Planning a trip to Laurel, Mississippi? From historic downtown streets and beautiful architecture to museums, Southern food, outdoor spaces, and live entertainment, there are plenty of ways to fill a day or weekend.
Laurel has gained national attention as the setting of HGTV's Home Town, but the city offers more than television-related attractions. Its historic neighborhoods, locally owned businesses, art, community events, and relaxed Southern atmosphere give travelers plenty of reasons to explore.
If you're visiting for the first time, these eight things to do can help you see some of Laurel's highlights without packing every minute of your trip.
Start Downtown
Downtown Laurel gives you a great first impression of the city, but there's much more to discover once you've explored Main Street. From art and military history to historic neighborhoods and local stories, the next stops offer a closer look at what makes Laurel unique.
1. Explore Historic Downtown Laurel
Historic Downtown Laurel is one of the best places to begin your trip. Restored buildings, locally owned shops, restaurants, coffee spots, murals, and historic architecture make the area easy to explore at a leisurely pace.
Rather than trying to rush through downtown, give yourself time to browse storefronts, take photos, grab something to eat, and appreciate the buildings around you. Depending on when you visit, you may also find seasonal events and community activities.
Helpful tip: If you're unfamiliar with the area, start at the Laurel-Jones County Visitor Center. The center provides information to help travelers plan their time in Laurel and is currently open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is closed Sundays.
The city's tourism resources also provide information about attractions, restaurants, shopping, lodging, tours, and events, making them useful for building an itinerary.
Discover Laurel's History and Art
2. Visit the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is an excellent choice when you want to add some culture to your itinerary. Mississippi's first art museum, it features American and European paintings, Japanese prints, Native American baskets, British Georgian silver, and changing exhibitions.
There's also a big benefit for budget-conscious travelers: admission is free. The museum has been free since 1923.
Good to know: Check the museum's current schedule before you go, especially if you're planning around a specific exhibition or program.
The museum is also located in the historic area of Laurel, making it easy to combine with downtown sightseeing and a walk through the surrounding neighborhood.
Best for: Art lovers, couples, families, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an interesting indoor activity.
3. Step Into Laurel's Military History
The Veterans Memorial Museum offers a different look at the area's history. The museum houses thousands of military artifacts and pieces of memorabilia donated by veterans and their families, with exhibits covering the service and sacrifice of Americans across generations.
The museum's mission goes beyond displaying artifacts. It focuses on preserving veterans' stories and educating future generations about their service.
Before you go: Check the museum's current hours before adding it to your itinerary. Its current listing shows Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admission and donations accepted.
Best for: Military families, veterans, history buffs, and travelers looking for an educational attraction.
Slow Down and See a Different Side of Laurel
4. Take a Walking or Guided Tour
If you want to understand more about Laurel's architecture and history, consider taking a tour instead of simply driving around town.
A guided tour can provide background about historic homes, neighborhoods, downtown landmarks, and locations connected with Home Town. Laurel's official tourism resources include group-tour information and other trip-planning options.
You can also explore the historic areas on your own if you'd rather set your own pace.
Why it's worth considering: A tour can give first-time visitors a better overview of the city and help you decide which areas you'd like to revisit later.
Planning tip: Consider doing a tour earlier in your trip. You'll have a better sense of the area before deciding how to spend the rest of your time.
5. Spend Some Time at Mason Memorial Park
Not every activity needs to involve shopping or sightseeing. Mason Memorial Park offers more than 25 acres of outdoor space, with walking trails, a playground, parking, and restroom facilities.
It's a practical stop if you're traveling with children or simply want to take a break between attractions. You can walk, let the kids play, or enjoy some downtime before continuing your day.
Best time to go: Earlier in the day or later in the afternoon can be more comfortable for outdoor activities during warmer weather.
Traveling with kids? Consider using the park as a break between longer sightseeing stops rather than trying to fill the entire day with museums and shopping.
Eat, Browse and Experience Local Life
6. Try Laurel's Local Restaurants
Food is another easy way to get a feel for Laurel. The city has locally owned restaurants and cafés offering Southern comfort food, coffee, baked treats, and Cajun-inspired dishes.
The original article highlights Lee's Coffee & Tea, Pearl's Diner, Sweet Somethings Bakery, and Cafe La Fleur as dining options.
Instead of trying to squeeze every restaurant into one trip, choose places that fit naturally into your itinerary.
Try this: Pair breakfast or coffee with downtown shopping, then save a sit-down restaurant for lunch or dinner.
One thing to remember: Check current restaurant hours before heading out, particularly on weekends or during special events.
Eating at locally owned businesses can also give you a break from the typical chain-restaurant experience while supporting businesses that contribute to the community.
7. Plan Your Trip Around a Local Event
A regular weekend in Laurel can be enjoyable, but visiting during a community event can give you another perspective on the city.
The City of Laurel maintains tourism and event information for travelers, so check the calendar before deciding when to visit.
The Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook-Off, for example, has traditionally been a February event that brings cooks, businesses, and visitors together for food and friendly competition.
Planning tip: Annual event dates and details can change, so confirm the current schedule before building your trip around a particular event.
