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Hometown Cancelled? Discovering New Life In Small Towns Like Laurel

Where is HGTV's 'Home Town' filmed?

Jul 23, 2025
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Where is HGTV's 'Home Town' filmed?

Have you ever felt a pang of sadness looking at your old stomping grounds, a place that once felt so familiar, yet now seems… different? It's a feeling many know, this sense that the very essence of your childhood home, your cherished community, has somehow been altered, perhaps even lost. It's a feeling we might call "hometown cancelled," not in the literal sense of it vanishing from the map, but in the way its spirit seems to have faded, or so it seems, anyway.

That feeling of a hometown changing can be a quiet ache. Maybe the old movie theater closed its doors for good, or the town square looks a bit empty these days. Perhaps the main street has fewer shops, or the houses that once held so many memories look a little neglected. It’s a common story in many small places, you know, where the pace of life shifts and what was once vibrant can feel a bit quiet.

But what if there's a different story to tell, a way to bring that feeling of home back to life? What if, instead of a hometown feeling cancelled, it could be reborn? This is where people like Erin and Ben Napier come into the picture, showing us how a small Mississippi town, Laurel, is finding its footing again, proving that a town's heart can beat strong, pretty much, once more.

Table of Contents

The Quiet Ache of a Changing Place

It's a strange thing, isn't it, when the streets you grew up on begin to look unfamiliar? That feeling of your "hometown cancelled" isn't about buildings disappearing; it’s more about the feeling of connection slipping away. Sometimes, old buildings stand empty, their windows dark, telling stories of a time that seems long past. It’s almost like the town itself is holding its breath, waiting for something to happen, or so it seems.

Changes come for many reasons, of course. Economic shifts can make local businesses struggle, causing shops to close their doors. People might move away for jobs, leaving fewer families to fill the schools and parks. This slow shift can make a place feel less lively, less like the home you remember, very much like a quiet whisper where there once was a song.

This sense of loss is quite real for many who cherish their roots. They miss the shared experiences, the familiar faces, the feeling of belonging that a lively hometown provides. It’s a deep, personal connection, you know, that gets a little shaken when things change so much.

Erin and Ben Napier: A Look at the Home Town Stars

In the midst of these changes, some people step up to make a difference. Erin and Ben Napier are doing just that in their small Mississippi town of Laurel. They are the stars of HGTV’s "Home Town," a show that is, quite honestly, about more than just house makeovers. It's about giving places a new lease on life, you know, making them shine again.

Ben, who is a woodworker, an author, and an entrepreneur, brings a strong love for history to his projects. He has a degree in history, which, you know, helps him appreciate the stories behind old homes. Erin, an artist who started her career in corporate graphic design, has a keen eye for making spaces beautiful and true to their origins. Together, they are bringing homes in their town back to life, basically, one project at a time.

They don't just fix up houses; they celebrate the unique character of each one. Their work shows how much they care about Laurel, and how much they believe in the power of a small town. It’s a pretty inspiring sight, really, to see someone put so much heart into their community.

Personal Details and Background

NameErin Napier
Role on Home TownDesigner, Artist
BackgroundGraphic Designer, Artist
Known ForCreative vision, preserving historic details
HometownLaurel, Mississippi
NameBen Napier
Role on Home TownWoodworker, Builder
BackgroundWoodworker, Author, Entrepreneur, History Degree
Known ForCraftsmanship, strong builds, community involvement
HometownLaurel, Mississippi

What Makes a Hometown Feel "Cancelled"?

The feeling of a "hometown cancelled" can come from various signs that a place is losing its spark. Think about the local diner that used to be packed, now empty, or the old hardware store that offered everything, now just a memory. These changes chip away at the everyday fabric of life, and that, you know, can be tough to see.

Sometimes, it’s the physical decay: old buildings standing vacant, paint peeling, gardens overgrown. Other times, it’s the loss of shared spaces, like community centers or parks that once buzzed with activity. When these places go quiet, it’s almost like the town loses a piece of its personality, or so it feels, you know.

And then there’s the feeling of disconnect. People might not know their neighbors as well as they used to, or local events might not draw the crowds they once did. This can make a town feel less like a close-knit family and more like a collection of separate houses, just a little less warm than before.

The Home Town Difference: Reclaiming What Was Lost

Erin and Ben Napier's work on "Home Town" shows a different path for places that feel like they're fading. They take older houses, often those that have seen better days, and give them a complete new lease on life. This isn't just about making things look nice; it's about honoring the past while building for the future, which is pretty clever, really.

They are known for keeping the original character of a home. For example, in Season 7, Episode 2, "Wood, Brick and Clay," they helped a young graphic designer find her first home, making sure it satisfied her love of midcentury design while keeping its historic feel. They often highlight elements like old wood floors, exposed brick walls, and unique architectural details, basically, bringing out the best in what’s already there.

Ben’s woodworking skills mean he can often build custom pieces that fit the home’s style perfectly, adding a personal touch that new homes often lack. Erin's design sense ensures that each space feels fresh and inviting, yet still feels like it belongs in Laurel. Their approach shows that old can be new again, and that history can be a foundation for something beautiful, you know, in a good way.

