Don’t Miss This Weekend in Laurel

Visiting Downtown Laurel soon? Let us do the planning.

The weekend you don’t want to miss is April 16th-18th, 2021. Not only are we celebrating Laurel Main Street’s Crawfest, but several other special events are taking place, as well.

Here’s everything you need to know:


Where to Stay

Laurel has some of the best accommodations you can find! We recommend staying at a local Airbnb. Why stay at a hotel when you could stay in our Historic District?

The Laurel Cottages | Airbnb

Our dear friends, Mallorie and Jim Rasberry, host one of the most gorgeous stays in town. Located in the heart of our Historic District, The Laurel Cottages make for a convenient and cozy home-base while you’re in town.

Chez Bird Dog | Airbnb

Who wouldn’t want to stay in a home that was featured on HGTV’s Home Town? Guess what: You can!

The Bell Family, owners of Bird Dog Café, have listed Elliot’s apartment from the show on Airbnb. Great stay? Check. Great coffee and food? Double check.

Visit Airbnb to check out all the incredible lodgings available in Laurel. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect stay for you.


What to Do

Yes, everything on this flyer is happening April 16th-18th! Screenshot it and refer to it all weekend long.

Your Personal Laurel Itinerary

Laurel is a hot-spot weekend destination, so it can be difficult for out-of-towners to keep track of everything to do. No worries! We’re here to help. (Let’s see how many events on this flyer we can fit in.)

Thursday

Assuming you make it here before supper time, we recommend you start with dinner at The Loft on Central Avenue. The Loft is an absolute staple of the Downtown Laurel community, and because it’s so well-loved, it can get very crowded on the weekends. If you want to stop by and eat, you might want to go before Friday-Saturday.

Photo by Wade Davis July 2020 | The Loft on Central Ave’s Patio

After filling up on steak bites and wine, head on down to 320FifthStreet for some drinks, bar snacks, and live entertainment for your late night escapades.

MCE Photography | 320FifthStreet

Next, rest your head in your cozy, local Airbnb to get your beauty rest for the craziness of the weekend ahead of you!

Friday

Our first stop is Bird Dog Café to fuel the day. They are our earliest opener at 6:30 AM. Grab a coffee and a breakfast taco, and we’re on our way!

If you’re an early riser, this would be a great time to take a stroll Downtown and through the Historic District before it gets crowded. Not to mention, before it heats up!

Local’s Tip: Most retail stores open at 10AM. Although, a few do open at 9.

Benefitting Laurel’s Domestic Abuse Family Center and hosted by The Pinehurst Rathskeller Gallery, En Plein Air will be happening all around town for 2 days! Artists of all ages from all over Mississippi will be set up just about everywhere painting their perspectives of our City Beautiful.

Make sure to stop by The Pinehurst Rathskeller Gallery Friday or Saturday to purchases pieces from the artists and to shop other resident works in the gallery. More on the Rathskeller here:

May be an image of food and text that says 'EN PLEIN HOSTED BY THE PINEHURST RATHSKELLER AIR LAU MISSISSIPPL'
En Plein Air | The Pinehurst Rathskeller

Next, let’s head on down to The Remnant! Their Spring Gleaning Sale is happening Friday and Saturday, 9AM-5PM. The main thing you need to know is how amazing their prices are. It’s not your average thrift-store! *This is a non-profit organization, benefiting Dwell: A Transitional Women’s Home.*

From The Bennie Bloomer’s Facebook

During this incredible sale, everyone’s favorite floral truck, The Bennie Bloomer, will be right outside! Grab yourself a bouquet of blooms, and keep on keepin’ on.

Head on back towards the Downtown area, and shop til’ you drop, but make sure you stop for lunch. And don’t scrimp on dessert. The bread pudding is divine.

Local’s Tip: Erin’s favorite dish at Café La Fleur is the Cuban sandwich.

Taken from Café La Fleur’s Facebook

After lunch, we know you’re going to want to walk off that delicious food. We suggest hitting some more shopping destinations, as well as “Junkin’ in the Streets” hosted by The Rusty Chandelier and The Laurel Leaf. It’ll be an incredible opportunity to shop unique street vendors on the 300 block of Central Avenue.

By now, it’s likely you’ll be ready for dinner. Tired? You need pasta. Mimmo’s is the place to carb-load (or eat healthy, but that’s on you) on house-made fresh bread and oil, pizza, and pasta. This place is authentic and delicious.

