A stop in the one-stoplight town of Laurel, Mississippi was not on my radar, until HGTV’s “Home Town” put this adorable place on the map! Now in its 3rd season (beginning January 14th) the show follows sweet-as-sweet-tea design couple and fellow new parents Erin and Ben Napier as they renovate and restore historic homes in and around their home town of Laurel, Mississippi. The couple also have a brick and mortar shop in downtown Laurel called Laurel Mercantile Co. It’s a charming, Deep South, smaller version of the Texas-size empire “Fixer-Upper” created for Chip and Joanna Gaine’s in Waco (check out my trip to Waco).
I love Erin’s design style and Ben’s craftsmanship skills. The couple preserves as much of their projects as possible, rather than gutting and building all new, which is refreshing to see.
When I saw we were driving right by Laurel on our way back to New Orleans from a road trip to Georgia, we had to stop and check it out! We quickly discovered that Laurel is a little town packed with Southern charm and personality.
Welcome to Laurel, Mississippi. Population 18,500.
It was like taking a walk back in time visiting this sweet little stop along Amtrak’s Crescent train route.
Looks empty because we were there on Christmas Day when all the stores were closed, but that just meant we had the whole town to ourselves!
Each store pays so much attention to its store front, giving the downtown a cute and quirky personality. I love this toy shop!
Laurel Mercantile Co. owned by Ben and Erin Napier of HGTV’s “Home Town”, is located right across the street from the Amtrak train station. Here’s me and Kennedy posing next to the shops giant wall mural…great photo opp for when you visit!
Laurel Mercantile Co. is a brick, stand alone building painted a pretty dark blue. I love all the windows and the pretty tile details.
A look at one of the window displays at Laurel Mercantile Co.
Kennedy hanging out on the tail gate outside of Laurel Mercantile Co
This old truck parked outside of the couple’s shop is another good spot photo opp for you HGTV fans!
Another cute store front in Downtown Laurel.
Love the color of the trim around this door.
The Loblolly Boutique
A fun sign for a fun store!
Next to the store is a sitting area with a cute hand-painted free little library
Lon and Kennedy enjoying a sit by the free little library.
Me and Kennedy soaking up the sun and stretching our legs (and toes!) in downtown Laurel, Mississippi before hoping back in the car for New Orleans
Thanks for checking out our adventure in Laurel, and thank you to HGTV for inspiring me to visit!
Make sure to check out season 3 of Home Town on HGTV!
3 Comments
Heather
This looks like such a neat place to see. Thanks for sharing!
Geralyn Campbell
Laurel looks like a cute town….we need to check it out!
Shawn
Will definitely make a trip to Laurel! Thanks for all the information. I had no idea so many shops were there!