Traveling into the Deep South was so new to me and when my adventurous friend Dee agreed to do most of the driving, I was ecstatic!
I have wanted to see the setting for HGTV’s “Hometown” program for some time now. The town Laurel seemed like such an idyllic community in which to raise one’s family. Such American pride and traditions. We were not disappointed!
As soon as we arrived in Laurel we headed straight to the Laurel Mercantile Co. Store. The manager was very Southern which also means very friendly and hospitable. She told us a little bit about the town and how Ben and Erin were as down-to-earth in real life as they conveyed on their television show. She recommended an Italian restaurant not too far from the Store. As we headed over to eat, music was playing outdoors, but because we were both hungry and tired decided to not check into it. Unfortunately the next day we learned both Ben and Erin were there!
The following day we took a tour of Laurel which featured many of the “Hometown” fixer-uppers. Included on the tour was Ben’s Scotsman General Store & Woodshop. The picture backdrop for a photo shoot was on the top of Ben’s woodshop. We also explored the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. What an extraordinary museum for such a small town! The architecture was divine throughout Laurel with many churches and historical homes.
