LAUREL — Laurel has once again made national news following a visit by the New York Times’ “Frugal Traveler” Seth Kugel.

In a blog posted Tuesday on the New York Times’ website, Kugel discusses his journey to Laurel on Amtrak after a stop in Cajun Country. Kugel’s entire trip is taking him from São Paulo, Brazil, to New York.

In the blog entry, entitled “Into Cajun Country: From Po’boys to the Pink Panther,” Kugel discusses visiting the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, and dining at Lee’s Coffee & Tea and The Loft in downtown Laurel.

Kogel called The Reserve, the former First National Bank building, as “the jewel of the revival efforts” in downtown Laurel. In addition to The Loft on the top floor, the building is also home to the Emporium at The Reserve, where a number of local entrepreneurs have items for sale.

Lori Diggetts, who along with Jon Diggetts operates The Loft, said she recalled meeting Kogel, but he didn’t reveal who he was.

“He was carrying a camera and a backpack, but I just thought he was traveling,” she said. “He sat down and had dinner, and was a really nice guy. He never mentioned who he was. When we saw the article, we put two and two together and realized that was him.”

Diggetts said The Loft has been a “great success” since opening under their management last October.

“Over the past few months, all of our food reps are reporting that customers are down,” she said. “We’re steadily building business. I’m really proud of the support we’ve gotten from the town. We’ve added a lot of different things menu wise and live music that a lot of people are not aware of.”

Diggetts said she hopes the article will bring more attention to The Loft even on a local level.

“Some people are saying we’ve really made it big time in the New York Times,” she said. “It’s been cool just to have been mentioned. But, it’s not just a big article about us. It’s about us and Lee’s Coffee & Tea and the Emporium downstairs.”

Diggetts said she sees a lot of growth in downtown Laurel with a number of younger couples moving into the area.

“Agape Church has a lot to offer for downtown,” she said. “It’s growing and they’re really interested in revitalizing downtown. We’re working with them on the Rock the Block concert to do something a little different.”

Kevin Toque, music and prayer ministries director at Agape Church, also received special mention in the article as a regular performer at The Loft.

George Bassi, director of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, said the article is the second time the museum has been mentioned in the New York Times.

“Any time you have the national spotlight on you, it’s terrific,” he said. “We’re tickled because it’s good for the museum, and more importantly it’s good for Laurel to have this type of publicity and exposure.

“One of the things we push all of the time is what a tourist attraction the museum is, but the revitalization efforts of downtown also have great potential,” Bassi added. “People from out of state are literally here every day. They love the charm of the historic district, and are impressed with the museum.”

Bassi said the museum’s current “Pink Panther” exhibit, which received special mention in the article, has been well received.

“It’s a little different for us in terms of subject matter,” he said. “We’ve gotten multi-generational groups here. It’s kind of fun to see a grandfather and his grandchild in the museum looking at the exhibit together.”

Bassi noted that admission to the museum is free, which definitely qualifies for a frugal traveler.

“People are always pleasantly surprised to find that out,” he said. “It’s one of the things we’re proudest of. We’re able to do this because the community support is tremendous.”

Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack said he was ecstatic about Laurel receiving a mention in such a prestigious publication.

“Articles such as this one give us hope during this economic downturn that visitors will be encouraged to come and experience a true Mississippi treasure – Laurel,” he said.

For more information or to read the article, visit frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com and select “Into Cajun Country.”