The Bachelor Hometowns are over. Who came out on top? Let’s take a look at how each date served the contestant in charge of showing off her family.
And just like that, the Bachelor hometowns are already over. Hometowns always provide some season highlights and this year did not disappoint. With a Final 3 on their way to Fantasy Suites now (nbd, still crying over that Caelynn exit), let’s break down which Hometown Date was the most successful.
4. Caelynn: Fredericksburg, VA
As we all know by now, Colton sent Caelynn packing at the rose ceremony this week. Still, we’re kind of baffled by that result. Caelynn’s Hometown Date wasn’t exactly the most thrilling entry for The Bachelor, but it still seemed to go over very well.
She started off strong with plenty of homey touches. Caelynn and Colton took a carriage ride and enjoyed a face full of ice cream.
Next, they headed off to Caelynn’s home. There, they were greeted by the full family reunion, enjoyed some delicious southern food and even watched a slideshow of Caelynn pre-pageant years. Cute.
Ultimately, Colton got step-dad’s blessing, they both commented that they felt good about the experience as a whole and Caelynn talked about love. So what went wrong? Clearly, this big family gathering didn’t quite provide the nudge Colton needed to keep Caelynn around. While the Hometown Date as a whole seemed to go over well, we can’t help but think that Colton had already made up his mind to cut Caelynn before the cameras rolled.
3. Cassie: Huntington Beach, CA
Looking back now, Cassie’s Hometown Date on The Bachelor was full of red flags for Colton.
She started things off with a surf, which poor Colton failed at miserably. But as if his struggles weren’t enough, she also wouldn’t say that she was falling in love with him, wanting instead to reserve that for when she really means it. Look: we totally understand her not being on board with the L-word yet. But Colton does have plenty of women who are already at that level with him. . .
At home, Cassie kept things very intimate. Her dad was the real star of her Hometown Date, as he said what we’ve all basically thought during at least one episode of The Bachelor: “How can you be sure after that short a time?” In the end, the Bach walked away without dad’s blessing and commented that he felt “more confused than ever.”
While this felt like the least successful Hometown Date, Cassie still gets the edge over Caelynn as Colton ultimately decided to keep her around for Fantasy Suites. Definitely sounds like he had his mind made up previously to me.
2. Tayshia: Orange County, CA
Tayshia really brought out the big guns when she opted to take the Bachelor skydiving. Adrenaline has been shown to bring couples together, but we couldn’t help but notice how Colton was shaking the whole way up into the air. Maybe not the best strategy to make a guy feel comfortable around you?
Soon, Tayshia and Colton were headed home. Tayshia opted for a more intimate family gathering, including only her immediate family. While this could have potentially provided a cozier, more welcoming atmosphere, instead it seemed to be the perfect vehicle for Tayshia’s dad to come after Colton.
After a LOT of back and forth, Daddy Adams eventually told Colton that he would be comfortable with him marrying his daughter. Still, the Bachelor had to really sweat this one out.
If it hadn’t been for Caelynn’s being sent home, I would have said that Tayshia’s date and Cassie’s date were easily the least successful entries to Hometowns. Tayshia’s gathering was pretty uncomfortable, but has the edge over Cassie as it did ultimately end with everyone feeling better about her time spent on The Bachelor.
1. Hannah G: Birmingham, AL
Despite an awkward start with a lackluster etiquette class, Hannah G. finished her Hometown Date strong with a great family gathering. She opted to mix relatives and friends for a bigger welcome that still retained a sense of intimacy.
Colton came to ask Hannah’s dad for permission like he had with all of the other dads, and this interaction felt far and away the most successful. Hannah’s dad told the Bachelor that he could have his blessing “for sure” if things kept progressing the way that they were between Colton and his daughter.
Afterward, both Colton and Hannah commented that they felt like things had gone very well. She specifically pointed out that she felt good about her family’s reactions and that she appreciated being able to speak freely about her time spent on The Bachelor with Colton.
Overall, the experience in Birmingham felt very natural and like a very good fit. Hannah easily walks away with the best Hometown Date and should feel very confident heading in to Fantasy Suite week.
So who do you think had the most successful Hometown Date? Be sure to let us know in the comments!