17 reasons why you’ll love a spring road trip to Laurel, Mississippi

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If you’ve watched HGTV’s “Home Town,” you already know that Laurel, Mississippi, is a Southern charmer.

If you haven’t, you’re about to discover your next road trip that’s only a three-hour drive from Birmingham.

Read on for 17+ experiences, events, dining and shopping we think you’ll love on a spring road trip to Laurel, Mississippi.

Stroll tree-lined streets + forest paths

Plan to spend as much time outdoors as possible in Laurel and Jones County, treating your senses to fresh air and vibrant blooms in soft shades of color. Here are two of the best ways to do it:

Laurel Historic District Walking Tours

• What: A walking tour of incredible early 20th-century homes
• Where: Tours begin at the Lauren Rodgers Museum of Art, 565 N 5th Ave, Laurel, MS 39440
• When: Through April 25 | Friday, 10:30 AM
• Info: Website

DeSoto National Forest

• What: More than 500,000 acres of opportunities for hiking, camping, horseback riding and more
• Where: Just south of Laurel, with the Chickasawhay Ranger District being the closest
• Info: Chickasawhay District | Longleaf Horse Trail

Fresh eats + fresh air

Here are a few fun food picks that perfectly pair with spring in Laurel and Jones County:

• Park it at a picnic table with a Dole whip cone at Barry’s Burgers.
• The newly opened Fraiche Coffee & Cafe offers a menu that lives up to its “fresh” name.
• Enjoy sidewalk seating + Southern comfort food downtown at Wilson’s Commissary.
• Sip a refreshing frosé with a pie piled with fresh ingredients at Homeslice Pizza Co.
• Do a scrumptious spring brunch on Saturdays and Sundays at Buzzard’s Roost.

Pack light + bring empty bags

In the spirit of spring cleaning, we picked a handful of Laurel & Jones County’s many great shopping spots where you’ll find just the things to inspire your seasonal home decor makeovers.

• Southern Antiques: Antique + new treasures for the home, baby, bridal + wardrobe.
• Peddlers Junktion: Vintage, antique + retro finds for the home, kitchen + pure nostalgia.
• Rusty Chandelier: Mix of gifts + antiques for the home, patio + garden.
• Carpenter Bros. Emporium of Wonderful Whatnots: The name says it for this cool spot in Ellisville.
• Laurel Nursery: Fresh herbs, geraniums, lantana, petunias + begonias are all ready for your planters.

Must-attend spring events in Laurel + Jones Co.

If you need a nudge on when to plan your road trip to Laurel, Mississippi, why not join residents for favorite local events?

Here are our picks:

🧵 Mississippi Made at Laurel Mercantile | March 15, 2025 | Laurel Mercantile, 414 Front St, Laurel, MS 39440

🎶 Hometown Gospel Fest | April 4-5, 2025 | First Baptist Church of Laurel, 607 W 5th St, Laurel, MS 39440

👩‍🌾 Landrum’s County Spring Fling | April 12, 2025 | Landrum’s Homestead & Village, 1356 MS-15, Laurel, MS 39443

🦞 Community Bank Crawfest | April 26, 2025 | Downtown Laurel, Front Street, Laurel, MS

🎨 Laurel Arts League Day in the Park | Mary 3, 2025 | Mason Memorial Park, 558 18th St., Laurel, MS 39440

Ready to surround yourself with charming things, beautiful architecture and friendly folks?

Check out the Visit Laurel & Jones County, Mississippi website to start planning your road trip to Laurel, Mississippi today!

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