Discovering Delights in Laurel: Top 13 Attractions in Mississippi
Discover the allure of Laurel, Mississippi, a small town that's rapidly gained fame thanks to HGTV's hit series, "Home Town," featuring Erin and Ben Napier. With eight seasons and a spin-off, "Home Town Takeover," under their belts, the previously unnoticed southern Mississippi town is now a household name. The show revolves around the Napiers transforming downtown Laurel's businesses and restoring historic homes, injecting new life and charm into the town.
This intimate, southern-hospitality-infused town has become a hotbed for shopping and dining, drawing visitors from across the nation. Whether you're a die-hard "Home Town" fan, looking for a small-town getaway, or simply curious, Laurel has plenty to offer with these 13 top activities:
13 Must-Do Things in Laurel, Mississippi
1. Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
You might be shocked to learn that Mississippi's first art museum lies in Laurel. The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art opened in 1923 and has a knack for sharing a diverse range of art from around the globe, featuring European, Japanese, Native American, and American art, in addition to Georgian silver and various permanent galleries. This Georgia-Revival-style building surrounded by live oaks is both striking and welcoming, with free admission for visitors.
lrma.org • 565 North 5th Avenue, Laurel, MS 39441 • 601-649-6374
2. Shop with the Napiers
Just like their HGTV predecessors, Chip and Joanna Gaines, and their Magnolia-empire in Waco, the Napiers have populated downtown Laurel with businesses that embody their on-screen success. Beginning with their flagship Laurel Mercantile, filled with American-made goods, their next venture, Scotsman General Store, serves as both Ben's furniture woodshop and an old-school general store. Next, head over to the Scotsman Food Truck Park or Erin's Scent Library to grab a bite or select a unique fragrance. The adjacent artist Adam Trest's studio is also nearby, and Erin's Scent Library boutique houses an impressive collection of local candles and bathroom products.
scotsmanusa.com/pages/family-of-brands
3. Local Art Hunting
Erin's show has endeared viewers to the whimsical and colorful art of Adam Trest, a frequent series guest. Trest's studio, located near the Scent Library, is open to visitors for a chance to see the artist at work. Around the block, Caron Gallery displays Mississippi artists' works, offering an array of local paintings to add to your home collection.
thecarongallery.com • 317 North Magnolia St., Laurel, MS 39441 • 601-342-5129
4. Antique Shopping
To achieve the charm of Erin's home designs that seamlessly blend old and new, antique shopping in Laurel is a must. Splurge time at Peddlers Junktion, where you can browse through dozens of vendors offering curated vintage home decor, and explore Southern Antiques, featuring 10,000 square feet of retail space offering home, gifts, and bridal items.
5. Get Creative at HAND+made
Situated in the heart of Laurel, HAND+made is a creative haven that offers a range of locally made gifts apart from hosting DIY events aimed at sparking creativity.
facebook.com • 313 W Oak Street, Laurel, MS 39440 • 601-342-8232
6. Historic Homes
Hop aboard one of Laurel Home Tours' open-air carts for a glimpse into the more than 40 homes featured on the "Home Town" series. Your guide will guide you through the town's history and its major landmarks.
laurelhometours.com
7. Edible Souvenirs at the Knight Butcher
Take home homemade beef jerky and various fudge flavors from this butcher shop while you're in Laurel.
theknightbutcher.com • 520 Central Avenue, Laurel, MS 39440 • 601-651-2054
4. What to Eat in Laurel, Mississippi
1. Breakfast at Lee's Coffee & Tea
Based in a spectacular, two-story dining room, Lee’s Coffee & Tea, has been a local favorite since its 2009 opening. Their impressive menu includes various homemade sandwiches and salads, plus a cozy workspace and free Wi-Fi to work or chat.
leescoffeeandtea.com • 409 W Oak St, Ste 102, Laurel, MS 39440 • 601-649-4161
2. Lunch on the Porch at Bird Dog Café
Housed in a charming Craftsman-style home, Bird Dog Café reopened with new ownership in spring 2024 after a short hiatus. The eatery serves Southern comfort food, including delicious items like chicken salad, deviled eggs, and French dips.
facebook.com/birddogoflaurel • 412 Short 7th Ave, Laurel, MS 39440 • 601-651-2405
3. Pearl’s Diner
After a 34-year stint in Denver, Ms. Pearl returned to her hometown in 2017 and opened Pearl’s Diner, which embodies traditional Southern hospitality. Fans can indulge in comfort food like fried chicken, black-eyed peas, and mac and cheese.
mspearlsdiner.com • 330 North Magnolia Street, Laurel, MS 39440 • 601-682-0945
4. The Loft
A classic steakhouse experience awaits at The Loft, which features an impressive menu of high-quality steaks, in addition to chicken, seafood, and pasta options.
facebook.com/theloftoncentral • 535 Central Ave, Laurel, MS 39440 • 601-518-0404
5. Where to Stay in Laurel, Mississippi
1. Wisteria Bed and Breakfast
Located in the historic district, Wisteria Bed and Breakfast offers guests personal suites and common areas for relaxing, perfect for anyone seeking a memorable stay in Laurel.
wisteriabedandbreakfast.com • 706 North 5th Avenue, Laurel, MS 39440 • 601-426-3805
2. Airbnb Options
Experience homely charm in two Airbnb rentals: Bonnie’s Laurel Cottage, which offers a personalized guided tour of town, and Mallorie's Cottage, with separate rentals offering cozy accommodations for two.
Google Airbnb for available listings in Laurel, MS
- The Australian expat publication Aussiedlerbote featured an article celebrating Laurel's revitalization, highlighting its transformation thanks to the impact of "Home Town."
- Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the town's arts scene by checking out the display of diverse art at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, located at 565 North 5th Avenue in Laurel, Mississippi.
- The Southern Living magazine gleefully showcases Laurel as a must-visit destination, praising the town's shopping and dining options that now draw crowds from all across the nation.
- For those who are captivated by the warmth and charm of Laurel, the town's local businesses like the Scotsman General Store and Laurel Mercantile, display a magnetic aura, much like the allure that initially drew the Napiers to transform the city.
