An Insider’s Guide to Laurel, Mississippi: Experience HGTV’s Home Town Like A Local
I lived in Laurel for twenty years of my life, including the years of its growth after the hit HGTV show Home Town came to be. Laurel, Mississippi is one of the most charming Southern towns, full of hospitable neighbors, good food, and places to shop.
It’s a bit ethereal to walk its crowded streets and remember the time when Downtown Laurel was a sad, destitute place. Today, I’m proud to visit home and revel in Laurel’s new identity— America’s hometown. Now, Laurel is a place where visitors flock to experience hospitality, drink iced sweet tea, and hear southern accents. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, there's something special waiting for you in our hometown.
Where to Shop in Laurel, Mississippi
As soon as you step into the historic district, time stands still amidst beautifully preserved buildings and bustling streets. You’ll find local shops, and boutiques offering a glimpse into our local craftsmanship and southern culture.
Southern Antiques
The Scent Library
The Laurel Leaf
The Rusty Chandelier
Laurel Mercantile Co.
The Cotton Boll
Scotsman General Store
Bella Bella
Lott’s Furniture Company
Peddlers Junktion
Napier Frames
Lauren Rogers Art Museum
Caron Gallery South
HAND + made
Holi-Daze Decor & More
Landrum’s Homestead & Village: A Living History Museum
Laurel Nursery & Garden
Southern Sisters of Laurel, LLC
Patina’s
Pillow Trees Interiors
Rubie’s Home Furnishings
The Remnant
Goodness Gracious
Southern Antiques
Southern Antiques is one of my favorite stores to visit when I’m home. It’s in the middle of Downtown Laurel, adorned with a charming balcony and breathtaking window displays.
Andrea Milham stocks her two-story storefront with classic and beautiful inventory. I always leave with something new for my home or my closet.
The Scent Library
Erin and Ben Napier created and own The Scent Library, located across from their flagship store, Laurel Mercantile Co. Their tagline is Every Scent Tells A Story, and their store resembles a classic library. Go take a whiff of my favorite candle, Pear Cake, and enjoy the sensory journey unlike any other.
Where to Eat in Laurel, Mississippi
Most visitors come for the Southern comfort food when they visit Laurel, but there's something to satisfy every palate. While there are many in Downtown Laurel, some of the best gems are worth venturing to.
The Loft on Central Ave — Steak, Seafood, and Pasta
Philip’s Diner — Supreme Cheeseburgers, Fries and Milkshakes
The Pearl Diner — Southern Comfort Food
Café Le Fleur — Cajun and Creole Restaurant
Lee’s Coffee & Tea — Coffee, Sandwich, Salad, and Soup
Buzzard’s Roost Bar & Inn — Happy Hour Food and Cocktails
Raising Canes — Fast food. I said what I said. It’s my first stop every time
Smokehouse — Great BBQ
Texas Pitmaster — Also Great BBQ and live music
Garcia’s Donuts — Best donuts and breakfast in Laurel
Shug’s Cookie Dough and Candy Bar — Cookie cake, sweets, and ice cream galore!
The Pearl Diner
The Pearl Diner is famous for its namesake and story. The owner, Miss Pearl, shared her appetite for life on Ben and Erin's series Home Town, and the world was enamored with her. Now, she offers a southern experience, serving up classic blue plate specials.
My favorite plate is crispy fried chicken, lima beans, and creamy macaroni and cheese. Be sure to add the cornbread and the Crystal’s hot sauce. Get there early to grab a booth and prepare to experience the warmth and hospitality with every delicious bite. Better yet, grab a to-go plate and eat your southern cuisine in Trustmark Park across the street.
Lee’s Coffee & Tea
Lee’s Coffee & Tea has been one of the staples of Downtown Laurel long before there was a show. If Laurel was Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, Lee’s would be Luke’s Diner.
I crave their Grilled Chicken sandwich and Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup almost every week. It’s a comfort food in its own way. You can’t go wrong with their lunch menu!
Shug’s Cookie Dough and Candy Bar
Sisters, Alise and Amanda Mathews, have concocted the best destination for an afternoon pick-me-up. Don’t be surprised when everyone takes an afternoon break to go get a sweet treat from Shug’s!
Things To Do in Laurel, Mississippi
While the majority of things to do are shopping and eating, take a breather and enjoy the scenery. Half of the southern experience is taking things slow in the outdoors, whether it’s on a walk or on a front porch.
Take a drive through the Historic District or enjoy a walking tour
Visit the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Check out their events page for special classes!
Visit the Veteran’s Memorial Museum
Grab a to-go plate and picnic in Trustmark Park in Downtown Laurel
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art during the Loblolly Festival
Laurel is a wonderful place to grow up, to visit, and to come home to. Whether you’ve spent your entire life or 24 hours there, Laurel’s people will leave an impression on you. Laurel has certainly changed my life for the better. You’ll feel inspired to dream big and invest in your own communities when you return home.