Visiting Laurel, Mississippi | This is why we LOVE small towns in America

We LOVE visiting the best small towns in America. On our way home from biking the Natchez Trace Parkway we stopped in Laurel, Mississippi to see what makes this small town authentically wonderful. While the HGTV show “Hometown” is based here, the town’s revitalization both in business and real estate in Laurel goes back before the show ever hit TV. People love this town because for many, it’s home. It’s a place where friends gather, businesses grow, and people invest in the town that they all have in common.
From delicious cookies at Sweet Somethings Bakery and shopping at Southern Antiques, to strolling the giant oak lined streets of some of the best neighborhoods in Laurel, MS surrounded by some of the prettiest houses in Laurel, our one day in this town wasn’t long enough. We could have visited for days to meet more locals and eat and shop more of the best local places. If you’ve ever thought about visiting or moving to Laurel, Mississippi, checkout these places while you’re there! Have a suggestion of a place we should visit next time we pass through Mississippi? Be sure to drop it in the comments below!
📍 Places we visited in this video
+ Where is Laurel, Mississippi? goo.gl/maps/bW6GN9PaqJEqQRgv9
+ Bird Dog Cafe: g.page/bird-dog-cafe?share
+ Sweet Somethings Bakery: goo.gl/maps/ddrYx8LrY8Sjjp2G9
+ Southern Antique: goo.gl/maps/9HqAkRsJqHBDrVay8
+ The Knight Butcher: goo.gl/maps/jHr4tuiv5nWtyDWX8
+ Murals: goo.gl/maps/1fmgSDuBdZSDm8PD7
+ Tree lined neighborhood in Laurel, MS: goo.gl/maps/Hazbjo5o5QZeNyS88
+ Laurel Mercantile: g.page/laurelmercantile?share
🎨 Artist we talked to in the video:
Mandy Buchanan Art
Website: mandybuchanan.com/
Instagram: / mandybuchanan
💻 Follow us on social media
+ Instagram: / letsbe_us
+ Facebook: / letsbeustravel
+ Website: www.letsbe.us
All of our vlog music from MUSICBED. Try MUSICBED for 30 days FREE using the link below:
bit.ly/3v9JzVR
__________
== A B O U T U S ==
Hey y'all! We're Chris + Sara (or as you know us, Let’s Be Us), a husband and wife digital nomad travel duo currently working and traveling full time with our pup, Kramer. We've always dreamed of traveling full time, and in May of 2018 we took the leap and made it happen! Today we're balancing work and fun everywhere between the Pacific and Atlantic. From hiking and cycling to tacos and coffee, we're trying to see and experience as much of this world as we can! While our home is currently on wheels in our DIY Sprinter van, our travels take us all around the world.

[@saintb6653]

That artist is my mom! Omg. Thank y’all for featuring her. It made her Mother’s Day!

[@chrisandsara]

Many is your mom?! So glad you found this video then! She's such a sweet lady and we thoroughly enjoyed talking to her and seeing her work. I know this is late, but happy mother's day to your mom! :)

[@offtozanzibar4814]

So cool! we love her work! So talented. We’re planning to sell our house. not sure where we’re going to move to yet...we’re from San Diego but living in Florida now. we had the option to return back to San Diego and then I saw the show hometown and I’m trying to convince my family that we need to go and at least check it out💕🙌

[@leetyccatu7291]

Hispanics live in laurel. Also😊

[@FoRdKeNt123]

Sry for your loss and if your seeing this Mandy died from Cancer so RIP

[@markanthony1004]

This is my hometown and I like it’s finally getting recognition but I left Mississippi for the Air Force and never really looked back. I’ve visited but I’ll never live their again. Oddly enough my wife said she’d love to live there but I’m good in San Antonio,Tx

[@bonniehall578]

Thanks for the positive look at Mississippi.

[@EricLehner]

Hello from Canada. The U.S. media seems determined to make Americans doubt their country and each other. America is a much better place than the media portrays, especially the news networks. Bless you for spreading the good word. Cheers and all the best!

[@jo100]

Small Southern Towns are very very very cool, my Brothers and Sisters.

