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Field Trip to America's Hometown: Laurel, Mississippi

Tuesday, March 19, 2019


One of two shops owned by Ben and Erin Napier in Laurel, Mississippi


Happy Tuesday, My Lovelies!  A few weeks ago I went on a field trip to Laurel, Mississippi: America's Hometown.  Laurel is featured in Ben and Erin Napier's HGTV show, Home Town.  On the day I visited, it was overcast, and it eventually stormed before I left.  I'd like to share the highlights of my trip with y'all.

First of all, Laurel is not far from Interstate 59.  Laurel is about 150 miles southwest of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and about 142 miles northeast of New Orleans, Louisiana.  It's a fun day trip if you live in Alabama or Louisiana, and I plan on returning at some point this year.

My first stop was the Laurel Mercantile.  The shop isn't large, but it is very well curated.  There were several people shopping on the Saturday I visited in spite of the inclement weather.  




I liked the selection of milk glass in the shop as well as the vintage-looking glassware.




The Mercantile sells toweling by the yard (i'd love to think of a creative way to use it) and I also loved the cheerful artwork.




If you need anything for your kitchen, you can find it in the shop.




The Mercantile also has a lovely selection of Farmhouse Pottery.  I have a few pieces of their pottery and love it!  The shop sells pieces from the Laurel collection like the crock, above.




The pillows with the iconic Scotsman truck on them are so cute.  I regret not buying one!




I did purchase Ben and Erin's book.  




The book has a handy map in it showing the area where the homes are located that Ben and Erin have renovated for the show.  


After I left the Laurel Mercantile, I went to lunch at the famous Pearl's Diner.  It was crowded, but I didn't have to wait long for a delicious lunch of fried chicken and vegetables.  Pearl's is famous for fried chicken.  I did not take any photos because there were too many people, and by this time it had started raining.


The next stop:  The Scotsman General Store and Woodshop.







Ben and Erin were still filming this season, but as the light was off in the General Store, I didn't get to see Ben filming in his workshop *sadface*








The General Store sells lots of candy, and other food stuffs.  Ben runs on caffeine, apparently.  I also bought some Camellia red beans because they're hard to find in Alabama.




Big Ben's Blend is very strong, but excellent.  I also bought a mug and a Scotsman t-shirt for trip.


After I visited the Scotsman General Store I used the handy-dandy map from Ben and Erin's book and drove around and looked at all the beautiful homes in Laurel that have been featured on the show.  I also saw Ben and Erin's adorable craftsman-style cottage.  By this time it was raining hard, so again I didn't take any photos.  This is why I want to visit again, maybe during the week, when the weather is pretty.

One final note....Today is Mr. Sketchy Reader and my anniversary!  :D  We've been married 31 years today.  Miracles DO happen!  ;P

Do you watch Home TownI love Ben and Erin's designs, and I also enjoy their show!


Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill





8 comments

  1. Happy Anniversary! I have seen this show a few times and the town looks charming! The shops look like a lot of fun to visit, too! Next time you will have to drag your tote along with you!!

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  2. This is my kind of field trip. Thank you for sharing with us. I see many items I like in the shop. :-)

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  3. I love this store. I don't watch the show but I may have to start.

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  4. First off-Congrats on your 31st anniversary. Good for you- staying married in today's world is not an easy task. We are going on 44 years here and sometimes I wonder how we ever made it!

    I would LOVE to go to that town. It sounds like my kind of place. I bet it was fun to see all the renovated places AND to eat at Pearl's. You HAVE to go back, you know!

    Have a lovely evening- xo Diana

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  5. Aw, Happy Anni! Laurel looks like a fun place to visit, I actually have a niece in law from Laurel but I've never been. I only watched the show once, they sort of got on my nerves because they were trying so hard to be like Chip and Joanna...is that awful to say??? Anyway, I love a good makeover, I should give it another chance!
    Jenna

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  6. What great photos, not a place I have heard of but I am Aussie so maybe not surprising

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  7. A very happy (though belated) anniversary to you and Mr. Sketchy! I have never watched Home Town (don't watch much tv at all, really), but I do subscribe to HGtv magazine and have seen them featured. It looks as though they've got a great thing going in their area and that it would be a fun adventure traveling the area.

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  8. So late back to this. Life hasn't been kind. But I wanted to check your post on Laurel. I think the first Mercantile was there when we visited a number of years ago. It was the only nice store in Laurel! The other looks good too. I hope the town revitalizes. I do remember how much we loved the parade!

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I'm Ricki Jill. Welcome! I'm honored that you're reading my blog. I enjoy sharing my creative lifestyle @ The Bookish Dilettante. For more information about my blog, please read the Start Here page. Thank-you for stopping by, and I hope you'll consider following me via email.

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