When we travel with our family we try to stay on backroads so we can visit cute small towns along the way. It makes our journey feel less stressed, less hurried, and less overwhelming. I think it is all of the charm that the historical downtown streets bring. Even in the midst of the longest cross-country travels, I can’t resist a historic courthouse, brick road, or town square. It’s like stepping back in time. You can truly see the history all around you and feel the presence of its citizens while you stroll through the historic district.
Southern Trips Along Route 84
Laurel, Mississippi
In the Southeast, Route 84 is a laid-back road that will take you from the swamp in Georgia all the way into Texas. Along this backroad drive you can visit the beautiful town of Laurel, Mississippi. Laurel’s Main Street offers sights of old buildings that have been in use since the city was incorporated in the late 1800’s.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons “We Are Laurel” by Ahill.laurel licensed under CC BY 3.0
Laurel may not seem like “big news” but they were leaders for a lot of growth in Mississippi. This small town was the home to the famous Lindsey Log Wagon Company. Their wagon, the eight-wheeled Lindsey, was specifically designed to assist the sawmills that were responsible for Laurel’s growth. The wagon was so remarkable, they were commissioned by the military and used during World War I. Today, you can visit a fully-restored Lindsey Wagon at the city’s Welcome Center.
Another gem in Laurel is the The Pinehurst Hotel. The Pinehurst was one of the first hotels to have air condition in Mississippi. While the hotel itself is no longer standing, an addition that housed a theater is still there, AND it still holds performances!
Where Will Your Next Roadtrip Take You?
There’s a lot to visit when you hop off the interstate and travel paths of the past. Visiting beautiful towns like this is about as close as we can get to traveling back in time. Fill your gas tanks and be prepared to discover more side streets and small towns on your next roadtrip!