[@RasolHelios]

I was born, raised & currently living in Laurel Mississippi. Glad you guys enjoyed our city.

[@chrisandsara]

That's amazing, we loved our time there, such a warm and welcoming place!

[@johncarlson9210]

Awesome town

[@susanwehe8270]

We moved to Laurel several years ago, it is as warm and welcoming as you see on tv..

[@susannemcarlisle]

That has NOT been the majority of experience. It’s not.

[@susanwehe8270]

@@susannemcarlisle I live here, that’s what I’ve experienced. I met with 7 other women last Friday that have had the same experiences. I’m sorry if it didn’t happen for you,.

[@fateagle4life]

The artist Mandy is someone I have known since I was a child. A wonderful person who babysat me many nights. I still live in Laurel, and love it!!

[@chrisandsara]

Aw that's so amazing! Thanks for watching!

[@_beautiful_5920]

Wow! I was born & raised in Laurel, Ms i stay not too far from where this was filmed. I always get excited when Laurel gets to be a part of something special. Thanks for visiting my city -"BEAUTIFUL" & sharing the experience. Im happy yall enjoyed yourselves & got a chance to see some of the things this small city has to offer..be blessed & come again! 🤗

[@chrisandsara]

Hey there! So glad to hear from a local, we loved your city, thanks for watching!

[@ranchobonita3356]

How’s diversity?

[@markanthony1004]

Same here you might know somebody from my family

[@melangreathouse2209]

@@ranchobonita3356. Diversity in Laurel is excellent! And! Laurel has a LOW crime rate.

[@larryharkreader3763]

Your video helps some of us, who grew up in the south, remember that most people are basically good. Knowing that makes it tougher to understand the huge divide we have as a country. Glad Kramer got a cooled belly.

[@chrisandsara]

Agreed. Seeing these small towns has been a wonderful reminder of just how similar we all are in the grand scheme of things.

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

This town seems so sweet! I agree though. You find the NICEST people in small towns like this!

[@chrisandsara]

It was so fun to visit and had such nice people there!!

[@bryanmarcum9546]

I'm from Laurel and if you want a good time in the fall The Loblolly Festival is always a treat. Live music, food, fun for the kids. It can't be beat.

[@chrisandsara]

Thanks for letting us know about that, it sounds so fun!

[@davidratcliff8960]

I grew up in Laurel and I don't live there now, but I am within 30 minutes. My parents still live in Laurel and Dad was a postman for our neighborhood my whole childhood. It was a fabulous place to grow up and now my goal is to come home for retirement. Thank you for such a great and positive video.

[@chrisandsara]

That's so amazing, what a great place to grow up! Thank you for watching!

[@tGardenOL]

Laurel MS, Born and raised, and still here! I'm glad you guys liked it here! Come back and visit again!

[@chrisandsara]

Will do! We loved Laurel! :)

[@theo.r.bitter]

You're killing it with your release schedule lately. 👍 That's 7 new episodes in like the last 2 weeks. 🤩 I'm loving it.

[@chrisandsara]

Haha! We're trying!! 😅Lots of late nights over here trying to push and create more content! Glad you're loving it and aren't too sick of seeing us yet!🙈

[@estherw5569]

I live in Laurel!! I’m so glad you liked our original sweet somethings bakery

[@timcastens1150]

In the early seventies we saw ZZ Top in a gymnasium in Laurel, I've had people from Laurel tell me they never came to Laurel, they're wrong, I was there🎵😎

[@chrisandsara]

Sounds amazing!!

[@timcastens1150]

@@aw.33 wow that's interesting, that was my first time to see um best friend and I took a couple of good looking Delta girls with us, second time Tres Hombre's in Jackson

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Tim

[@nancychartrand7808]

Those are the best paintings ,I would get my paintings from this wonderful artist

[@dgirls4life134]

It feels good to hear ppl speak good things about my town ..... thanks

[@chrisandsara]

We absolutely loved our time there, thanks for watching!

[@stevesavell201]

So glad that you highlighted small town America. When I go on road trips I always try and see the small town that is True America not what we see on the news.

[@chrisandsara]

That's the reason we wanted to create this series!! We absolutely love seeing all these small towns across the U.S.

