Adam’s Laurel Guidebook

Adam
Adam’s Laurel Guidebook

Arts and History

When you think of a small town art museum, I know exactly what you are thinking. I can promise you that the Lauren Rogers will exceed your expectations! The European Gallery boasts a beautiful sculpture by Auguste Rodin, the Stairwell Gallery features a chandelier by none other than Dale Chihuly. The secrets in this museum are worthy of a full afternoon exploring both historic pieces left to the collection by Laurel's Founding Families as well as amazing newly acquired modern pieces housed in the stunning Sanderson Gallery addition. Also a perk, the LRMA is open on Sundays.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
565 N 5th Ave
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
When you think of a small town art museum, I know exactly what you are thinking. I can promise you that the Lauren Rogers will exceed your expectations! The European Gallery boasts a beautiful sculpture by Auguste Rodin, the Stairwell Gallery features a chandelier by none other than Dale Chihuly. The secrets in this museum are worthy of a full afternoon exploring both historic pieces left to the collection by Laurel's Founding Families as well as amazing newly acquired modern pieces housed in the stunning Sanderson Gallery addition. Also a perk, the LRMA is open on Sundays.
In its new location, nestled amongst the shops on Magnolia Street in the heart of Downtown Laurel, The Caron Gallery is home to 50 of Mississippi’s most talented artists.
Caron Gallery
In its new location, nestled amongst the shops on Magnolia Street in the heart of Downtown Laurel, The Caron Gallery is home to 50 of Mississippi’s most talented artists.

Neighborhoods

The Historic District in Downtown Laurel, MS is a gem. The neighborhood parks (also referred to as the String of Emeralds, the way they are strategically dotted through our beautiful town) make for lovely afternoon walks. Gardiner Park has a beautiful walking track and features the Historic Gardiner High School (Now the Laurel School District's Central Office). Euclid Park is lovely for bird watching and has quite a few places to sit and enjoy the beautiful collection of southern trees and azalea bushes. Pinehurst Park (while not as green as some of our parks) is the site of the former Pinehurst Hotel. She was a jewel in the crown of Laurel during her hayday, but unfortunately was demolished. The Park features a beautiful fountain and pavilion and the best views of Laurel's beautiful churches and civic buildings.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Laurel
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Historic District in Downtown Laurel, MS is a gem. The neighborhood parks (also referred to as the String of Emeralds, the way they are strategically dotted through our beautiful town) make for lovely afternoon walks. Gardiner Park has a beautiful walking track and features the Historic Gardiner High School (Now the Laurel School District's Central Office). Euclid Park is lovely for bird watching and has quite a few places to sit and enjoy the beautiful collection of southern trees and azalea bushes. Pinehurst Park (while not as green as some of our parks) is the site of the former Pinehurst Hotel. She was a jewel in the crown of Laurel during her hayday, but unfortunately was demolished. The Park features a beautiful fountain and pavilion and the best views of Laurel's beautiful churches and civic buildings.

Food scene

When looking for a place to eat on a Monday, I always point visitors to Fins. It is my favorite catfish poboy in the world.
Fins Fresh Seafood and Po Boys
1305 West 6th Street
When looking for a place to eat on a Monday, I always point visitors to Fins. It is my favorite catfish poboy in the world.
DANGEROUSLY CLOSE to the Carriage House at the Gables. Seriously. Walk one block and you get amazing homemade custard ice cream. I recommend Vanilla Custard with marshmallow cream, sliced peaches, and pecans. Trust me. I'm an expert. Important to note: Open most days until 9! Open on Sundays, closed on Mondays.
The Laurel Creamery
449 6th Avenue
DANGEROUSLY CLOSE to the Carriage House at the Gables. Seriously. Walk one block and you get amazing homemade custard ice cream. I recommend Vanilla Custard with marshmallow cream, sliced peaches, and pecans. Trust me. I'm an expert. Important to note: Open most days until 9! Open on Sundays, closed on Mondays.
People always ask us “where do YOU get lunch?”, and PDI’s is one of our favorites. The oldest restaurant in Laurel, this drive in has great burgers and milkshakes. During peak hours (noon and during the dinner rush) I’d recommend calling in your order, but if the weather is nice, their outdoor seating is great.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Phillips Drive-In
330 S Magnolia St
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
People always ask us “where do YOU get lunch?”, and PDI’s is one of our favorites. The oldest restaurant in Laurel, this drive in has great burgers and milkshakes. During peak hours (noon and during the dinner rush) I’d recommend calling in your order, but if the weather is nice, their outdoor seating is great.
Another place I’d consider a “locals” place. I’ve never had anything bad at the Smokehouse… my go-to is a rib plate with potato casserole and fried okra. An easy walk from downtown, and they also have a great drive-thru if you want to get it to go and have a picnic in one of Laurels great parks!
Smokehouse of Laurel
737 Sawmill Road
Another place I’d consider a “locals” place. I’ve never had anything bad at the Smokehouse… my go-to is a rib plate with potato casserole and fried okra. An easy walk from downtown, and they also have a great drive-thru if you want to get it to go and have a picnic in one of Laurels great parks!
The best fried okra I’ve ever had. It’s probably my favorite blue plate in Laurel. You’ll see just as many locals as you’ll see visitors, and that my friend is a good sign.
Wilson's Commissary
The best fried okra I’ve ever had. It’s probably my favorite blue plate in Laurel. You’ll see just as many locals as you’ll see visitors, and that my friend is a good sign.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafe La Fleur
313 N Magnolia St
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona

Great Shopping!

An awesome selection of books and paper goods, lots of great stationery and journals. A must see.
Be Amazing Paper Co
An awesome selection of books and paper goods, lots of great stationery and journals. A must see.
Laurel Mercantile Co. Scent Library
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Laurel station
414 Front St
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Scotsman General Store & Woodshop
1 Spec Wilson
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona

Consejos para la ciudad

Costumbres y cultura

Plan for Sundays

You will hear a lot of people complain that many of Laurel's businesses are closed on Sundays. It's important that during your time here, you plan accordingly for that. Sundays are my favorite days to visit the Lauren Rogers and stroll through the historic district. Life moves slower on Sundays in downtown. It is also a great time to experience one of our beautiful Historic Churches (take your pick on denomination, each church was built in a different style and is absolutely stunning.)