Hello there again from the Acorn Blog, and we hope everyone is doing great in this big, crazy world. With summer just around the corner, we here at the Acorn Blog are planning our summer trips and discovered that many of us were looking at one location in particular. We are all fans of the show “Hometown, “and this trip will tie into our 3-day visit to Laurel, Mississippi, with an itinerary of interesting sites to see. But first, what is Hometown, you might ask; let me fill you in.
Airing on HGTV, the popular show “Hometown” isn’t your typical renovation program. It follows the charming duo of Erin Napier, a designer with a keen eye, and her husband, Ben, a skilled builder and woodworker. Together, they transform historic homes in their beloved town of Laurel, Mississippi, blending modern functionality with the character of the past. The show’s appeal lies in its heartwarming approach. It’s not just about the renovation; it’s about revitalizing a community, fulfilling homeowners’ dreams, and showcasing the magic of small-town living – all with a healthy dose of Southern charm and Ben’s signature woodworking talent. It’s a perfect fit for HGTV as it aligns with the network’s focus on inspiring and empowering viewers to create beautiful and functional living spaces while also offering a glimpse into a captivating community spirit.
Ya’ll Ready for This? A Hilariously Hometown-Themed 3-Day Adventure in Laurel, Mississippi
Greetings, fellow “Hometown” fanatics! Buckle up because we’re about to embark on a Laurel adventure that’ll be sweeter than Ben Napier’s smile and brighter than Erin’s floral arrangements. This ain’t your mama’s travel blog, honey. We’re ditching the stuffy museum descriptions and replacing them with enough sass to make Miss Lynn proud.
Day 1: Gettin’ Our Mercantile On (and Maybe a Little Lost)
First things first, coffee. Because without caffeine, this Southern belle wouldn’t be able to tell a shiplap from a spackle bucket. Fuel up at a local joint, then head straight to Laurel Mercantile. Be warned, this ain’t your average gift shop. It’s like wandering into Erin’s brain – everything from quirky home decor to Mississippi-made goodies that’ll make your wallet weep (but your heart sing).
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to snap a selfie in front of the iconic “Welcome Y’all” sign. Bonus points for recreating Erin’s power pose. Just remember, striking a pose while holding a stack of mason jars is harder than it looks. Trust me.
Next, unleash your inner explorer with a self-guided walking tour of Laurel’s historic district. You might even stumble upon a house from “Hometown” (don’t peek in the windows, bless your heart). Keep an eye out for those majestic oak trees dripping with Spanish moss – they’re basically the official mascots of the South (along with sweet tea and grits, of course).
Warning: You might get a little lost. Most Southern towns have a charming “meandering” quality to their streets, and Laurel is no exception. But hey, getting lost is half the fun, right? Just don’t blame me if you end up at a catfish fry instead of the museum.
Evening: By now, your stomach will be singing the blues (in a good way, of course). Head to Bird Dog Cafe for a taste of true Southern comfort food. Their fried chicken is legendary, and their portions are big enough to feed a whole hootenanny. Just remember to leave room for pie. Because in the South, there’s always room for pie.
Day 2: Unleashing Your Inner Artist (and Maybe Dodging a Goat)
Ready to unleash your inner Van Gogh (or at least Bob Ross)? Head to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Now, I’m not gonna lie; museums can sometimes feel like snoozefests. But trust me, this one is different. From stunning landscapes to quirky contemporary pieces, there’s something for everyone. Plus, air conditioning – a true blessing in the Mississippi heat.
Afternoon: Time to travel back in time to Landrum’s Homestead & Village. Witness demonstrations of traditional crafts, like quilting and blacksmithing, and learn how folks in the 19th century lived without the internet (gasp!). Just keep an eye out for the resident goat – he’s known for his, uh, “friendly” greetings.
Evening: Catch a show at the historic Laurel Little Theatre. From heart-wrenching dramas to side-splitting comedies, there’s always something playing to tickle your funny bone or tug at your heartstrings. Plus, the theater itself is a gem, all Victorian charm and velvet seats (perfect for napping, but shhh!).
Day 3: Following the Hometown Trail (and Maybe Snagging Some Bargains)
No “Hometown” trip is complete without exploring the shops featured on the show. Start your day at Scotsman’s General Store, a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles. You never know what hidden gems you might find – a vintage rocking chair, a quirky piece of pottery, or maybe even a signed photo of Ben (fingers crossed!).
Next Stop: The Rusty Chandelier. This haven for handmade crafts is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs or gifts for the folks back home. Plus, the owner, Miss Shirley, is a hoot – her stories are almost as good as her selection of hand-painted gourds (yes, you read that right).
Afternoon: Hop on a trolley tour offered by Laurel Main Street. Your guide will be a local character (they practically come standard in Mississippi), regaling you with tales of Laurel’s history, the impact of “Hometown,” and maybe even some juicy local gossip. Just don’t be surprised if they throw in a few bad puns – it’s practically a requirement.
Farewell Feast: End your trip on a delicious note at Pearl’s Diner, another “Hometown” staple. Their menu is a love letter to Southern cuisine, and the portions are enough to satisfy even the hungriest traveler.
Bonus Stop if You Have Time
The Lucky Rabbit in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has only been mentioned a couple of times on the Hometown show, but it does hold a special connection for fans due to its association with the show’s creators, Erin & Ben’s Seal of Approval.
Owned by Brandon and Abby Thaxton, the Lucky Rabbit is a beloved local market known for its unique finds, vintage treasures, and over-the-top displays. Interestingly, Erin Napier designed the Lucky Rabbit logo, lending her creative touch to this Hattiesburg gem.
A Shared Passion for Reviving the South: Both Hometown and the Lucky Rabbit share a common thread – revitalizing the South and celebrating its rich history and culture. While “Hometown” focuses on restoring homes and businesses in Laurel, Mississippi, the Lucky Rabbit brings new life to vintage finds, showcasing the charm and craftsmanship of the past.
Planning Your Visit: The Lucky Rabbit is located in Hattiesburg, about an hour’s drive from Laurel. It’s open every Saturday and Sunday, so plan accordingly if you decide to incorporate it into your “Hometown” adventure. Be sure to check their social media pages or website for updated hours and information before your visit.
There you have it folks. Lets load up in the family roadster and zoom on down to Mississippi for an interesting and fun time in the lovely city of Laurel. The only thing you need to pack is your appetite and fun-loving nature for this quiet and quaint southern gem, and get ready to talk and be talked to by many fans of the show “Hometown.”
Now 3, 2, 1..GO….
Sorry, Wrong Show