More Than Just Renovations: Building Community Spirit

The impact of "Home Town" goes far beyond the walls of the houses they work on. Erin and Ben’s efforts have sparked a wider movement in Laurel. They encourage people to see the value in their town’s existing structures and to invest in their community. It’s about creating a ripple effect, so to speak, of pride and care.

Their show often features moments that highlight the community itself, not just the homes. This helps viewers understand that a town is more than just buildings; it’s the people, the stories, and the shared experiences. For instance, in Season 6, Episode 2, "Memory Lane," they revisited a couple looking for a big, historic home with a wraparound porch and shower room. This kind of detail shows how much the Napiers listen to what people really want for their lives in Laurel, you know, what truly makes a house a home.

By bringing attention to Laurel, they’ve also helped foster a stronger sense of local pride. Residents see their town celebrated on national television, which can inspire them to get involved and contribute to its continued revival. It’s a wonderful example of how a few dedicated people can make a very big difference, actually, for everyone.

The Impact of the Show on Laurel and Beyond

The success of "Home Town" has been quite remarkable for HGTV. Viewership last season went past 30 million, which is a lot of people watching and learning about Laurel. This kind of attention has, you know, put the small Mississippi town on the map for many across the country.

The series has been renewed for a Season 8, which shows its lasting popularity and the continued interest in Erin and Ben’s work. This means more stories of homes being brought back to life and more glimpses into the heart of a small American town. It’s pretty clear that people connect with their message, very much so.

This widespread recognition can bring new visitors to Laurel, and perhaps even new residents who are looking for that small-town feel. It shows that even when a hometown might feel "cancelled" to some, there’s always potential for new beginnings and a fresh chapter, you know, if people are willing to work for it.

Keeping the Heart of Your Hometown Alive

So, what can we learn from Laurel's story if our own hometowns feel a bit "cancelled"? First, it’s about appreciating what’s already there. The old buildings, the local stories, the unique character that makes your town special – these are treasures. Looking at them with fresh eyes, you know, can make a big difference.

Supporting local businesses is another simple yet powerful way to keep a town alive. Every dollar spent at a family-owned shop or restaurant helps keep the community’s economic heart beating. It’s a direct way to show you care, basically, about your neighbors.

Getting involved, even in small ways, can also help. Volunteering for a local event, joining a community group, or simply striking up conversations with people you meet can strengthen the bonds that make a place feel like home. These small actions, you know, add up to something much bigger.

Even if your hometown is changing, there are always ways to connect with its enduring spirit. It might mean finding new favorite spots, or helping to create them. It’s about finding hope in the changes and working to shape the future of the place you call home, very much like a gardener tending to a beloved plant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Town and Small Towns

People often wonder about the show and the places it features. Here are some common questions you might have, you know, if you're curious.

Is HGTV's Home Town still on?

Yes, it is! HGTV's "Home Town" has been a big success and has been renewed for a Season 8. This means viewers can look forward to more home restorations and stories from Laurel, Mississippi, for quite some time, actually.

Where is Home Town filmed?

The show is filmed in the small town of Laurel, Mississippi. This is where Erin and Ben Napier live and work, focusing their efforts on bringing new life to homes and the community there. It's their actual hometown, you know, which makes it extra special.

What do Erin and Ben Napier do?

Erin and Ben Napier live and restore homes in Laurel, Mississippi. Ben is a skilled woodworker, while Erin is an artist and designer. Together, they help families find and renovate older homes, bringing them back to their former glory while adding modern comforts. They are, you know, quite a team.

Finding Hope When Your Hometown Changes

The idea of a "hometown cancelled" can feel heavy, a real sadness for places that once held so much personal meaning. Yet, the story of Laurel, Mississippi, through the eyes of Erin and Ben Napier, gives us a lot of hope. It shows that even when a place feels like it's losing its way, there's always a chance for revival, very much like a quiet dawn after a long night.

Their work is a strong reminder that home is more than just a place on a map; it's a feeling, a community, and a collection of shared memories. By caring for old homes and supporting local efforts, people can help keep that feeling alive, even as things change. It’s a powerful message, you know, for anyone who loves their roots.

So, instead of seeing a "hometown cancelled," we can choose to see a place ready for a new chapter. We can look for ways to contribute, to support, and to celebrate the unique spirit that makes our own towns special. Find out what's on HGTV tonight, plus plan what to watch on HGTV, including new and returning shows, to see how others are doing it. You can also learn more about small town revival on our site, and perhaps get some ideas for your own community. Maybe, just maybe, your hometown is waiting for its own story of renewal to be written, and you could be a part of it, too it's almost certain.

Where is HGTV's 'Home Town' filmed?
Where is HGTV's 'Home Town' filmed?
Home Town | HGTV
Home Town | HGTV
Home Town (TV Series 2016– ) - IMDb
Home Town (TV Series 2016– ) - IMDb

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