Laurel, MS: Experience the Filming Location of HGTV’s Home Town

Monday, November 14th, 2022

 

Get a firsthand peek into HGTV’s Home Town with a tour of the area where the show is filmed: Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi.

The HGTV’s Home Town Experience

On HGTV’s Home Town, the darlings of Mississippi, Ben and Erin Napier take old houses and turn them into dream homes as they lovingly welcome people to Laurel, MS. With hotels, local Bed and Breakfasts, and Air BnBs, there’s plenty of room to make our hometown yours for the weekend so that you can enjoy Laurel, MS beyond the TV screen. Here’s a list of must-see places to complete your HGTV’s Home Town experience.

 HGTV Home Town Laurel MS | Ben and Erin Napier

 

Take a Historic Home Tour

Start your Laurel experience at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art or the Laurel Welcome Center where you’ll find the official Laurel Walking Tour brochure. Wandering the oak-lined streets of the Laurel Historic District will give you and up-close-and-personal view of so many historic and stunning homes, plus the beautiful parks and streets you’ve seen on episodes of HGTV’s Home Town.

Shopping

Laurel Mercantile Co in Laurel MS

Downtown Laurel is basically its own character on the show. Episode after episode, viewers will see the twinkling lights, plus watch Erin grabbing fabrics, antiques, knickknacks, and more from the darling shops throughout the town.

To truly get a sense of the style showcased on Home Town, start your shopping at Laurel Mercantile Co. and Scotsman General Store. Style and American Made are the theme of Laurel Mercantile Co. This retail store includes apparel, candles (oh the candles!), sundries, kitchenware, bath-ware, home décor including pillows, fabrics, vintage finds, and art for your walls back home.

Meanwhile the Scotsman General Store is a step into Southern days gone by. An ode to general stores that were known across the south decades ago, visitors will find apparel, preserves (and other delicious perishables), soda pop, and a peek into Ben’s woodshop. Pro Tip: stop by during the filming of HGTV’s Home Town to watch him create custom pieces featured on the show!

For more places to find toys, apparel, accessories, and antiques, check out our list of where to shop in Laurel and Jones County.

 

Dining

If there’s one thing we Southerners know how to do, it’s gather around a table, so it comes as no surprise that there have been many dining establishments featured on HGTV’s Home Town. Here are a few fans may remember.

Sweet Somethings Bakery in Laurel MS

  • Pearl’s Diner is Southern cooking at its best. From fried chicken to mac ‘n cheese and everything in between, you’re sure to get your fill of both mouth-watering fare and sweet Southern hospitality.
  • Lee’s Coffee & Tea is the perfect spot to grab a cup of soup, a sandwich, fresh baked goods, and (as the name implies) a hot cup of coffee or tea.
  • The Loft on Central Avenue features seafood, steak, and pasta in a beautiful setting. Settle in for a perfectly cooked steak in the courtyard, and you’re guaranteed a perfect Southern night.

Beyond the show, Erin and Ben regularly feature all the best spots to grab a bite in Laurel on Instagram.  They’ve named many local favorites including Café La Fleur, David’s grocery, The Knight Butcher, Shug’s Cookie Dough & Candy Bar, PDI / Phillips Drive-In (we hear Ben gets the #3), Mimmo’s Restaurant, Sweet Somethings Bakery, The 5000 MS, and more!

For a full list of restaurants in Laurel and Jones County, head to our Where to Eat page.

 

Local Favorites Featured on the Show

Erin dropped the sweet tidbit that her parents went on their first date at The Little Laurel Theatre, and it’s definitely a must-see sight in Jones County, MS. Located in the heart of Downtown Laurel, Laurel Little Theatre features a varied season of shows every year, so check out what shows are playing during your visit. Be sure to nab a pic under the neon Arabian sign during your visit!

ThHGTV Home Town Stars Ben and Erin Napier | Discover Laurel MSe Loblolly Festival is one of the most annually anticipated events in Laurel. On the first Saturday of October, Laurel’s heritage as a sawmill town is the center of attention as folks gather to celebrate, shop, and eat. This free festival features arts and crafts vendors, live music, rides, and all of the best festival food (hello, funnel cakes and corn dogs). Demonstrations take place throughout the day, and the local shops are available for perusing as well.

