Home is where the heart is. It’s also a good place for a family to size up a daughter’s suitor.

Ashley Hebert, the 26-year-old Madawaska native appearing on the current season of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” had a chance to introduce Brad Womack to her family and show him around her hometown during Monday night’s episode.

She also survived the episode’s rose ceremony, meaning she’s one of three women out of 30 remaining on the show since it began airing Jan. 3.

The hometown dates were a chance for Womack to see the women in their day-to-day lives, away from the elaborate dates the show is typically known for.

“Once he meets my family, he’s going to understand a lot more about me,” Hebert said.

Although she currently lives in Philadelphia while attending dental school, Hebert grew up in Madawaska, a paper-mill town on the Canadian border with a strong French heritage.

The visit, which was filmed last fall, began with a stop at the Lakeview Restaurant, where Hebert said she worked while attending high school.

Womack was introduced to poutine — a popular Canadian dish made of french fries, cheese curds and gravy — while the two laughed and joked at the table. The lighthearted conversation was different from the more emotional interactions the pair have had in the last few episodes of the show, constantly “reassuring each other,” as Hebert said.

“I’ve never seen her this happy and energetic,” Womack said. He also said he loved the feel of a small town like Madawaska.

While no moose burgers were eaten, as Womack wondered might happen, the two did pick up live lobsters for dinner. They also stopped off at an unmanned roadside fruit stand, where Womack was surprised to learn that the produce is paid for on the honor system.

Before arriving at Hebert’s parents’ home, they also posed for pictures in front of the “Welcome to Madawaska” sign.

It was all hugs and smiles as the pair entered the home of Hebert’s mother, Laurie Lavoie, and stepfather, Mike Lavoie. Womack said, “I immediately feel like I fit in with this family.”

In a conversation after dinner, Mike Lavoie told Womack that Hebert was determined to finish dental school and had her own goals, but that he gave his blessing for a possible marriage proposal. Womack is expected to propose to one of the women during the show’s finale on March 14.

Womack also visited three other hometowns during the episode: Charlotte, N.C.; Mercer Island, Wash. (near Seattle); and Chico, Calif. (north of Sacramento).

Hebert’s mother said, “He seems to adore her. … If Ashley’s not in love with Brad, she’s getting there.”

Staff Writer Shannon Bryan can be contacted at 791-6333 or at: sbryan@mainetoday.com