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