6 Places to Visit in the City Beautiful: Laurel, MS

   Located right off of Interstate 59 in Mississippi, Laurel is a breath of fresh air with its historic, small town feel. It's also the location of HGTV's series Home Town, featuring crafty couple Ben and Erin Napier.
   Whether you're visiting for the day or just making a quick pitstop on your roadtrip to somewhere else, here's a quick list of 6:12 favorite spots in Laurel...


#1. Grab a cup of coffee at Pause Espresso Bar.



It's not Starbucks, and that's what makes it special. This place brews up locally roasted coffee, with some specially concocted recipes that include Hot Hilda and Joyful Joe. I went with the classic Pause Original, which features chocolate and butter pecan with a double shot of espresso.
Don't be in a hurry; just place your order, relax and enjoy. Each cup is crafted by hand, so it'll take a few minutes.

#2. Shop for local-made products at Laurel Mercantile.






Be sure to have your personal photo session at the familiar photo-ops outside, including Ben's truck and the beautiful wall murals featured on Home Town.

#3. Take a stroll back in time and pick out some old time candy and a glass bottle soda at the Scotsman General Store & Woodshop. You can get an up close view of Ben Napier's woodworking shop, and if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of him in action.


#4. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweet Somethings Bakery.



Sweet Somethings is a locally owned and operated family bakery. No matter what you choose from their selection of baked goods and sweets, I don't think its possible to choose wrong. Or you could do like me and try a variety. It took me all of about 5 minutes to devour a Snickerdoodle cookie, a Caramel Pecan cookie, and a Sausage Ball. Warning: This place will leave your tastebuds wanting more.
On your way out, turn right and head to the end of the block to view another one of Laurel's wall murals.

#5. Pick up a historic Laurel brick at Peddlers JUNKtion.



Let's be honest. If you leave without one of the city's vintage bricks, did you really visit Laurel? The city is a treasure trove of antique shops, and Peddlers JUNKtion is one of the best. Browse their selection of antiques, vintage items and home decor and see what catches your eye.
The historic bricks are all vintage items salvaged from demolished buildings around Laurel. According to residents of "City Beautiful" (as the town is called), the Laurel bricks are concerned good luck when they're used in building or renovating a house. Although, I'm sure you still get some of that luck if the brick becomes a bookend or home decor.

#6. Before you head out of town, take a stroll (or a drive) down Fifth Avenue to see some of Laurel's alluring antebellum homes and historic district.
My favorite was the Rogers-Green House, surrounded by live oak trees.


Next time you find yourself on the interstate in Mississippi, add Laurel to your roadtrip itinerary, and if you happen to visit any of the places I've mentioned, tell them the 6:12 Roadtrip sent you.

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