Thanks Giving On Main Street - Home Plates

Erin and Ben Napier of HGTV’s Home Town give thanks for their beloved Laurel, Mississippi, during a “Friendsgiving” feast beneath twinkling lights.

When Erin Napier first got a phone call from a producer at HGTV, she assumed the woman on the other end of the line wanted to buy some stationery. At the time, Erin owned a letterpress company called Lucky Luxe, and husband Ben had just decided to make the transition from student ministry to full-time woodworking. Becoming famous television personalities was not on the agenda. That all changed when the woman said, “I’ve been stalking you on Instagram. I’m in love with you, and I’m in love with your husband, and I’m in love with your town.”

That last part is what ultimately clinched the deal for the Napiers. Erin and Ben also really love Laurel, Mississippi (population 18,000). Erin was born and raised just outside the city limits. After she and Ben graduated from The University of Mississippi, they briefly thought about going someplace new. But, says Erin, “I traveled a lot in college, and when you travel, you realize how special the place you’re from really is.” Ben, who grew up all over, had also come to love Erin’s Mayberry-esque hometown.