pinehurst Park during your winter weekend in Laurel MS

Discover Something Local

With our mild winters, our parks are the perfect spot to explore, take a break, or settle in for a picnic lunch.

Located in Laurel, Leontyne Price Musical Park is a unique downtown gem. Discover musical instruments and why locals love Laurel-born Leontyne Price.

Also worth a stop are Euclid and Gardiner Parks, where you can take a break from exploring the beautiful historic homes in the Laurel Historic District to gather your crew for a picnic. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Laurel Historic District is a must-see.

Situated on North 5th Avenue & Oak Street, next to the Arabian Theatre is a memorial park on the site of the famous Pinehurst Hotel. Pinehurst Park is an iconic Jones County landmark and features a gazebo, fountain, and is a picture-perfect spot to snag a photo (be sure to use #VisitLaurelJonesCounty to share with us)!

 

Even more trip ideas for your weekend in Laurel and Jones County:

 

Find out more about how to Visit Mississippi responsibly, and be sure to visit our FAQ page for the most current community and safety information.

Your Jones County Holiday Gift Guide

Tuesday, November 10th, 2020

‘Tis the season for the joy of gift-giving, and when you’re shopping in Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi, finding the perfect present is easy! Make your list, check it twice, then get ready to spread some yuletide cheer with these gifts from the Jones County Holiday Gift Guide that are sure to bring a smile to the faces of your friends and family!

Holiday Gift Guide | Laurel MS

 

For the Hostess with the Mostess

If you’ve been to Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi, then you know The Knight Butcher for both their delicious jerky as well as their mouth-watering fudge. Either treat makes for the perfect hostess gift! Don’t forget about Shug’s Cookie Dough and Candy Bar for holiday-decorated sweet treats!

Laurel Nursery & Garden has beautiful plants and flowers perfect for any hostess, plus their fresh, Mississippi-grown pecans are always a welcome gift. Bonus points if you turn them into a homemade pie or pecan divinity for your family, friends, or neighbors!

For the Coffee Drinker

For the cold coffee drinker, a gallon of Iced Lattes with your choice of syrup can be found at Lee’s Coffee and Tea and is sure to make for a very merry caffeine lover! Go ahead, grab yourself a sweet goodie or some pimento cheese while you’re there – your gift-giving heart deserves a treat!

Both men and women will be happy to receive a Laurel tumbler from Guild & Gentry, which features a map of our area. Prefer to drink from a glass? Guild and Gentry also has beautiful Laurel glass coffee mugs. Should you round out your gift with Mississippi coasters to keep tabletops safe in Mississippi style? Well, of course you should!

For the Tiny HGTV Fan

It’s sure to be a holly jolly Christmas with a beautiful coloring book for all of the littlest HGTV fans on your list. Grab Erin’s Sketchbook Coloring Book at Laurel Mercantile Co.

Gifts for the little ones can be found throughout Jones County, but definitely make sure to check out the offerings at Bookstore in the Window! Santa’s elves will be thrilled to find a variety of puzzles, books, and unique stocking stuffers.

For the Lover of Laurel

Laurel and Mississippi sweatshirts are a perfectly cozy gift for so many on your list! Grab a snuggle-worthy sweatshirt from Allie’s on Magnolia Boutique or head upstairs to the bookstore in Lott Furniture for seriously soft sweatshirts!

Be sure to swing by The Coffeehouse at Brookside in Ellisville for delightfully-scented bath and body gifts, seasonal mugs, comfy sweatshirts, and more! Plus, grab yourself a coffee for a mid-shopping pick-me-up!

Even if your giftee can’t whip up a classic and mouth-watering Southern meal like Ms. Pearl, she can still dress the part in an apron from Pearl’s Diner!

Rubie’s Home Furnishings and Hand+Made both feature a variety of beautiful Laurel and Jones County home décor items, plus dozens of Mississippi-made products. Whether purchasing a beautifully painted dough bowl, a Laurel frame, or creating a work of art of your own, you are sure to find a beautiful gift for everyone from your boss to your bestie!

For…well, everyone

When you don’t know what to get someone, a candle is always a well-received gift! The Stockbridge from Laurel Mercantile Co. is one of the most popular “holiday” scents! Meanwhile few things are more southern than a glass of sweet tea, and a Tea candle from Lott Furniture will bring the front porch sipping fun indoors. Many other shops have wonderfully scented candles available including The Cotton Boll, the gift shop at Landrum’s Homestead and Village, and Bella Bella.

 

Looking for even more gift ideas? Don’t miss our full holiday shopping guide! Find out more about how to Visit Mississippi responsibly, and be sure to visit our FAQ page for the most current community and safety information.

The Ultimate Guide to a Laurel and Jones County Girls Getaway

Wednesday, June 17th, 2020

Laurel is the perfect destination for a girls getaway! If you’re a fan of Ben and Erin Napier’s home renovations on HGTV’s Home Town, then get ready to unwind and unplug on your next girls’ trip. Gather up your girlfriends because there’s plenty to see and do – both what you’ve seen featured on the small screen and beyond!

Photo courtesy Bolt Photography x Bri

Road Trip-Worthy City

When you and your girlfriends are ready for a weekend-long, quiet getaway, Laurel and Jones County offer the perfect respite from crowded city scenes and beach towns. With plenty of cozy B&Bs, name brand hotels, and Airbnbs to rest your head, Jones County is an ideal girlfriend getaway destination. While you’re here you and your girls can shop, explore history, discover the beauty of Southern architecture, and eat to your heart’s (and tummy’s) content!

