Posts

When to plan your trip to Laurel, Mississippi

There are so many fun things to do in our home town throughout the year, but if you aren’t a local like us – it can be hard to know when is the best time to plan your trip to visit Laurel.

We’ve collected a few of our favorite activities that are best enjoyed at specific times throughout the year. Read on to find the perfect time for your trip!

Planning a Spring trip to Laurel, MS

Springtime is quite possibly the very best time to visit Laurel. We will start to see warmer temperatures as early as February (some days even get up to 80 degrees), much sooner than most of the United States. Come thaw out with us and enjoy shopping in downtown boutiques with their doors opened wide to the breeze, and attend a variety of spring events and happenings throughout the city.

HGTV Home Town Season Premier & Finale Parties · Laurel Mercantile

FREE · HGTV HOME TOWN

The first essential tourist events are the outdoor parties held by the Home Town team for the season premiers and finales of the show. These events are open to the public and are a great opportunity to meet the folks behind the show, including Erin and Ben Napier! Join us for these uniquely-Laurel celebrations each year!

LOCAL’S TIP: Bring a chair and a big appetite! Thanks to local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, these events feature a variety of awesome local food trucks and fare from our downtown eateries!

The Gardens of Laurel’s Historic District · 5th, 6th, 7th & Euclid Avenues

FREE · ACCESSIBLE

We love our gardens in the South, and we want to share their incredible beauty with you! Enjoy a walk under the towering oaks or simply take a drive through Laurel’s historic district to experience a variety of carefully tended gardens and flowering trees.

Visit Laurel, Mississippi for great family-friendly activities and gorgeous views!

Euclid Avenue and Park is one of the most featured areas on HGTV’s Home Town, and one of Laurel’s most darling neighborhoods.

LOCAL’S TIP: Stop by the Laurel Welcome Center at 401 Central Ave. to pick up the official “Walking Tour” brochure with step-by-step directions.

Touch A Truck · 2nd Saturday in April · Downtown Laurel

KID-FRIENDLY · SENSORY-FRIENDLY

Kids of all ages stand in awe of big, hard-working trucks and vehicles. Touch a Truck is a perfect activity to get up close and personal with all manner of tough giants. Looking for an activity for those with sensory sensitivities or children with autism? TAT features a special “quiet hour” designed to allow them to enjoy the fun, without the worry of loud horns or flashing lights.

LOCAL’S TIP: Buy your tickets early for a special discount. Click here for more info. Ticket sales go back into the community to fund restoration projects and to help make Downtown even more beautiful.

Downtown Crawfest · 3rd Saturday in April · Magnolia & Front St.’s

FAMILY-FRIENDLY · FREE ENTRY FOR KIDS UNDER 5

Have you ever experienced a southern crawfish boil? Here is your chance to get a taste of this fun experience as cooks of all experience levels go head to head to see who comes out as the official champion. Enjoy great local beverages, live music, and delicious food at this new Laurel event!

LOCAL’S TIP: This is a great opportunity to tour Downtown and visit local merchants such as Laurel Mercantile (Erin & Ben’s shop as featured on HGTV Home Town) and Lott Furniture on Front St, and the boutiques on Magnolia Street.

Day in the Park · 1st Saturday in May · Mason Park

FREE ADMISSION · KID-FRIENDLY

Every local kid grew up looking forward to that warm spring day where the whole family would load up in the car and drive down to Mason Park for a day of fun kids’ activities, local art, awesome arts & crafts vendors and great local music. Day in the Park is the perfect event for those planning an early May trip, where you and your family can truly experience Laurel like generations of local families have before.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTByr6TDm9P

LOCAL’S TIP: Bring a folding chair or blanket to sit in the grass under the pines and enjoy great food while listening to local artists and productions.

Visiting Laurel in the Summer

Headed down to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, or the Florida beaches? Stop into Laurel for great summer fun and amazing shopping. If there’s anything we know in South Mississippi, it’s how to do summer right!

Kids’ Activities & Playgrounds

KID-FRIENDLY

Let the littles stretch their legs and get out their wiggles with a stop in a Laurel. Click here for a full list of kids’ activities and playgrounds in Laurel, many within easy walking distance of downtown!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUe21UQlVDW/

LOCAL’S TIP: Mason Park has the best shade cover for warmer summer days, and the Laurel Sportsplex splash pad is easily accessible and free for a truly cooling experience.

