Small-Town Charm on TV: Erin Napier and Mississippi Life
There is something about Mississippi’s small towns that feels ready for its close-up. The front porches, the historic homes, the downtown storefronts, the locally owned shops, the neighbors who know each other by name — it is the kind of place that does not need a script to feel memorable.
That charm has reached audiences across the country through HGTV’s Home Town, where Erin and Ben Napier have helped shine a national spotlight on Laurel, Mississippi. Set in their own hometown, the show follows the couple as they restore historic houses while celebrating the character, craftsmanship and community spirit that make Laurel feel so special. Since 2015, Home Town has showcased Laurel’s architecture, local pride and small-town storytelling, helping viewers see what Mississippians have always known: our communities are full of beauty worth preserving.
For fans of the show, Laurel is more than a filming location. It is a real place where visitors can shop, dine, explore and experience the same sense of Mississippi charm that comes through on screen.
Start in Laurel, Mississippi’s “Home Town”
A visit to Laurel should begin downtown, where the energy of Home Town is easy to spot. Brick storefronts, locally owned businesses and walkable streets give visitors plenty of reasons to linger. One of the most popular stops is Laurel Mercantile Co., founded by Ben and Erin Napier and known for home goods, apparel, candles, furniture and Mississippi-made finds that reflect the couple’s Southern style.
Nearby, visitors can also explore Scent Library and Scotsman General Store, two other Napier-connected stops that bring the Home Town experience to life. Laurel Mercantile lists all three locations as part of its visitor experience, giving fans an easy way to build a self-guided day around the show.
But Laurel’s appeal goes beyond its TV fame. The city has a creative rhythm of its own, with local boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, murals and galleries offering a full weekend’s worth of exploring.
Find Art, History and Local Flavor
For a deeper look at Laurel’s cultural side, visitors can stop by the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, one of Mississippi’s most treasured art museums. The museum adds another layer to the city’s creative identity, making it a great complement to the design inspiration found throughout downtown.
After a morning of shopping and sightseeing, settle in for a meal at one of Laurel’s local restaurants. From casual cafés to Southern comfort food, the city’s dining scene gives travelers a taste of the hospitality that makes small-town Mississippi so inviting.
Take the Scenic Route Through Mississippi’s Small Towns
Laurel may be the star of Home Town, but it is only one of many Mississippi communities where visitors can experience small-town charm firsthand. Across the state, historic downtowns, restored buildings, independent shops and creative communities offer their own version of the Mississippi story.
In Ocean Springs, coastal charm meets an artsy downtown filled with galleries, restaurants and boutiques. In Bay St. Louis, visitors can stroll near the water, browse local shops and enjoy a relaxed Gulf Coast getaway. Natchez offers river views, historic homes and one of the most atmospheric downtowns in the state. Oxford blends literary history, college-town energy and a vibrant Square. In the Delta, Cleveland brings together music, food and culture with a welcoming small-town feel.
Each town has its own personality, but they all share something that feels deeply Mississippian: a sense of place, pride and connection.
Bring the Mississippi Look Home
One of the reasons Home Town resonates with viewers is its focus on preservation and design that feels personal. The homes are not made to look like anywhere else. They are meant to reflect the people who live there and the history of the place around them.
Travelers can find that same spirit in Mississippi’s antique shops, maker markets, local boutiques and art galleries. Whether it is a handmade candle, a piece of pottery, a vintage find or a print from a local artist, shopping small in Mississippi is a way to take home more than a souvenir. It is a way to support the makers and merchants who keep these downtowns thriving.
Plan a Weekend Inspired by Hometown
For a TV-inspired Mississippi getaway, spend a weekend in Laurel exploring downtown, shopping local, visiting the museum and taking in the city’s historic neighborhoods. Then, extend the trip with a drive to another small town nearby. Follow the coast, head toward the Delta or plan a route through central Mississippi.
However you build the itinerary, the real charm is in slowing down. In Mississippi, small towns are not just places to pass through. They are places to stay awhile, look around and feel at home.