[@longhornscout1837]

We loved Laurel. My daughter and I stayed there two weeks ago during our trip back to Texas from Nashville.

[@lobo81865]

I loved seeing that picture of the Arabian Theater. I spent many happy days there as a kid. Loved the old library building behind the Lauren Rogers Art Museum too.

[@blossom1643]

Me too remember the Pinehurst ? I was a teenager when they were in the process I guess of tearing it down. On weekends a bunch of us would “take a Tour” of the Pinehurst & climb the stairs to the rooftop drink beer & watch the city below! Every once in a while we’d see the cops pull somebody over. Big thrills in the 70’s!✌️

[@OurRetiredLife]

We loved seeing the tour of this lovely little town!

[@chrisandsara]

So glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@adcreel9079]

My birth certificate says Laurel MS. Never lived there but both side of my family have roots back there, long and deep. Dirty Dirty Down Bottom Piney Woods.🤠👍

[@debbierhodes4479]

This just popped up and I had to click and watch it as I live in Laurel, Mississippi. Thanks for making us look good!

[@chrisandsara]

So glad you enjoyed watching it, we always love when locals enjoy our content!

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Debbie

[@melissaphillips5162]

I'm glad I found this. Artists and downtown revitalization is inspiring. We're going tomorrow.

[@daveriley6310]

You might still be in Mississippi. If you are, try Ocean Springs. That's my adopted winter home. I just just left there a few days ago to come back to my permanent home on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. You will love Ocean Springs' people, history, food, oak trees, and art scene. Best of small town Mississippi and the Gulf Coast. Alaska Dave

[@chrisandsara]

We are no longer there but thanks for letting us know about Ocean Springs! We may have to check that out someday!

[@likeastarinyourheart]

Definitely I need to add Mississippi to my trip plans. Love small town's people that show hospitality . Thanks for sharing this. Drive safe 👍😉

[@chrisandsara]

You should definitely visit, thanks so much for watching!

[@blossom1643]

Hey thanks for the video! I live between Laurel & Ellisville, and Ellisville is a great little town too ! I’d love to see what you think of it!! Thanks again !✌️

[@chrisandsara]

Thanks for watching! We will have to spend some time there in the future!

[@brandoncorley3142]

Love that show!

[@lucycollandra8031]

I'd love to see you drive through the Ocoee Gorge and stop at the border towns of Copperhill, TN and McCaysville, GA where you can stand in 2 states at the same time! It's only about 1.5 hour drive from Chattanooga.

[@chrisandsara]

So fun!! We might just have to do that! We love a good day trip. :)

[@lucycollandra8031]

@@chrisandsara If you're up for a little adventure on the way the Ocoee River has great whitewater rafting and a nice welcome center built when the olympics were here.

[@micheleeastlake2994]

Thank you so much! I live in Columbus, OH. We love to welcome people to OH. Come to our State Fair.

[@chrisandsara]

We love a good state fair! Columbus is a city we've always wanted to explore more but haven't had a chance there. I'm thinking a trip to Ohio will need to be worked onto the schedule sooner rather than later. :)

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Michele

[@nintendolunchbox]

I love giving tips for free / defective treats. It’s happy for everyone.

[@angelajeffries7191]

Good old shade trees can't be beat. Thanks for shedding light on this area.

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Angela

[@annh.]

Ben and Erin (Home Town) redid the house that the Bird Dog is in.

[@cecectconnecticut344]

It’s so great to see it’s still in business.

[@annh.]

@@cecectconnecticut344 👍

[@chrisandsara]

I had no idea! so cool! It was a really cute house and shop. :)

[@annh.]

@@chrisandsara 🙂

[@user-fb3vd8yn5i]

Yes, a great little town.

[@JPMJPM]

Love those live oak trees!

[@animal9191]

Thanks for the shout out. I have lived in outside of Laurel most of my life. I'll never leave because of the nature and people. I rarely visit downtown because there is so much more to it.

[@chrisandsara]

Thanks so much for watching, we loved visiting!