Taken From Mimmo’s Facebook

Saturday

First things first: go get a sticky bun. Sweet Somethings Bakery has amazing pastries. After, stop by Lee’s Coffee & Tea for a to-go coffee!

Taken From Sweet Somethings’ Facebook

Before Crawfest, you should bounce on over to New Look on Short 7th Avenue, and Peddler’s Junktion on Carroll Gartin Boulevard. *Both are walkable or drive-able.

New Look will have local artists at their Outdoor Vendors Day, and Peddler’s Junktion is having their annual Spring Cleaning Flea Market! Both stores have great indoor shopping, as well.

Now is the time…for Crawfest!

11AM-3PM, all you can eat crawfish and sides, beer, live music, and more! This is one of Laurel’s best events, and you can get tickets now from Laurel Main Street.

While you’re at Crawfest, make sure to give our Front Street businesses some love! Stop by Lott Furniture Co., The Bookstore in the Window, The Laurel Leaf, and The Pinehurst Rathskeller.

If you don’t want to eat at Crawfest, stop by Ribeye Sandwich Day at The Knight Butcher or The5000! Both will have live music during lunch.

If you can eat another bite, you should stop by Texas Pittmaster BBQ for dinner. Their food is to die for. You don’t want to miss it while you’re here!

Taken from Texas Pittmaster’s Facebook

Sunday

Before you leave, there’s just a few more things you must hit!

Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is free (donations highly encouraged), and full of beautiful art and architecture to view. It’s a great place to wind down after a long weekend before taking your trip back home.

Taken from Lauren Rogers Museum of Art’s Facebook

If you haven’t stopped by Laurel Mercantile Co. or Scotsman General Store yet, they are both open on Sunday! If you’re lucky, you might see Ben & Erin. Home Town often films in the woodshop.

From Facebook

Need a sweet treat for the road? Your very last stop should be Shug’s Cookie Dough & Candy Bar (if you haven’t already been there 10 times on this trip) for a milkshake, candy, or edible cookie dough. Maybe the sugar high will get you through the drive or flight.

Taken from Shug’s Facebook

We hope you enjoyed this itinerary for a weekend in Downtown Laurel, and we can’t wait to see you!

****Even though it may not seem possible, there are lots more businesses to visit that were not specifically mentioned. Go here to find out more and explore special activities and shop hours for the weekend. Just click the directory tab.

Sign up in the gold box for weekly updates and news on Laurel, Mississippi!

A Tour of The Pinehurst Rathskeller: Laurel’s Newest Gem

Say hello to your next stop in Downtown Laurel! Owned and operated by Amy Luker, as seen on HGTV Home Town, this Gallery is not something you want to miss.

Floor to ceiling full of original art, supplies, and gifts, this place is sure to bring the inner artist out of you.

And hey, if you are an artist—even better.

Check out the video tour below to get an exclusive look at the space and don’t forget to sign up in the gold box for weekly email updates!

A Closer Look

Follow Pinehurst Rathskeller

Visit the Gallery

A gallery and art supply store showing the work of professional artists in the South.

HOURS

Tuesday-Saturday 11 AM- 5 PM *extended hours for special events

LOCATION

312 Front Street Laurel, MS 39440


A Complete Itinerary for Downtown Laurel: A Home Town Weekend

Planning a visit to Laurel, Mississippi to join us for HGTV’s Home Town Season 3 Finale block party? You’re coming at the best time.

Because our merchants and eateries have so much going on, we decided to put it all in one place for you and coordinate your trip. (Free of charge!)

Where to Stay

We recommend arriving on Friday, April 5th to make the most out of your trip.

Skip the hotels! Airbnb is where it’s at.

All the money you’re spending on lodging could instead go directly into a local’s pocket. Not to mention, you’ll get a totally personal, and charming experience right in the heart of Laurel’s Historic District. (And don’t worry, if all of our BnBs are booked, we do have some nice hotels. There are a few that are even about a five minute drive to Downtown.)

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Laurel, you sure are pretty.

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Friday

Depending on when you arrive and check in, the first thing you should do is get Downtown.

Local’s tip: Get a map. Our official Downtown Laurel map will help you navigate from store to store, all the way to the Historic District. Find one at Laurel Mercantile Co., Scotsman Co. General Store, Lott Furniture Co., or the Laurel Welcome Center.

