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Tommy Sherrell, custom upholsterer working at his studio in Downtown Laurel, MS.

Laurel’s Home Town Folks

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Lee’s Coffee & Tea; Laurel MS

There’s a few things that Home Town folks really love; food, family, community––and hosting some company!

It’s true that we have a tight-knit community. Our folks know each other by name, shop locally, and try to promote each other the best we can.

A lot of visitors tell us that we’re so charming that they don’t want to leave! Others decide to make Laurel their forever home.

But even if you don’t want to move in with us, the least we can do is take care of you while you’re here!

Home Town Treatment

Like I said, our people can’t be beat when it comes to Southern hospitality. When you arrive, we’ve got your itinerary covered. Stop by the Laurel Welcome Center first to get the scoop on our walking tour of the Historic District, brochures for things to do in surrounding areas, and some historical info you may not know!

LOCALS TIP: Ask any merchant where you can find a map of Downtown Laurel! This will come in great use to you.

After you’re rightfully welcomed, make your way around town and visit our local merchants! Those are the people who will make you feel right at home.

LOCALS TIP: You may see a few friendly and familiar faces! A few of our local merchants were featured on HGTV Home Town. Grab a selfie with them!

And last, make sure to stay at one of our local airbnb’s. You may even score some treats from Sweet Somethings Bakery or a home-cooked breakfast!

Folks Who Loved Laurel

For proof that our Home Town charm is real, we included some testimonies of visitors from all over! (Even Canada!)

“We fell in love with Laurel MS!! We live in Nashville and decided to see if what we see on the show is legit. It is!! ???We walked and drove all over (blisters to prove it), and I can’t stop thinking about it. The charm is for real. The people so friendly. We will visit again.?” -Tricia Haux Baxter; Posted in HGTV Home Town Fan Group

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We spent all day today exploring my parent’s hometown of Laurel, MS. . I grew up visiting Laurel every summer and major holiday, but in the last decade or so most everyone has moved away from town and we haven’t been back too often. . Laurel has been getting some really cool national attention for the HGTV show ‘Hometown’ and a lot of neat stores are going in the downtown. . Today was such a fun trip down memory lane to see tons of spots I knew and loved plus some new and gorgeous shops that have arrived. . We also spent a good thirty minutes driving up and down every street in town so my mother could tell us the names of 75% of the houses’ former occupants and regale us with tales of sneaking in that ones backyard or secretly riding that one’s elevator up and down until someone’s mama came home or praying that one’s owner didn’t call her mother… again. (In other news – I now totally blame my mother and my husband for Bowen’s wild streak) . It was so fun to hear the history of a town that has so much meaning to our family. Laurel, we love ya! . #Laurel #LaurelMS #Mississippi #HGTV #HGTVHometown

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“Visiting my childhood hometown for the day and got to meet Miss Pearl! Loved seeing Laurel come alive again!” -Kathy Myrick Reid; Posted in HGTV Home Town Fan Group

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I loooove Laurel, and am pretty sure you will too. ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ It's the hometown of @hgtv 's "Home Town" TV show #saythatfivetimesfast and is just the cutest lil small town you ever did see. Plus, the food is wonderful and the people are friendly >> prepare to be hugged by complete strangers bearing large plates of fried everything. #heaven ♡ ♡ ♡ Sharing travel notes + #foodporn pics from our trip down to Laurel over on the blog. Head over to @motivatedgeny and click the link in bio to read! ♡ ♡ ♡ #laurelms #hgtvhometown #hgtvaddict #millennialtravel #mississippi #liveinlaurel #mississippilife #travelblogger #smalltownusa #madeinmississippi #historicdowntown #ohtheplacesyoullgo #mainstreetamerica

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“Laurel is a lovely town. We enjoyed every moment, from last night ‘s Home Town season 2 finale, Miss Pearl’s diner and a wonderful conversation with Josh. We were treated like royalty when the chamber of Commerce saw where I put my pin to show where we’re from: Oshawa Ontario Canada. They gave us a shout out and asked us to stand. Some of Laurel ‘s citizens stopped by with welcome words. So, Canada stop by Laurel. You won’t be disappointed. ?” -Valdeen Button; Posted in HGTV Home Town Fan Group

“We are from Parkland, FL and enjoyed the first part of our adult spring break in Laurel. We have a lot going on in our hometown right now and it was nice to relax here in Laurel. It was as sweet of a town as the show portrays it! We loved it!” -Pam Turner; Posted in HGTV Home town Show Followers

The Home Town experience is one that you need to come enjoy in-person! We’d love to have you anytime. Don’t be a stranger!

Don’t know when to make your trip? Here’s the best times to visit Laurel.

Love Laurel? Sign up in the blue box to get weekly updates and follow our Instagram for more Laurel fun! 

Laurel’s Best Nightlife Destinations

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Spending the weekend in Laurel? Maybe you’ve got your day plans already mapped out, but here’s your nighttime itinerary. 

Dinner & Dessert

Man oh man does Downtown Laurel have some great food! (And sweets.)

A lot of us know what eateries are open during the day, but what about on weekends? And for dinner?

The Loft on Central Ave. has a beautiful, string-lit patio and deck that’s perfect for intimate dinner dates. Or for a group! Lots of business people enjoy coming here for a drink after work.

Local Tip: Try the steak bites!

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Guess where? #mimmos #downtownlaurel #sogood

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Mimmo’s Ristorante and Pizzeria is one of Downtown Laurel’s newest editions for dinner! Their ambience, food, and cannolis are to die for.

Local Tip: Mimmo’s food is authentic Italian! Mimmo makes his bread, pasta, and signature dressing from scratch daily.

Looking for some comfort food? The Pearl Diner is open on Saturdays for lunch, and Friday nights for dinner.

Local Tip: Miss Pearl’s Banana Pudding is the dessert you need. You’ll be talking about it for days to come. Trust us!

Friday Night Fun

In case you didn’t know, Laurel is a hub for great entertainment. From live music to theatre productions, we got it!

Lee’s Coffee & Tea has brand new extended hours, and has welcomed some great new things to the café! Enjoy Lee’s until 9 PM on the weekends, and sometimes later on Open Mic Night.

The first Friday of every month, Lee’s hosts Laurel’s many local musicians for Open Mic Night. Come grab a coffee, craft beer, or a hummus plate and sit back and watch the show!

The second Friday is board game night and the third Friday of the month is Vinyl Night! Bring your favorite record and put in the queue.

Did you know Laurel has a brewery? Well, now you do!

Slowboat Brewing Co. is fun, family friendly, and the place to go for the best live music.

They brew their own in-house craft beer, host food trucks, and have life-size Jenga.

Local Tip: Slowboat is dog friendly. Don’t leave your furry friends at home!

 

Laurel Little Theatre hosts seasonal productions and events all throughout the year.

Many of our favorite plays have been performed in this historic theatre. Be sure to check out their schedule!

Laurel’s Sip & Stroll Ordinance

The City Beautiful is now home to a “to-go cup” friendly leisure and recreation district.

Get your favorite drinks to-go from our local restaurants and bars, and Sip & Stroll under the lights in Downtown Laurel!

Love these tips? Sign up in the blue box to get email updates and follow our Instagram for more Laurel fun!