It’s name? The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art—one of Mississippi’s greatest treasures.

Visitors will find a fascinating display of works ranging from one of the world’s smallest baskets to a series of 18th century Japanese woodblock prints showing the printing sequence. Also of interest are a variety of collections in American and European paintings, Native American baskets, and English Georgian silver.

At present, “Trees in a Circle: Navajo Weavings,” beautiful fabrics nearly a century old, are hanging in the lower level of the museum.

George Bassi is the museum director, and guided tours are available.

Now, if visitors want to make a day and night trip, they must stay at Wisteria Bed and Breakfast (the Gardiner-Schneider House), a lovely lavender home located across the street from the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. I might add, this beautiful home is on the National Register of Historic Places. The charge for a night at Wisteria B&B (plus a delicious Southern breakfast) is $85.00. The lady of the house also conducts tours by appointment (601.426.3805).

The Wisteria B&B motto for guests is: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)

Visitors to Laurel would also not want to miss Landrum’s Homestead and Village, a “step back in time and walking tour of the past.” Located just out of town on Highway 15 South, Landrum’s is a living history museum created by Tom Landrum and his family.

Tom’s original plan was to build a cabin to preserve the history of his ancestors so his grandchildren could learn about the importance of hard work and family inter-dependence. Tom and his family gradually expanded the concept into a homestead and village, continuing to maintain and upgrade the facilities as they come up with new ideas.

Spending several hours walking and looking at the Landrum family’s depiction of early 1900s life is time well spent. Call them at 601.649.2546.