Rachel heads to her first hometown date with Eric in Baltimore, Maryland. They shoot some hoops, get a visit from Eric's friend/wingman, and hear more about Eric's tough life growing up in his old neighborhood. The family visit is big for Rachel, but maybe even bigger for Eric who has never brought a girl home to meet them. His family is so welcoming and excited, but not afraid to ask the real questions about race and her role as The Bachelorette. Eric has the ability to talk and mend fences with his parents about their past, but talks about how he's ready to find love with Rachel. Rachel loves how Eric challenges her and they get through it together. Around the table, Eric makes a wonderful toast about his family making him the man he is today. Eric tells Rachel how strong his feelings are and is close to saying "I love you" without it being the exact phrase.

It's off to Miami for a date with Bryan, complete with a rip-off of the Miami Vice theme song. Bryan and Rachel play a quick round of dominoes for a hot second, then head off take in some snacks and dancing. Bryan gives Rachel the lowdown of everyone he'll be meeting and gives the warning about his mom being protective of him. Rachel's a little nervous to meet his mom given her involvement in the dissolving of Bryan's last relationship. When Bryan says "I know she's the one," mom makes a very odd facial expression and urges him not to rush. Rachel tells Bryan's mom how she loves his confidence, openness, and how wonderful he treats her. It all goes well with mom and the family, and even better with Bryan who tells Rachel he's in love with her. 

Rachel meets up with Peter in Madison, Wisconsin and both are wearing gray to complement Peter's salt and pepper hair (I can only assume). They wander a farmer's market to pick out flowers and eat some treats before meeting up with Peter's friends at a bar. Peter takes the guys aside to level with them about how he's scared about three weeks from now he's supposed to propose. This is a running theme with Peter, who talks to his mom about this and Rachel expresses this as her main concern. Peter's mom thinks he's ready for a commitment but maybe not a proposal and Rachel's not super pleased to hear this. Peter tells Rachel he's very hopeful and happy, as is Rachel... but she's still nervous the amount of time for this process might not be enough.

The hometown dates conclude with riding four-wheelers with Dean in Aspen, Colorado. Dean explains to Rachel that he'll meet his siblings as well as his dad, a converted Sikh yogi who he hasn't spoke to in two years. Dean is terrified about this but Rachel tries to soothe his nerves. Inside, there's some gong meditation and a tribute to Dean's mother, who passed when he was fifteen. But overall Dean is still very uncomfortable and has time alone to talk with his dad and confront their issues. Rachel tries to talk to Dean's dad but he's a bit thrown off by the evening and doesn't want to proceed with the night, but invites her back if they continue their relationship. Rachel heads inside to talk to Dean who has had an overwhelming night but tells Rachel he's falling in love with her.

With four hometowns complete and only three roses available, Rachel talks to Chris Harrison who offers up deep conversation like "What was his family like?" You're getting rusty, Harrison. It's time for Rachel to make her decision and convenes the Rose Ceremony. Unfortunately, it is Dean who does not receive a rose. They say their goodbyes and part cordially, though Dean is upset he said he was falling in love and Rachel sort of said the same back.