Living in Laurel, MS

Laurel also offers plenty to enjoy beyond its historic architecture and downtown businesses. The Laurel-Jones County Library is a favorite for my family and a wonderful local resource. Downtown Laurel is very walkable, with shops, boutiques, restaurants, dessert spots, home décor stores, coffee shops, and classic diners all within an easy stroll. There are even a few green spaces tucked into the downtown area—including a grassy hill that makes a surprisingly fun spot for kids to slide down!

Just beyond downtown, you’ll find some of Laurel’s historic neighborhoods, where sidewalks wind past beautiful homes and plenty of architecture worth slowing down to admire. As you explore, you may even recognize a few homes renovated on HGTV’s Home Town with Ben and Erin Napier, or pass by one of the Napiers’ local businesses.

One of the things I enjoy most about spending time in Laurel is that a simple walk can easily turn into a conversation. Whether you’re browsing downtown, stopping for coffee, visiting the library, or admiring the historic homes nearby, Laurel has a welcoming, small-town character that makes exploring the city part of the fun.

April's Laurel Recommendations

Favorite Family Meal Spot: Barry's Burgers — Barry’s Burgers is one of my favorite places in Laurel to take the family for lunch, dinner, or even just dessert! Their outdoor seating area is fantastic, especially if you have kids. There’s a semi-enclosed play area where the little ones can play while you catch up with your bestie or enjoy a conversation with your date over a great meal.

I’m a big fan of their grilled chicken—it’s moist and delicious every single time—but you really can’t go wrong with one of their burgers either. And if sweet potato fries are your thing, definitely add them to your order!

But don’t leave without thinking about dessert. Barry’s may not technically be an ice cream shop, but you wouldn’t know it by how good—and how popular—their ice cream is! I love the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere here, and the family who owns it is just as sweet as the ice cream they serve.

Favorite Downtown Hangout: Scotsman General Store — This is always a fun stop in downtown Laurel, and the beautiful butcher block products alone are worth going in to see! The Laurel Creamery has now moved into the end of the building, so you can grab one of their tasty ice creams before heading outside to enjoy their large green space. You'll find plenty of room to relax and play, along with cornhole boards and an observation deck you can climb for a great view of the trains coming into town. It makes for such a fun and easy stop for both the littles and the bigs.

Favorite Working Lunch Spot: Lee’s Coffee & Tea — This is my favorite place in Laurel to settle in for a working lunch. They have amazing coffee and some fantastic chicken salad, which makes it an easy choice when I need a good meal and a place to get a little work done. My favorite spot is upstairs on the second level. I love finding a table, opening up my laptop, and getting to work while still being able to look down and people-watch everyone coming and going below. It has just the right mix of energy and coziness for a productive lunch break.

Favorite Spot for a Sweet Sip & Something Fun: Handmade Laurel — A fun stop when you want a little creativity with your treat. They serve handmade lemonades in flavors you may have never even thought to try, and the shop is full of DIY craft kits that you can make right there in the store. They also offer classes if you want a little extra guidance or just a fun activity to enjoy together. On hot days, we especially love stopping in to grab a lemonade before heading to one of Laurel’s green spaces. It’s an easy little outing that combines something refreshing with something creative.