Why go? Community events can give you a chance to see Laurel as a living community rather than simply a list of attractions.
Make Your Evening Part of the Experience
8. Catch a Show at Laurel Little Theatre
If you're staying into the evening, check the schedule at Laurel Little Theatre. The historic Arabian Theatre has been home to community productions since 1961 and presents shows throughout the season.
The current season includes productions such as Clue and The 39 Steps, with additional performances scheduled throughout the season. Performance dates and times vary by production.
Easy evening plan: Spend the afternoon downtown, have dinner, and finish the day with a show.
The theater is located at 408 North 5th Avenue, directly across from City Hall, making it convenient to include with other downtown activities.
Tip: Check the theater's current calendar before your trip if seeing a performance is a priority.
Only Have One Day in Laurel?
You don't need to see everything to have a great day. The key is to group activities together and leave yourself enough time to enjoy them.
Morning: Start at the Visitor Center, then explore downtown, browse shops, and take in the historic architecture.
Late morning: Visit the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.
Lunch: Choose one of Laurel's locally owned restaurants.
Afternoon: Take a walking or guided tour, then spend some time outdoors at Mason Memorial Park.
Evening: Have dinner and catch a Laurel Little Theatre performance if one is scheduled.
And don't be afraid to leave some time unplanned. A slower itinerary allows you to stop for coffee, browse a shop, take photos, or discover something that wasn't originally on your list.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time depends on what you want to do while you're there.
Spring and fall: These seasons can be appealing if you're planning to spend more time walking around downtown and exploring outdoors.
Summer: Plan indoor attractions around the hottest part of the day and save outdoor activities for earlier or later.
Event weekends: If you want to attend a festival, performance, or community event, plan around the event date and confirm the schedule before traveling.
Whatever time of year you choose, check attraction and business hours before leaving home. Smaller local attractions may operate on more limited schedules.
A Few Smart Tips Before You Go
Start with the Visitor Center. Getting oriented before sightseeing can help you make better use of your time.
Don't overpack your itinerary. Laurel is easier to appreciate when you have time to browse, stop for food, and explore without rushing.
Wear comfortable shoes. Downtown and historic areas are best enjoyed when you're comfortable walking around.
Check hours ahead of time. This is especially important for smaller museums and local businesses.
Look beyond Home Town. The show has helped bring attention to Laurel, but the city's art, architecture, restaurants, theater, parks, and community events provide plenty of reasons to visit.
What If an Unexpected Expense Changes Your Plans?
Even a carefully planned trip can be interrupted by an unexpected vehicle repair, emergency expense, or another financial problem.
If that happens, take time to consider the options available to you and understand the costs and repayment requirements before deciding to borrow. A short-term financial solution may help in some circumstances, but it's important to make sure the repayment terms fit your budget.
For qualified borrowers considering a title loan, Mississippi Title Loans, Inc. offers title loans secured by a lien-free vehicle title. Before accepting any loan, review the terms carefully and make sure you understand your responsibilities.
Why Consider Mississippi Title Loans, Inc.?
Choosing a lender is an important financial decision. Mississippi Title Loans, Inc. works with qualified borrowers through a straightforward application process and provides information about the next steps before an agreement is finalized.
All credit types are welcome to apply, and approval isn't based solely on your credit score. Depending on approval and funding timelines, qualified borrowers may receive funds as soon as the same day or the next business day.
Before accepting a title loan, review the agreement carefully, understand the repayment schedule and applicable costs, and make sure the loan fits your budget.
How the Title Loan Process Works
If you're considering a title loan in Laurel, MS, here's what you can generally expect:
- Complete the Online Inquiry
Provide your basic information through the secure online form. - Speak With a Representative
A representative will review your information, answer questions, and explain the next steps. - Schedule a Vehicle Inspection
If you appear to qualify, you'll schedule a convenient time for your vehicle to be inspected so its value can be evaluated. - Review Your Loan Terms
If you're approved, you'll receive information about the loan amount, repayment terms, and required paperwork before deciding whether to proceed. - Receive Your Funds
Once the required paperwork is completed, qualified borrowers may receive funds as soon as the same day or the next business day, depending on approval and funding timelines.
Borrow Responsibly
A title loan is intended to help with a short-term financial emergency and should be considered carefully. Before accepting one, review your budget, understand the repayment schedule, and borrow only what you need and can reasonably repay.
If anything in the agreement is unclear, ask questions before signing. Understanding the terms can help you make a more informed borrowing decision.
Ready to Explore Laurel?
Laurel offers more than a collection of tourist stops. Its historic downtown, art museum, military history, restaurants, outdoor spaces, community events, and live theater give you plenty of ways to experience the city.
Whether you're visiting because of Home Town or simply looking for a relaxed Mississippi getaway, you can build a memorable trip without an overstuffed itinerary. Start downtown, choose a few attractions that genuinely interest you, and leave some room for the unexpected.
If an unexpected financial emergency affects your plans, Mississippi Title Loans, Inc. may be able to help qualified borrowers explore short-term financial solutions. Complete the online inquiry to learn more about the application process, speak with a representative, and determine whether a title loan is an appropriate option for your situation.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.