Blues Bash · June · Lauren Rogers Museum of Art

LOCAL MUSIC · FAMILY-FRIENDLY

No trip to Mississippi is complete without experiencing the uniquely-southern sound of the blues. This annual event is a showcase of the best blues musicians Mississippi has to offer and a celebration of our long history of supporting America’s music.

LOCAL’S TIP: Click here to purchase tickets online before your trip.

4th of July Fireworks Shows · July · Downtown Laurel

FREE · FAMILY-FRIENDLY

The 4th of July Fireworks have long been a childhood staple in Laurel. Held each year at both the Sawmill Square Mall, and more recently, Jones Family Medicine Clinic – both shows are free and open to the general public.

LOCAL’S TIP: Watch the Sawmill Square show from Pinehurst Park in Downtown Laurel for a truly local experience, complete with refreshments!

Should you visit Laurel in the Fall?

After a long summer, Laurelites always welcome the cooler temperatures of the Fall. You’ll see lots of locals out and about, walking through the historic district, shopping in downtown shops, exploring their hometown and looking forward to the fun of festival season! Join us for these great fall events in Laurel!

The Loblolly Festival · 1st Saturday of October · Downtown Laurel

FREE · FAMILY-FRIENDLY

The Loblolly Festival is an absolute must for any trip to Laurel in the fall. Laurel’s biggest festival celebrates our history as a lumber town, complete with our beloved mascot – The Loblolly Lumberjack – played by the star of Home Town himself, Big Ben Napier! Make a special trip for this one, folks!

View this post on Instagram

Are you a #loblollylover? We are!

A post shared by Laurel Main Street (@laurelmainstreet) on

LOCAL’S TIP: Park in the exterior parking lots around downtown, and be sure to leave some room in your car – you’re sure to leave with some great finds!

Deason Home Ghost Tours · Ellisville

HISTORY

The Deason Home holds secrets of one of the most interesting parts of Jones County’s history. Visit our neighboring town of Ellisville for this fun historical experience, and you might just meet a ghost while you explore our counties’ storied past.

LOCAL’S TIP: Click here to learn more about the story behind The Deason Home, and why our home county is called the “Free State of Jones.”

The South Mississippi Fair · HWY 11

FAMILY-FRIENDLY · ARTS & CRAFTS

Laurel’s historic fairgrounds are never put to better use than when the fair comes to town! Folks travel from all over Mississippi to attend the 2nd largest fair in the state each fall. Enjoy the fun of the rides (check for unlimited armband nights for the best value), incredible local and traveling fair food, arts & crafts, livestock shows and live music!

LOCAL’S TIP: Visit during lunch hours for that delicious and addictive fair food, without an admission fee or the nighttime crowds.

Even winter is a great time to visit Laurel!

Have you ever experienced the holiday season in the south? You’re truly in for a treat if you are here for some of our most cherished annual events!

Kiwanis Pancake Day · 1st Saturday of December · YWCO & 1st Baptist

FAMILY-FRIENDLY · GREAT FOOD

Get ready for one of the quintessential local experiences! Pancake Day is a sign and symbol of what it is like to say #iliveinlaurel, as locals of all walks of life gather together for a meal before or after the annual Christmas Parade. Locals and visitors alike will line the sidewalks in anticipation of a delicious meal of pancakes with butter and syrup served with sausage and cooked up just right.

LOCAL’S TIP: Due to its popularity, the event is now held at two separate locations to accommodate the crowds. Check out the YWCO on Oak Street in downtown, or First Baptist Church on 6th Ave.

Sertoma Christmas Parade · 1st Saturday of December · Downtown Laurel

FAMILY-FRIENDLY · FREE

Did you know Laurel hosts the longest Christmas parade in the state of Mississippi? Join us the first Saturday in December for this morning parade that loops around the Sawmill Square Mall and through Downtown Laurel. You might even spy a jolly, white-bearded fellow with treats for the littles.

View this post on Instagram

Pancakes. Parade. Warm fuzzy feelings all around.

