Welcome to Laurel
Twenty-four hours in 'The City Beautiful,' a Mississippi town making a serious comeback
The town of Laurel, now known as “The City Beautiful,” is revitalizing the essence of traditional Mississippi charm with its inspiring stories of urban renewal. Home of Ben and Erin Napier, the stars of HGTV smash hit show Home Town, Laurel radiates Southern hospitality to millions of viewers each episode as the couple revitalizes historic and vintage homes (and occasionally, entire city blocks), recapturing the easy elegance of this charming town of 18,000.
What to See and Do:
In charming Laurel, you'll discover a historic district lined with turn-of-the-century architecture. Spend some leisure time appreciating the performing arts at the Leontyne Price Musical Park, named after the African-American opera singer, who was born in Laurel and rose to international acclaim; and the Trustmark Art Park, which was redesigned by the Napiers and featured in an episode of the series in 2018. Founded as the state’s first art museum, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art hosts an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, housed within a building that dates back to 1923. If the weather’s nice, consider a hike through the stately Mississippi pines and acres of wildflowers that await in the DeSoto National Forest.
Where to Eat (and Wander):
Within the cozy bistro Cafe La Fleur, you’ll encounter a menu rich in New Orleans-style fare, while downtown seafood and steakhouse The Loft on Central Ave, offers a delicious dining experience. For quality food on-the-go, head to Phillips Drive-In—known to locals simply as PDI—a longtime local landmark that’s been cooking up classic diner fare since 1948 (and notably, the winner of the “best burger in Laurel” accolade!). Another award-winning Laurel eatery, Mimmo’s Ristorante Pizzeria, was named “Best Italian Restaurant” by Mississippi Magazine. For freshly-sliced cuts of specialty meats, stop by The Knight Butcher, owned and operated by Laurel natives Chad and Terri Knight.
Last but not least, a trip to Laurel can’t possibly be considered complete without visiting the Laurel Mercantile Co. and Scotsman General Store, the flagship retail shops of husband-and-wife duo Erin and Ben Napier. The Mercantile first opened in 1901
Where to Stay:
Like any Southern town worth its salt, Laurel is home to an assortment of charming and comfortable B&Bs for those passing through to lay their heads. You’ll receive a warm welcome at any of the local lodging options, but a few favorites include Wisteria Bed and Breakfast, Grandiflora B&B, the Laurel Cottages, and Sweet Somethings B&B.