HGTV's Napiers Reminisce About 'Makeout' Spot at Local Hospital

The couple renovated the hospital where they met as college students and shared early romance memories.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier revealed they used to 'makeout in the elevator' at the local hospital in Laurel, Mississippi where they both worked as college students. The couple, who have been married since 2008, recently renovated the hospital, South Central Regional Medical Center, for an episode of their show 'Home Town' and shared fond memories of their early relationship there.

Why it matters

The Napiers' personal connection to the hospital, where Erin was born and her father worked for decades, highlights how the couple has deep roots in their local community. Their willingness to share intimate details about the start of their relationship also gives fans a rare glimpse into the personal lives of the popular HGTV personalities.

The details

In an Instagram post, Erin Napier shared a clip from an upcoming 'Home Town' episode where she and Ben reminisced about working at the hospital as college students. Erin said she worked as a pharmacy technician, while Ben got a job in the physical therapy department, and they would meet up for meals in the cafeteria and 'makeout in the elevator' during that time. The couple renovated parts of the hospital, including the maternity ward, for the 10th season of their show.

  • Erin and Ben Napier met and started dating as college students working at the hospital.
  • The couple got married in 2008.
  • Erin and Ben recently renovated the hospital for an episode of 'Home Town' Season 10.

The players

Ben Napier

One half of the HGTV couple who stars in the show 'Home Town'.

Erin Napier

One half of the HGTV couple who stars in the show 'Home Town' and has a personal connection to the local hospital, having been born there and having a father who worked there for decades.

South Central Regional Medical Center

The hospital in Laurel, Mississippi where Ben and Erin Napier met and started their relationship as college students, and which they recently renovated for an episode of their HGTV show 'Home Town'.

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What they’re saying

“We would meet up and have breakfast and lunch together in the cafeteria.”

— Erin Napier (Instagram)

“A little bit, sometimes.”

— Erin Napier (Instagram)

“I've always felt God's hand in these rooms through the doctors and nurses and the food that was honestly soul comforting, and I guess that's why I cried (no sobbed? Wept??!!) like a crazy person at the reveal.”

— Erin Napier (Instagram)

What’s next

Fans can tune in to the upcoming 'Home Town' Season 10 episode featuring the Napiers' renovation of South Central Regional Medical Center.

The takeaway

The Napiers' personal connection to the local hospital where their relationship blossomed highlights how the HGTV couple is deeply rooted in their community, and their willingness to share intimate details about their early romance gives viewers a rare glimpse into their private lives.