The Perfect Weekend Getaway for Southern Charm, Local Shopping, and Cultural Art
LAUREL & JONES COUNTY, Miss. – A new year calls for new experiences, and there is no time like the present to plan a spring getaway to Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi. The area is known for its vibrant culture, Southern hospitality, and beautiful places to stay. Whether planning a family or a girl’s trip, Laurel & Jones County has plenty of the ”unexpected” for everyone to enjoy, especially for fans of HGTV’s Home Town.
Accommodations range from historic bed and breakfasts and hotels to vacation rentals, making it perfect for visitors looking for a charming stay. Many of these have been restored by Erin and Ben Napier, Laurel natives and stars of Home Town. Fans of the show may have a chance to stay in one of the couple’s beautifully renovated homes. With the spring season approaching, many new and exciting things are happening in the town.
Immerse Yourself in Art
Over the next few months, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi’s first art museum, will feature two exhibits, Nuestro Mississippi (Jan. 21 – Mar. 23) and Memories & Inspiration (Feb. 4 – Apr 19), eachhighlighting minority communities. These exhibits will allow visitors to learn more about Hispanic and African-American cultures. Additionally, Nuestro Mississippi will enable visitors to learn from firsthand interviews and images about the Mississippi Hispanic community, and Memories & Inspiration is a 35-year collection in the making and comprises 67 works of art.
Art Workshops for All Ages
From February to April, the Lauren Rodgers Museum of Art offers various art workshops
that allow visitors to unleash their creativity. Visitors can explore the beauty of watercolor and acrylic painting and learn the timeless craft of pottery and ceramics, all while guided by an expert. Whether seasoned artists or beginners, participants will find these hands-on classes offer something for everyone. Perfect for a family outing or a girl’s trip, these workshops allow visitors to create unique keepsakes and experience Laurel’s distinctive artistic spirit firsthand.
The Perfect Place to Shop Local
Explore downtown Laurel’s boutiques and shops, such as the famous Laurel Mercantile Co. and Scotsman General Store, owned by the Napiers. Erin Napier’s Scent Library is also a can’t-miss spot to find the perfect scent to take back to your hometown. Just a 15-minute drive from Laurel, Ellisville offers its own unique charm with must-visit spots like Carpenter Bros Emporium of Wonderful Whatnots and The Bennie Bloomer. Arguably one of the best antique shops in Mississippi, Carpenter Bros is a two-story antique store full of one-of-a-kind treasures from vintage furniture and home décor to vinyl records and collectibles. The Bennie Bloomer blends Southern charm with modern style in a boutique setting, offering a carefully curated collection of clothing, accessories, and gifts. Jones County’s shopping scene offers a wide variety of wares, from handcrafted goods to vintage treasures.
A Taste of the South
No one can travel to the South without tasting good ole Southern cooking. In Laurel, visit Pearl’s Diner for a classic Southern comfort meal of fried chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread, and banana pudding—all Southern staples. For coffee and tea lovers, visitors can get their caffeine fix at Lee’s Coffee & Tea in Laurel or The Coffeehouse in Ellisville, where specialty coffee, tea, and a selection of baked goods are served in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Harp & Hound, known for its in-house butcher, is perfect for artisan pizzas, fresh-cut steaks, and mouth-watering burgers. To top it all off, The Laurel Creamy offers sweet treats with various ice cream flavors and seasonal surprises.
Plan Your Visit Today
Laurel and Jones County’s central location, situated off I-59 in Mississippi, makes it an easy drive from major cities or those headed to the beach. Laurel’s popularity is growing as a top destination for travelers, so planning a visit early ensures visitors can stay in the perfect spot. Let Laurel & Jones County be a hometown for a weekend, and experience the small town’s magic firsthand!
Laurel & Jones County also offer year round events such as February’s Chili Cook Off and Mardi Gras Parade. To plan your trip and learn more about all Laurel and Jones County has to offer, visitjones.com.