If you have time, get your bearings! Take your map and get an idea of where your stops will be.

Definitely stop at Café la Fleur for dinner. It’s a New Orleans style restaurant, with plenty of yummy Cajun food to choose from.

Our favorite dish is the seafood enchiladas. Erin’s is the Cuban sandwich!

BBQ Burger at Cafè la Fleur

After you’re stuffed, walk on over to Lee’s Coffee and Tea for Open Mic Night. Every first Friday of the month, Lee’s hosts local talent (all family-friendly) from 6:30-9 PM. Enjoy craft beer, board games, dessert, and live music!

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Ready and waiting for YOU tonight!

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Saturday

Start your day off right with breakfast at Sweet Something’s Bakery! They have everything from warm sticky buns to fresh scones.

View this post on Instagram

Fresh Cinnamon Rolls will warm your day

A post shared by Sweet Somethings Bakery🍰 (@sweetsomethingsbakery_) on

Then, go ahead and start shopping! Our merchants have lots of special events and sales going on this weekend. Namely, Guild & Gentry, Laurel’s only men’s store, is having a Sidewalk Sale with items 40-70% off and live music from 12-2 PM!

Make sure you stop by Allie’s on Magnolia next, because they are also having a huge sale for their Anniversary event.

This is a great day to visit Laurel Mercantile Co. and Scotsman Co. General Store.

If you don’t buy anything else at LMCo., buy a candle! Our favorites are “Laurel” and “Porch Party”. And make sure you grab a Honey Lemonade from the General Store.

If you’ve even got time for lunch, you’ve got to head on down to The Knight Butcher for Ribeye Day. Chill out on their patio and enjoy some good food and live music!

Dinner for Saturday = The Loft.

Their hours are 5:30-until, so this is a good place to camp out and relax after you shop til’ you drop. They have a full bar, steaks and seafood, and an incredible outdoor area.

We recommend the steak bites.

If you’re still raring to go, we’ve got some A+ nightlife to throw your way. For drink #2, or #3 or #4, get to Slowboat Brewing Company.

Cary Hudson and Mark Mann go on at 7:30, and the brews go on til’ midnight. This venue is low-key. There’s plenty of seating available, and is kid and dog friendly.

If you have a late night sweet tooth, make a short trip to PDI for a milkshake.

Sunday

Early riser? Vic’s opens at 6 AM. Go there. Get a butter biscuit.

Throughout the day, continue to shop around and visit some of the shops you missed yesterday.

This is special! Many of our businesses are typically closed on Sundays. We are opening up just for you! Make sure to come see them and let them know you’re happy to see them.

Do not miss Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Laurel’s only art museum was actually Mississippi’s first! We have the world’s third smallest basket (literally cannot be seen without a microscope), beautiful Georgian silver, master works of art, and seasonal exhibits.

Next, go take our walking tour of our Historic District! The official brochure is at Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.

Not only will you see various classic architectural styles, and Historic churches and parks, but also some very special homes you might have seen on TV!

Locals Tip: No one can or will give out addresses to the Home Town houses for privacy of the homeowners, but if you explore, we guarantee you will find them!

For lunch today, mosey back on down to Lee’s Coffee and Tea! They have great sandwiches, salads, soups, coffee and tea. This café is perfect for Sunday lunch.

Because we are such a small town, not many of our restaurants are open. (For rest, of course!) You might want to travel to 16th Avenue to find a bite to eat. We have recognizable chain restaurants, but we recommend eating at a locally owned establishment!

Try Reyes Mexican Grill and Bar or Blue Crab Grill. Both are great!

Monday

This might be your last breakfast in Laurel, so make it count! Stop at the5000 food truck beside the General Store.

Try the breakfast fries. You won’t regret it.

And again, go shop! There’s still a chance you’ve missed some shops, or you can always make a second visit!

Loblolly Boutique (our children’s boutique and toy store) is having a special pop-up event for tween girls. They can make their own bracelet and meet some empowering women in Jones County!

From noon to 4 PM, Pinehurst Rathskeller Art Gallery and Supply is sponsoring the Downtown Laurel Art Walk! 30 artists will be scattered at businesses around town doing live demonstrations and selling their work around town. The Gallery will also be having sales in-store.

Another thing to note: LRMA will be open and hosting a kids craft during the art walk.

