Summer has arrived and we’re super excited to spend it with you! Join us as we take advantage of all the fun free and budget-friendly activities to fill this season’s itinerary in Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi.
When you need assistance planning your trip, let the friendly staff at the Laurel-Jones County Visitor Center assist you! Our experts will aid you in crafting your itinerary, while also guiding you through the brand new facility that was recently featured on an episode of HGTV's "Home Town." You won't regret taking a few extra minutes to get your first taste of Jones County's rich culture and history while exploring the exhibits–which is a free family activity!
Sweet Summertime
Nothing says summer like a frosty cone of chilly goodness. Perhaps try a zesty fresh squeezed lemonade from Hand + Made. Shake it up with a creamy malt from Bennie and Mae’s Ice Cream Shop complete with whipped cream and a juicy cherry topper! To keep it classic, visit The Laurel Creamery for a timeless banana split. Stay a while and indulge in your refreshing treat, or take it on the go as you find a shady spot in one of Jones County’s beautiful parks!
Outdoor Adventures
While you’re downtown, get some fresh air and vitamin D by spending an afternoon outside the Laurel Mercantile . You may recognize this as the flagship store in a trio of shops owned by HGTV’s “Home Town” stars, Ben and Erin Napier. Take a short stroll to the Scotsman General Store. Here, you’ll find a variety of games and plenty of spots to lounge in the Mississippi sunshine while in the Scotsman Yard and Food Truck Park.
When you’re in search of a more interactive way to spend the day, jump back in time with a visit to Landrum’s Homestead and Village. This living history experience includes over 30 acres of building, exhibits and displays to explore. Tickets are only $12 each and children under three enter free!
Beat the Heat Indoors
For those looking for ways to take a break from the outside and cool off in the air conditioning, the Laurel-Jones County Library is the place to be! Come join in on the various summer reading programs, coloring activities and Splash Day fun! Test your building skills at Lego Club and say hello to everyone’s favorite blue heeler at Bluey Bash! Don’t worry, we’ll save you a seat.
Let the excitement continue when you visit the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Mississippi’s oldest museum offers an extensive collection of artwork for guests to view for free and even has programs for the whole family! Take advantage of their Free Family Art workshops Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. during the month of June, and check out more of their awesome summer events.
Looking for more indoor learning opportunities? The Laurel-Jones County Black History Museum & Arts is a great place to visit to learn more about the history and contributions of African Americans locally and nationally.
For more ways to play this summer, check out a full list of our activities here in Laurel and Jones County.
