Take a stroll through Southern charm.

There’s just something special about a small town with a big heart—and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Laurel, Mississippi. Tucked away beneath a canopy of moss-draped oaks, this quaint Southern town invites you to slow down, sip sweet tea on a front porch, and rediscover the joy of simple pleasures.

Chances are, you’ve seen Laurel come to life on HGTV’s Home Town, where Ben and Erin Napier lovingly restore historic homes with heart and soul. Or maybe you’ve laughed along with hometown favorite and now-famous social media influencer Landon Bryant, known for his witty Southern storytelling and big personality (whom we proudly featured in our April issue!).

But whether you come for the charm, the creativity, or the community—you’ll find all three in abundance. Laurel is full of warmth, character, and the kind of hospitality that feels like a hug from an old friend.

Where to Eat

No trip is complete without a good meal—or three. Laurel might be small, but its food scene is full of flavor, personality, and Southern soul.

• The Pearl Diner– A retro gem with fried chicken that’ll make you close your eyes and say “mmhmm.” Bonus points for the banana pudding.
• Lee’s Coffee & Tea– A local favorite for breakfast or a midday break. The atmosphere is cozy, and the homemade quiche is perfection.
• The Loft– When you’re ready for a nice dinner, this charming upstairs bistro delivers. Steaks, pasta, and a wine list that surprises in the best way.
• Sweet Somethings Bakery– Every bite feels like a little celebration. Don’t miss the pecan pie bars or lemon cupcakes.
• Bird Dog Café– Casual brunch spot with elevated Southern staples. Try the chicken and waffles or the pimento cheese BLT.
• Mimmos Ristorante Pizzeria– You might not expect top-notch Italian in a Mississippi town, but Mimmos nails it. House-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a cozy, welcoming vibe.
• Café La Fleur– With its Cajun-inspired menu, this spot adds a little Louisiana flair. The gumbo along with the shrimp and grits are both standouts.

Where to Stay

After a day of exploring, you’ll want a cozy place to rest your head—and Laurel has several stays that match the town’s charm.

• The Laurel Cottages – These beautifully restored homes make you feel like you’ve stepped into an episode of Home Town. Perfect for a more personal, immersive experience.
• Wisteria Bed & Breakfast – A classic Southern B&B with wraparound porches, welcoming hosts, and a pecan pie that deserves its own award.
• Buzzard’s Roost – This fun and funky Airbnb, featured on Home Town, is full of personality and Southern style. It’s just a short walk to downtown, and it makes for a great photo op, too! We planned to stay here, but finalized our plans too late to grab a room, so book early!
• Holiday Inn Express – Clean, comfortable, and conveniently located—ideal if you prefer traditional accommodations.

What to Do

There’s more to Laurel than meets the eye. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a fan of handcrafted goods, there’s plenty to fill your itinerary.

• Laurel Mercantile Co. – Co-owned by Ben and Erin Napier, this shop is packed with locally made goods, candles, books, and décor that feel like home.
• Scotsman General Store & Woodshop – Watch real woodworkers in action, grab a unique souvenir, and maybe even catch Ben Napier himself behind the scenes.
• The Scent Library – Another cool Napier shop where fragrances tell stories and bring back memories. Test scent strips, browse locally inspired candles and perfumes, and let your nose lead the way. It’s a fun, immersive stop for all your senses. There’s even a section the guys like.
• Lauren Rogers Museum of Art – Mississippi’s first art museum, and a real gem. The permanent collection features American, European, and Native American works—plus, the building itself is a beauty.
• Walk the Historic District – Stroll tree-lined streets filled with lovingly restored homes. Take your time; Laurel was made for walking.
• Grab a mural selfie – Bright, bold murals are sprinkled throughout downtown—each one perfect for your next postcard or Instagram post.
• Hellfighters USA – This place is hard to describe and impossible to forget. Part motorcycle shop, part ministry, part museum, Hellfighters is huge—and even non-riders will find it fascinating. It’s a mission-driven business with heart and horsepower.

How to Get There

Getting to Laurel is easy—and the drive itself just adds to the experience.

• By Car – Located just off I-59, Laurel is an easy drive from Hattiesburg (30 minutes), Mobile (2 hours), or Jackson (about 1.5 hours).
• By Plane – The Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport is the closest option, but many travelers fly into Jackson or Gulfport and enjoy a scenic drive into town. We flew into Jackson and on the way down discovered Berry’s Seafood Restaurant. We stopped there going and coming back!

Our Favorite Thing

While there’s no shortage of charm in Laurel, the hidden pearl for us was the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. From its elegant Georgian Revival architecture to its thoughtfully curated collection, the museum is a quiet but powerful reminder of the town’s artistic soul. The Native American basketry collection is one of the most extensive in the South, and the peaceful galleries provide the perfect place to reflect after a day of exploring.  And it’s all free! The museum stands as a testament to the desire that all people should be able to experience and appreciate art.

And I have to say, I’m also pretty glad the Scent Library shipped all the candles I couldn’t resist—for free!

Final Thoughts

We originally came to Laurel to sit down with the ever-charming Landon Bryant—and what a joy that was. Warm, witty, and wonderfully rooted in his hometown, Landon made us laugh, reflect, and feel right at home. But somewhere between the front porch conversations, the museum strolls, and the friendly waves from total strangers, we found ourselves completely smitten.

By the time we packed up to leave, we weren’t just saying goodbye—we were wondering how hard it would be to make this place home. As Landon told us in our April issue, “Laurel has always been home to me—not just because I live here, but because it’s the kind of place that feels like it hugs you back.”

We couldn’t agree more. Laurel might just be America’s hometown—and if you come for a visit, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to stay a little longer, too.

📌 If You Go: Laurel, Mississippi

Local Events to Look For:

• Loblolly Festival (October)– Arts, crafts, food, and fun in the heart of downtown.
• Christmas in Laurel– Twinkling lights, carriage rides, and all the holiday feels.

Travel Tip: Downtown is very walkable—wear comfy shoes and take your time. Free parking is easy to find.

Souvenir to Grab: A candle (or three) from The Scent Library—”Front Porch” is a local favorite, but “Mama’s House” was my favorite scent!

Can’t-Miss Photo Ops:

• Downtown murals
• Ben’s woodshop at Scotsman Co.
• The front steps of the Lauren Rogers Museum