Beach-loving pals find Jones County to be the perfect stop en route to the shores of the Gulf Coast! If you’re only joining us for a quick stop, be sure to check out our Guide for a Day Trip to Laurel, MS. Fans of HGTV’s Home Town will want to check out our Ultimate Home Town Experiences in these two guides. 

Experience the Filming Location of HGTV’s Home Town

Home Town Fans: Your Second Visit Itinerary

25+ Stops That Have Been Featured on HGTV’s Home Town

These guides will help to ensure you don’t miss any of the as seen on TV fun! This includes stops like the Laurel Mercantile Co., Scotsman General Store, and The Scent Library, plus Ben and Erin Napier’s favorite spots to eat and play in Laurel and Jones County. 

Where to Eat

Our coffee shops make more than just a good cup of joe, offering quick grab and go or sit and stay breakfasts. When you’re ready for that perfect latte, scone, smoothie, or full breakfast, check out this full list of coffee shops and breakfast spots.

For lunch, soups, sandwiches, BBQ, burgers, and International cuisine are on the menus of local restaurants. Southern cuisine as seen on TV? Head to Pearl’s Diner. For sandwiches, check out this great list, and don’t miss out on The 5000 Food Truck or Papa Dough’s, both located on the lawn at Scotsman General Store. For inexpensive eats, check out our budget-friendly guide, which features $10 and under lunch ideas.

Dinner after a long day of exploring, quench your thirst with a glass of wine and delicious cuisine at Café La Fleur, Blue Crab Grill, Mimmo’s, or The Loft. For a full list of restaurants and places to eat, head here.

 

Where to Play

Reasons to Visit Laurel & Jones County

Photo courtesy aa_hilton via Instagram

If you take a girls trip and don’t Instagram it, did it even really happen? The murals throughout Jones County are definitely Insta-worthy photo spots. Take a self-guided mural tour and nab pictures with each of these 13 murals.

Also on the photo-op list: Jones County Blues Marker #127 (a stop of the Mississippi Blues Trail), as well as historic buildings such as the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art or iconic landmarks of Jones County like the Laurel Little Theatre. Be sure to share your photos with us using #VisitLaurelandJonesCounty! Bonus points if you take in a show at the theater or check out traveling and permanent exhibits at the always-free museum. 

If you and the girls have Lady Luck on your side, a stop at Bok Homa Casino is a definite must! Located in Sandersville, this casino features nearly 800 themed slots, plus classics such as blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette. Get ready to place your bets! Find out more at BokHomaCasino.com.

 

Shop your Heart Out

Shopping is plentiful here! From Historic Downtown Ellisville and Historic Downtown Laurel to more shopping on 16th Avenue and at

Reasons to Visit Laurel & Jones County

Photo courtesy haless_yeahh_ via Instagram

Sawmill Mall, you’re sure to find unique home décor, trendy boutique clothing and accessories, eclectic collectibles, vintage and antique finds, and so much more! Whether you’re after antiques, Southern art, or unique souvenirs, our shops and boutiques have something for you. 

  • Looking for a souvenir to bring back to the little ones or the guys you left at home? Try grabbing something Distinctly Masculine at Guild and Gentry on Magnolia Street in Laurel for your significant other or swing by Hellfighters USA for unique gifts for him (plus kids, women, and home décor items, too)! 
  • Be sure to swing by Bella Bella and The Cotton Boll for toys, clothes, and other items that are guaranteed to put a smile on your kids’ faces! 
  • For unique books, visit The Bookstore in the Window for new and used novels, coffee table books, kids’ books, and more! 
  • Holiday décor on your list? Seasonal decorations abound in our shops. Check out Holi-Daze Décor & More, plus local boutiques like Southern Antiques, Be Amazing Paper Company
  • Say hello to gorgeous furniture and home items at Rubies Home Furnishings, Front Street Market, Napier Frames, and Caron Gallery South.
  • Don’t forget trendy and classic clothing, shoes, and accessories for yourself! Stop by Two A Tee & Co, Hill’s In-House Jewelers, Touch of Grace, Funky Shoes Laurel, Allie’s on Magnolia,
  • Antique and collectible shopping abounds in Jones County! Swing by Peddlers’ Junktion, The Rusty Chandelier, Carpenter Bros. Emporium of Wonderful Whatnots, and more! 

Visit our guide for a full list of places to shop in Ellisville, Downtown Laurel,16th Avenue, Sawmill Mall, and more.

Laurel Historic District

There’s never really a bad time to visit Jones County. The mild winters of Mississippi mean wandering the great outdoors and through historic downtowns is an option year-round. If outdoor recreation is on your girls getaway agenda, then be sure to explore our top ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Jones County. 

If taking a stroll through Laurel’s history sounds more your outdoor speed, then there’s no escaping the draw of the picturesque, Southern scene of Laurel’s Historic District. Known for its HGTV fame, this area is also the largest in-tact contiguous collection of turn-of-the-century craftsman & bungalow style housing. Go ahead and do as the locals do: mosey, wander, and stroll through this beautiful area! Get information on a guided or self-guided walking tour at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.

 

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway from the working world or you’re celebrating a special weekend, a girls’ trip to Jones County is the perfect respite. For more ideas on what to do during your girls-only getaway to Laurel and Jones County, MS, be sure to visit VisitJones.com/blog.