[@mrrs8118]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@dltree1234]

My husband and i are moving to Mississippi next year(maybe) busy watching the various places there

[@jessedylan6162]

Wonderful and informative segment...i came upon this video via the Hometown show and love all aspects of what i've seen here. One day, i hope to visit this lovely town . The great Soprano, Leontyne Price, was born in Laurel, Ms in 1927. Hello from the Big Apple, NYC. Keep up your labor of love.

[@allieking6603]

Mississippi born and raised right here!! If y'all loved Laurel, you will LOVE Oxford, MS - home of Ole Miss. You should totally visit!

[@allieking6603]

Stay at the Graduate hotel (pup friendly) right on the Sqaure! Definitely check out Ajax for traditional deep south home cookin', Phillips Grocery for the best burger joint, and Taylor Grocery for the best fried chicken and catfish. For coffee - Lost Dog Coffee. For breakfast, Bottletree Bakery (biggest cinnamon roll ever and must try the bowl of soul) and BBB (big bad breakfast)! Also can't forget the famous chicken-on-a-stick at the Chevron gas station right off the Square (can you get more southern that that?!)! Basically, go with an empty stomach because it would be just a big ole southern food tour 😂 No worries though because you can then walk it all off by walking from the Square to the Grove on the Ole Miss' campus - Kramer will loveee it! Also visit Square Books for the cutest old book store and Rowan Oak for some pretty southern history (William Faulkner's estate).

[@chrisandsara]

Oh my goodness-- all of these suggestions make me want to hop in the car and visit Oxford right now! I've heard it's a beautiful town but I've never been. I'm thinking this will need to be entire video for sure. Thank you so much, Allie! :)

[@jeffreypryor4549]

Yep, I'm in Sardis, just a few minutes away from Oxford. Oxford is the prettiest town in the whole state.

[@susannemcarlisle]

@@chrisandsara You have to stay in Oxford it is by far the best of the state. Guys, that’s not the best chocolate chip cookies in town, they are the only ones in town. Laurel is SMALL.

[@SamsDIYSpot]

💛 Laurel, MS!! Where I was born & live not too far from there!!

[@chrisandsara]

We loved our time there, such a fun place to visit!!

[@debbieverret4033]

Small towns are the heartbeat of America!

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Debbie

[@jackieyarbrough4985]

Southern hospitality at its best🌺🌺

[@chrisandsara]

Right? ☺☺

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Jackie

[@nancychartrand7808]

Im truly thinking of moving to Laurel ,,yes since home town aired ,,I just love this place

[@susanbrandon4103]

If you have a chance head to Fairhope, Alabama. It's on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. The downtown is gorgeous and the pier area and park are amazing. We lived there for 10 years and loved almost every minute of it. Not a big fan of the hurricanes but it is what it is. One of the biggest attractions there is the Arts and Crafts Festival. It was rescheduled to last weekend but keep an eye out for next year. When we left 17 years ago it was the largest juried art show in the south. Wonderful restaurants and great shopping.

[@chrisandsara]

Oh man, can't believe we missed the arts festival this year! That would have been so fun! We've had friends tell us Fairhope is well worth the stop, too. It's on our wishlist to visit for sure! :)

[@annagibsonofficial]

And daphne nearby!!

[@susanbrandon4103]

@@chrisandsara you won't regret it. If you're there for the Arts and Crafts festival, the information booth was my son's eagle project..

[@susanbrandon4103]

@@annagibsonofficial absolutely!!!

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Susan how is the weather over there

[@nette49]

Your video is so good! I am in southeast Louisiana, and my friends and I are planning a trip to Laurel soon. You gave me so much info! Thank you so much. And I love your dog! Jeanette/Galliano, LA

[@chrisandsara]

Thanks so much for watching, so glad we could be helpful!

[@schofieldtom6786]

Great video - we plan on passing through in Aug on our cross country trip visiting places we’ve never been before! Lots of small towns along the way! Need to check out the rest of your channel- be well

[@chrisandsara]

Thanks so much, we definitely recommend adding Laurel to you list!

[@davidgrass4184]

the painting is great

[@robprzybysz]

Looks worth visiting 😉😉😉😉

[@cathystratton2688]

Go to Eldon, Iowa! Home of the American Gothic house. There is a small museum and they will give you clothes and the pitch fork so you can pose in front of the house for your own pic!