 

The murals seen on the show are a big thing here in Laurel and Jones County. Literally a big thing. Covering walls and the sides of buildings, these gorgeous quotes are both charming and Instagram-worthy. See how many you can find (and be sure to tag us in your Instagram posts).

 

Whether visiting in the fall, spending the holidays in Jones County, or joining us for a quick weekend getaway to Laurel, we’re so happy to get to share our little corner of Mississippi with you! Welcome to our hometown!

 

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.

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. 

 

 

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. 

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 on your great summer road trip! 

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. 

plan your visit to jones and laurel

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! 

new visit widget tool

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.  

 

Instagram-Worthy: Where to Snap a Photo in Laurel & Jones County

Tuesday, January 19th, 2021

The saying goes, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ and when you visit Laurel & Jones County, that couldn’t be truer. You might come for that perfect shot, but find yourself staying for that familiar feeling we like to call ‘home.’ With its historic charm, small-town feel and the great outdoors, you’ll be sure to snap the perfect photo just about anywhere you turn in Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi, but where are those spots that are completely Instagram-worthy? Here are a few of our favorites.

 

Where to take a photo in Laurel MS

 

As Seen on TV

There’s nothing quite like visiting a spot you’ve seen on the small screen – especially here in Laurel and Jones County! Pair our locals’ hometown pride with the renaissance happening thanks to HGTV’s Home Town, and our beauty is definitely something worth snapping a photo of! If something looks familiar to you, it’s likely what you’ve seen on TV!

For example, you might have come across the iconic blue truck that sits outside of Laurel Mercantile Co. Since its opening in 1901, the building has served many purposes for this small town and now you can catch it as the backdrop for so many photographs as people come to visit Ben & Erin Napier’s store.

If you were searching for something nostalgic, you’ve come to the right place.  Inside you will find the LMCo. original collection, vintage décor, and that perfect take home gift to have memories for a lifetime. Don’t miss the life size Ben & Erin cut outs inside the store!

After you grab a pic and souvenir for friends back home (plus one or two for yourself), you can head over to the Scotsman’s General Store & Woodshop and watch the team hard at work creating one-of-a-kind pieces for locals and visitors alike. If you are lucky you might even see Ben Napier working on his next big thing for Home Town. Now that is a moment you definitely want to catch on camera!

 

Where to Snap a Photo in Laurel MS

 

Murals, Murals, & More Murals

For true Jones County fans, our murals are instantly recognizable, so they definitely couldn’t be left off the photo op list. From Ellisville to Downtown Laurel and beyond, iconic murals abound!

This one is located on Commerce Street and might be one of the town’s most popular to date. The vibrant colors and creative design will surely make your photo pop! A timeless mural backdrop never makes for a bad photo.

Check out these other murals around Jones County:

  • Welcome to Historic Downtown Laurel – Located on Central Avenue
  • Laurel Looks Good on You – Located on North Sixth Avenue
  • Be Kind – Located on North Sixth Avenue
  • Greetings from Laurel – Located on Central Avenue
  • Loyal as a Book – Located at the Laurel Library
  • Everything is Gonna Be Okay – Located in Ellisville
  • I Believe in Laurel – Located in Maker’s Alley
  • The City Beautiful – Located on the corner of Oak and Front Street
  • Welcome to Laurel Mississippi The City Beautiful (purple) – Located

 

Where to Take a Photo in Laurel MS

 

In the Great Outdoors

Looking for something a little more “natural?” Head towards downtown and visit our beautiful Trustmark Art Park. Because who doesn’t love a little greenspace? With green grass all year round, there’s never a bad time for a phot op! It’s the ideal spot for a day with the kids or to just bask in the beautiful sunlight. You’ll have the perfect lighting right at your fingertips.

Ready for something more off-the-beaten-path? Look no further than the Desoto National Forest.  With over 300,000 acres belonging to this beautiful park, the Desoto National Forest is the largest district in Mississippi. With activities such as biking, hiking, and bird watching, there are plenty of ways to keep busy and more than enough opportunities for a photo op.

 

Laurel and Jones County are just getting started and luckily for visitors, the appeal keeps on growing. So next time you’re visiting our neck of the woods, remember to snap a photo and be sure to use #VisitLaurelJonesCounty to share with us!

 

Looking for even more must-see spots in Jones County? Check out these historic landmarks or this bucket list-worthy guide!

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.