Laurel, Miss. (Sept. 17, 2025) – Laurel and Jones County have received statewide recognition in the 2025 Best of Mississippi Awards. Each year, Mississippi Magazine invites its readers to vote for their favorite businesses and destinations throughout the state, and this year’s winners showcase the creativity and spirit found in Laurel and Jones County.
Peddlers’ Junktion, located in Laurel’s historic downtown district, was named a Best of Mississippi winner in the Garden Art category for its unique displays and shopping experience that continues to attract visitors from across the state. Known for its blend of vintage finds and antiques, Peddlers’ Junktion has a history of recognition, including being voted as Mississippi Magazine’s Best Flea Market in 2022.
The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi’s oldest art museum, was honored as a Best of Mississippi Travel winner in the Art Museum category, further cementing its role as a cultural landmark and must-visit destination for art lovers. Additionally, the museum has been a repeat honoree in the Best of Mississippi Awards; in 2023, the museum was awarded Best Museum on the M-List.
In addition to these top awards, several other Jones County favorites were included on the M-List in Best of Mississippi and Best of Mississippi Travel. The M-List is an honorable mention highlighting notable businesses and attractions across the state. From dining and shopping to community events, the recognition reflects the diverse range of experiences that make the area a must-visit destination for both residents and tourists alike.
The Best of Mississippi Awards are an annual tradition of Mississippi Magazine, celebrating the people and places that make Mississippi special.
For more information on events and travel planning in Laurel and Jones County, visit https://visitjones.com.
Jones County Honorees on the 2025 Best of Mississippi M-List
- Blue Plate Special: Pearl’s Diner
- French Fries: Philips Drive-In
- Italian Food: Mimmo’s Ristorante Pizzeria
- Pizza: Mimmo’s Ristorante Pizzeria
- Men’s Casual Clothing: Guild & Gentry
- Accessories: Peddlers’ Junktion
- Children’s Shop: Monkee & Ollie’s
- Fine Antiques: Southern Antique Gift Mall
- Home Decor Resale/Consignment: Peddlers’ Junktion
- Home Decor Resale/Consignment: Southern Sisters
- Shoes: Funky Shoes
- Flea Market: Peddlers’ Junktion
- Flea Market: Southern Antique Gift Mall
- Museum: Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Jones County Honorees on the 2025 Best of Mississippi Travel M-List
- Bed and Breakfast/Inn: Grandiflora Bed and Breakfast
- Spring/Summer Festival: Laurel Food Truck Festival
- Fall/Winter Festival: Ole Tyme Fall Festival at Landrum’s Homestead
- Day Trip: Laurel
- Culinary Destination/Experience: Laurel
- Downtown Shopping: Laurel