[@chrisandsara]

WHAT?! This is going on the list for sure!! We're tossing around the idea of doing RAGBREI this summer so we'll try really hard to get to Eldon if we make it there. :)

[@cathystratton2688]

Lots of cool things in Iowa. You can see the Bridges of Madison County and the Field of Dreams.

[@ElizabethDohertyThomas]

@@chrisandsara If you are in Iowa you have to go to Elk Horn! Danish town with some fun history. The Danish version of BBC did a feature on this town so when my parents visited Denmark, my mom was like CELEBRITY STATUS that she is from there as all Danes now aspire to visiting Elk Horn.... which til my dad visited for the first time, he heard "el corn." haha :)

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Cathy

[@christopher31ck]

I’m fond of Laurel ! Cool ... 😁

[@allenstroo5414]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm a local. We do have a pretty cool little town here!

[@chrisandsara]

Hey there, we always love hearing from locals! Thanks so much for watching!

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Allen

[@rebekahlewis6906]

Lol Cramer lol 🤣🤣🤣 what name for dog awww he's so cute he's loved that ice wow that town peaceful and full of joy and nice loving ppl I would love to live there

[@rdred8693]

I would love to visit someday

[@josiemadison9584]

best little town ever💓💓 home is where the heart is🤧

[@chrisandsara]

It was such a fun town to visit, we loved our time there!

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Josie

[@patrickmolzahn9380]

Thank you for mentioning Wisconsin. Yes, we are friendly here.

[@annagibsonofficial]

Omg I love Laurel! Went there a couple of years ago on the way to florida!

[@chrisandsara]

Its such a cute place, we loved our visit there!

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Anna how is the weather over there

[@verneshaxquisite8638]

Thank you so much my parents are moving there next month I can’t wait to visit I’m here in California

[@chrisandsara]

Laurel is such a sweet town! You'll love visiting! Definitely different from California. :)

[@verneshaxquisite8638]

@@chrisandsara thank you so much they are all settled in I can’t wait to visit

[@E_M_actor]

I love your presentation and your work I follow you ✌️❤️ I know that city for the reality show but I discovered new information was great listening you 👋

[@chrisandsara]

Thanks so much for following along!

[@micheletaylorashley2958]

I didn’t know about this show. I am from Laurel. That’s where my family lives. Cool.

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Michele

[@dianapearson1771]

Next time you're through Mississippi, stop in and visit Tupelo, if you haven't already. The Natchez Trace cuts through here. I'm sure you know it's where Elvis was born. Nice town. Lots of restaurants and fair shopping. Welcoming and friendly!!

[@chrisandsara]

We actually did visit Tupelo! See it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYTJk6mij7JjfcU

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Diana how is the weather over there?

[@allyssarosetti]

we live about 2 hours away from Laurel and we go there every spring!! we are about to go in a few days!!

[@bridgetsmith3777]

EEEEK!!!! THAT'S OUR GALLERY!!!! The girl with the blindfold and the dark blue with the pine trees are my murals. I'm still reeling over your showing it!!! Right now, we're raising money to add some other cool features like a canopy shade and picnic tables for folks to have a nice weekday lunch or even a birthday party for the kiddos. Come back and see us if you get the chance!

[@chrisandsara]

Wow that's so amazing that you saw this, we love when we can make connections like this! Your murals are so beautiful!

[@bridgetsmith3777]

@@chrisandsara I'm happy to say we've added canopies and lighting, so if you're ever back in Laurel come check it out!

[@chrisandsara]

That sounds amazing! Hope to make it back there soon!

[@lalalizhank]

so cool to see people visiting my hometown! my sister is also the manager @ bird dog🥺

[@chrisandsara]

That's so awesome, we loved it there!!