A post shared by D A W N T R E S T (@dawnonthedaily) on

LOCAL’S TIP: Come to downtown early to claim a spot, visit the shops and grab a hot coffee at Lee’s Coffee & Tea!

Christmas at the Village · Landrum’s · HWY 15 S

FAMILY-FRIENDLY · HISTORY

Landrum’s Homestead and Village, or “Landrum’s Country” to the locals, is a great attraction any time of the year, but it is most perfect during the holidays. Take a walk through a recreation of a historic southern town, complete with cabins, blacksmith demonstrations, and the most quaint little chapel all decorated for Christmas. This is an absolute must-visit for holiday tourists!

LOCAL’S TIP: Admission is $10 and walk-ins are welcome year-round.

Want to find out about more local Laurel events and happenings? Sign up for updates and follow us on Instagram for daily posts about our home town.

Our Downtown Laurel merchants are rolling out the welcome mat for you with beautiful decor, charming shops and big smiles. Stop by and say hey y'all!

Why #iliveinlaurel: A Local’s Perspective

If you spend any amount of time in Laurel, you’ll quickly see the allure of our affectionally called, “City Beautiful”. There are many reasons why #iliveinlaurel, and hopefully–I can convince you to do the same.

Laurel’s History & Beauty

If you browse the #iliveinlaurel tag on Instagram, you’ll find many photos of our parks, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, blooming gardens, porch gatherings, and walks through the Historic District.

Because we have such rich history built by innovators, artisans, and entrepreneurs, our buildings and homes are awe-inspiring to look at. (And live in!)

I’m lucky enough to live in the Historic District in a very old home with tall ceilings and windows, a huge wrap-around porch, and plenty to look at right outside my door. And when I’m wanting to get out, everything is in walking distance. I’ve got a tennis court across the street, and can walk to work and Downtown in less than 10 minutes!

  • Historic Buildings

    The Arabian, now Laurel Little Theatre is celebrating their 57th season this year. Their building is one of my favorites. I recommend you try to catch them on a good day to go look inside!

  • Historic District

    Laurel’s historic district is incredibly beautiful. Long walks in any season are to be cherished. You might even see some homes you recognize!

  • Laurel in Bloom

    Laurel’s Springtime is the best for flower finds! We’ve got several types of azaleas, Japanese magnolias, and plenty more to enjoy.

Food & Fun

One of the best parts of Laurel is the culture. Our city is a central hub for creatives, musicians, artists, and foodies of all kinds.

We have great events like Open Mic Night at Lee’s Coffee & Tea, weekends at Slowboat Brewing Co., and festivals sponsored by Laurel Main Street.

And one thing you can’t miss in Laurel is the food. 

We’ve got authentic Italian, home-style cooking, a steakhouse, a coffee shop, and more!

Need refreshing after a long walk through Downtown? Stop at one of our local restaurants or coffee shops for delicious treats!

Need refreshing after a long walk through Downtown? Stop at one of our local restaurants or coffee shops for delicious treats!

Downtown Laurel during Loblolly Festival in the Fall. We have several great festivals worth getting Downtown for!

A Tight-Knit Community Who Are Proud to Say: #iliveinlaurel

Trust me when I say that I’m not the only one who loves living in Laurel! One of my absolute favorite things about my city are my friends and neighbors.

The people who live here are huge cheerleaders of each other and for our Downtown. We collaborate, we meet for lunch, and we know everyone by name.

And most of all: we are proud to say #iliveinlaurel.

View this post on Instagram

Sprang #iliveinlaurel

A post shared by lindsay miller (@hellolindsaymiller) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgW4c9mgpXA/

View this post on Instagram

These blue skies + Laurel 😍😍😍

A post shared by D A W N T R E S T (@dawnonthedaily) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgQ3F6WA61T/

I hope that after reading this, you’ll consider becoming a Laurelite or at the least just paying us a visit! There’s just too much here to enjoy to keep it all to ourselves.

Sign up in the blue box to get email updates when we post, and follow us on Instagram for more Laurel fun!

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!

View this post on Instagram

Gorgeous day! #iliveinlaurel #dayinthepark2017

A post shared by D A W N T R E S T (@dawnonthedaily) on

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!