Also at noon, reruns of Home Town will begin to air on the big screen until 6 PM! If you ever want to stop and chill, grab a chair or blanket and see all your favorite homes again!

Lunch? The Pearl Diner. Mrs. Pearl will have a blue plate lunch ready for you, complete with the best darn Mac and Cheese around. Get ready to be stuffed.

During the day, Magnolia Street will be closed with lots of activities for children, tables to sit and eat, live music, and art from Laurel High School students on display.

Don’t miss Shug’s Cookie Dough and Candy Bar! They have allllll the sweet treats, and are doing a special “decorate your own Home Town house” cookie kit for just $5 all day long.

More block party festivities will begin at 6 PM, so we recommend either grabbing an early dinner before, or be ready to move back and forth from the stage.

Try Mimmo’s for authentic Italian food, or munch on something good from the food trucks that will be parked on Oak Street.

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#seafood #yumyum

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The pre-show entertainment will include more live music, homeowner interviews, giveaways, and VIP Introductions.

If you’re wanting to still move about town during this time, grab a drink from the beer truck, and go check out Ben and Erin’s furniture showroom at Lott Furniture Co.

Make sure to settle in by 8, because that’s when the episode starts! Watch Home Town right in the heart of Downtown Laurel with other fans and locals alike. It will truly be a special experience!

————————————————————————————————————

We hope you enjoyed this itinerary for a weekend in Downtown Laurel, and we can’t wait to see you!

****Even though it may not seem possible, there are lots more businesses to visit that were not specifically mentioned. Go here to find out more and explore special activities and shop hours for the weekend.

Sign up in the gold box for weekly updates and news on Laurel, Mississippi!

Best Kid Activities in Laurel, Mississippi

Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Spots in Laurel, Mississippi

Every parent knows that when you’re planning a trip, you have to plan around the littles. Whether you’re just stopping in or staying with us for a day or two, these great spots in Laurel are just the thing to let them stretch their legs, run off some energy, or even make a Laurel memento of their own.

Mason Park & Playground

7th Avenue · Laurel, MS

Laurel’s biggest park and playground is always hopping and jumping as kids of all ages enjoy this diverse and colorful wooden playground. Need space to run and play, find a picnic table, or take a walk under the pine trees – this is the perfect spot. During the holiday season, visit Mason Park for an incredible light display, or come see us the first weekend of May for the annual “Day in the Park” event!

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Gorgeous day! #iliveinlaurel #dayinthepark2017

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Lauren Rogers Museum of Art

5th Avenue · Laurel, MS

Tours are free for the whole family, and if you plan well you can catch a great event such as Free Family Art Days, or the Heritage Arts Festival, held each year during Laurel Main Street’s Loblolly Festival.

Gardiner Park & Playground

4th Avenue · Laurel, MS

Another great spot within walking distance of Downtown Laurel is Gardiner Park.  This large park features a walking track, a large flat area that is great for throwing a ball or frisbee, and a “just right” playground with swing set. Take a walk down 5th Avenue from Downtown, take a right at 7th Street at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art and the park is one block down to your left!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEcGoCsoeRJ/

Laurel Little Theatre & Pinehurst Park

5th Avenue · Laurel, MS

The Arabian, or Laurel Little Theatre, is the pride and joy of Laurel’s performing arts community. LLT featurs a variety of productions throughout the year, so be sure to schedule your visit to take in the talents of local adults and children alike. Next door, you’ll find Pinehurst Park – where you can toss a penny in the fountain and wish to come back to Laurel again!

Laurel-Jones County Library

Commerce Street, Laurel, MS

The Laurel-Jones County Library is a peaceful, air-conditioned retreat for the whole family. Come during the summertime to enjoy the Summer Reading Program, or on Tuesdays and Thursdays for Children’s Storytime!

The Laurel Sportsplex & Splashpad

Hwy 84 W

Bring your swimsuit and cool off during the hot Mississippi summers at the Laurel Sportsplex & Splashpad. Entry is totally free and there is a great playground available for dry play.

Laurel Main Street’s “Touch A Truck” Event

Downtown Laurel

If you’re planning a Springtime trip – you don’t want to miss the annual Touch A Truck event! This fabulous event is designed for kids of all ages to play on, ride on and “touch” trucks and other hard-working vehicles. Visit Laurel Main Street’s website for more info here!