[@emmacash8173]

i’m from laurel.. born and raised! it’s an awesome place. i love it! but you’d think with home town bringing in all these people, they would fix some of the roads.😂 as my momma says the pot hole here will roll your windows down and change your radio station..😂😂

[@chrisandsara]

😂😂

[@JohnWCR]

Great series. I feel like I am driving across Mississippi in my Vanagon. Next time Kim and I are in Chattanooga we have to meet up for coffee at my favorite coffee shop Rembrandt

[@chrisandsara]

We love Rembrandts! Definitely reach out via email when y'all pass through town and we'd love to grab coffee if we're in town, too. :)

[@JohnWCR]

@@chrisandsara I do not use email. How about DM on instagram

[@JessicaLThompson]

Y'all need to try Phillips Drive in, in Laurel MS. Good food! And can't go wrong with Wards either. Oh and hog heaven! Some of the best bbq!

[@chrisandsara]

Such awesome recommendations, looks like we will have to make another trip there!

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Jessica

[@jmatthews5336]

Estelle's is a soul food resturant known in Laurel too. Great food

[@susannemcarlisle]

You know all the tourists eat at Pearls and Lee, thinking it’s the best, totally missing Estelles and Hog Heaven.

[@chrisandsara]

Great recommendation, thanks!!

[@jenmoore9022]

When you’re out and about stop in to Columbus Indiana right next to Nashville forty five minutes south of Indianapolis Indiana and visit the local everything!!! Hard Truth Brewery is amazing!!! Columbus is the Midwest architectural capital! I’ve grown up vacationing at my aunt and uncles there and I just love it! It’s absolutely beautiful! And then when you go south… Treasure Island to Clearwater Florida is cluttered with the best little beach places… I may be partial because I grew up there but it is the best! You have to go to GiGi’s on TI and then go to Chicago Jax for pizza and wings and enjoy the sunset!

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Jen

[@RasolHelios]

Fun fact: The movie “Free state of Jones” starring Matthew MaConaughey is based on the history of Laurel ms (Jones County)😉

[@chrisandsara]

That's so interesting!

[@eleanormcarthur6747]

I lived in Laurel in the 1990s . I worked at Ellisville state school for five years before moving to Tupelo. You should’ve gone over toEllisville, Mississippi it has a junior college and the Ellisville State school .

[@chrisandsara]

We'll be sure to add it to the list! This is the first we've heard of Ellisville so it'll be fun to explore it one day and see what makes it special. :)

[@rebekahlewis6906]

He's so cute yr dog looks like golden doodle

[@Scrambler85]

Small towns are the best towns

[@Geezimac]

Enjoying the series! Zoé & Zeus say hi to Kramer!

[@chrisandsara]

Kramer says to tell Zoé and Zeus hello and to make sure they get a bit of extra kibble tonight.

[@Geezimac]

@@chrisandsara Zeus always finds a way to get extra kibble.

[@SD-dx9dp]

Oh my goodness! You guys and food! Now I have to find a chocolate chip cookie. I wonder if there is a straight flight from LAX to Laurel?

[@chrisandsara]

😂probably not a direct flight, but who doesn't love a good road trip?!

[@bonniehall578]

You will have to fly into New Orleans, LA or Jackson, MS for a straight flight.

[@allieyates557]

My hometown is Vicksburg, MS if you ever make it back to the state! It's on the river and my mom owns the local bookstore Lorelei Books 📚

[@chrisandsara]

Oh interesting, we will have to add Vicksburg to the list! Thanks!

[@rickysands7648]

Come visit us over here in Weston, MO!

[@billf595]

Would you consider making a detailed video about monthly expenses living in a van. Groceries,charging batteries ,gas,propane ,water,electricity ,wifi contracts and other stuff that are essential for full time living in a van?

[@chrisandsara]

We've thought about it but truthfully it doesn't really do anyone any good since everyone travels differently and uses different fuel amounts. We highly recommend basing your expenses off your normal budgets since you'll still eat the same amount of groceries on the road as off the road. Wifi is mostly going to come from public wifi, but talk to your cell provider to find out what options they may have. Things like propane really aren't that expensive so figure it in, but know it's not a huge piece (I think ours was like $30 for the whole year). The only other big piece is campsites. Paying for campgrounds adds up fast but know that free camping in national forests and BLM isn't available all across the country so you'll need to figure out your own travel plans and estimate from there. Thanks for bringing this to our attention though, we will start writing a blog post on it!

[@amandahankins2731]

We live here and i swear me and my daughter met your furbaby!!

[@chrisandsara]

We think we remember y'all! Hope you're doing well!

[@chrisandsara]

You very well may have! :) He made lots of friends that day!

[@wonkaoil420l5]

I was also raised in Mississippi look up Springhill Baptist church lived there for 7yrs

[@stephbme1]

❤️❤️ I was born in Laurel ❤️❤️

[@chrisandsara]

How exciting, the town is great!

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Stephanie how is the weather over there

[@brandoncorley3142]

Come to SC and visit Bluffton!

[@chrisandsara]

We were just in Beaufort! We didn't make it to Bluffton unfortunately, but we hear it's a really cute town! We love the lowcountry so I'm sure we'll make it there sooner rather than later. :) our Beaufort + Hunting Island video should be out in a couple of weeks so stay tuned! you might sot some places you recognize.

[@brandoncorley3142]

Nice!

[@josephspann4749]

You might want to check out Brookhaven the next time you're in Mississippi. The south side of town is loaded with beautifully maintained Victorian era homes and the downtown is nice as well. It's easy to get to, as it sits on the intersections of Interstate 55 and Highways 51 & 84.

[@chrisandsara]

That sounds so beautiful, would be such a fun day trip! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@JodieMiners]

Laurel does not just have national recognition, but international too

[@chrisandsara]

So true!

[@amyralls6868]

Next time, come see me at Blue Crab Grill.. I'll make sure your food is tummy!!

[@babydraco2634]

My mom was one of the cooks at the chcurch that lady was painting

[@chrisandsara]

That's so cool!!

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello

[@tabithabjelland8028]

You should go to Minot, North Dakota. My hometown.

[@jessicafirment4178]

I am in laurel I lived here my hole life

[@debbieshelton8771]

Come see us in Murphy NC.

[@katiewan8085]

Lance Bass GOAT of Laurel, MS.

[@cplantt]

Leontyne Price? Look her up.

[@kristinag1610]

America 🇺🇸

[@rebeccatisdale7729]

Try The Dragon Wagon burgers. They are thr best food truck!!!

[@Stickerbob11]

Get to Hawaii already 😉🤙🏽🌺

[@chrisandsara]

Oh man-- you know that's high on our list!! We're trying! 😅

[@Stickerbob11]

@@chrisandsara yup I know it is, here to help when you’re ready! 🤙🏽🌺

[@elliceharris1116]

St. Augustine Florida is.a great place

[@chrisandsara]

Good recommendation!

[@nelsonanthony3257]

Hello Ellice how is the weather over there

[@derekdavis6508]

Also Mississippi is one of the most affordable States, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are the others, I thought about moving, TX is getting so expensive.

[@angelapurifoy2699]

Visit Eureka Springs Arkansas and its near to Branson Missouri...

[@chrisandsara]

We’ll add that to our list!

[@robertkaliski8067]

Check out this "Positive" song about Laurel, Mississippi: Ode to Laurel, Mississippi - by Bob Kaliski

[@ericgreenwald695]

I loved your video! I'm in Flagstaff, AZ and if you are ever out this way let me know! I'm starting to do videos on the town, my channel is Funds in the Sun!

[@chrisandsara]

Thanks for watching, will do!

[@chucklowery1695]

Have you read James & Deborah Fallows’ book Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America? Or seen the documentary on HBO? Very awesome read/watch. This video complements their work very well. I teach a Rural Schools and Communities class at my university where I’m a professor, and I’d love to use this as a discussion prompt in it the next time I teach it. The spirit of community and the “structure of belonging” (Peter Block) make up the soul of authentic democracy in our country. “Everything that we see on the news” doesn’t tell that story. The reality is we can change our hometowns, our lifestyles, the way we see one another. Speaking of my university, you guys should check out Athens, Ohio. Being from the South and now living in Appalachia, there are so many similarities in the “down-to-earth “ people we meet on our journeys.

[@chrisandsara]

Hi Chuck! This is actually the first we've ever heard of James and Deborah but their work sounds like something we'd love to read/watch. Definitely going to go check those so thank you for sharing! :) Ohio is one of the most pleasant states we've ever visited and we can't wait to get back there to explore more small towns. We'll be sure to add Athens to the list!