Southern Byways

Home Visits: Pilgrimages Around the South

by Apryl on March 21st, 2008

In addition to showing off the gardens in the region, historic homes also open their doors to the public as well. For some homes, it’s the only time they are accessible to the crowds. If you happen to be an architecture buff, history buff, antique buff, or just like to look inside homes - you won’t be disappointed with the many pilgrimages throughout the area.

In Texas…

• May 2-4 is the 61st Annual Pilgrimage Tour of Homes and Spring Festival in Jefferson. Four homes are open for tour. In addition, there are a number of events that take place throughout the weekend.

In Louisiana…

• Tour the historic Yellow Pine Inn Bed and Breakfast in Sibley during their Spring Fling on March 29. This event includes an arts and crafts festival, antique festival and more.

In Mississippi…

• Vicksburg’s Historic Home tours ends April 5. This tour features stately homes along the Mississippi River.
• April 4-6 is Aberdeen’s Southern Heritage Pilgrimage. The three day event highlights a handful of different homes each day.
• Holly Springs’ 70th Annual Pilgrimage is scheduled for April 18-20. This includes tours of homes, museums, churches and a cemetery. Other events include arts and crafts festival, storytelling and luncheons at various sites.

In Alabama…

• It’s referred to as the state’s oldest tour of homes and on April 4-6, the 43rd Annual Eufaula Pilgrimage highlights over 10 homes in a mix of daylight and candlelight tours.

In Georgia…

• Tour five of Eatonton’s historic homes during the town’s Tour of Homes on April 26.
• Athens- Clarke County Heritage Foundation’s Spring Tour of Homes features architects in Athens. The tour is scheduled to take place on May 2 - 4.

In Tennessee…

• Sumner County Pilgrimage (Gallatin) on April 26 includes historic homes as well as a number of private homes on display.

In  South Carolina…

• The Charleston Festival of Houses and Gardens continues through April 12. The event features walking tours, luncheons and excursions.
• The 73rd Annual House and Gardens Tours sponsored by The Garden Club of Charleston is schedule for March 28-29. This walking tour highlights homes as well as gardens in the area.
• The Georgetown Plantation Tours will take place on April 4-5. The tour includes town houses, churches and plantations.
• The Elmwood Park Tour of Homes and Gardens highlights this historic neighborhood in Columbia on April 12. Enjoy a day of tour and other events, such as an arts and crafts festival and live music.

In Virginia…

• Go on a basement-to-attic tour of Liberia Mansion with the Manassas Museum on March 29. This behind-the-scenes tour provides you with a look at the restoration and treasures of the 183-year-old property.
• Tour Smithfield Plantation (Blacksburg) during the opening day celebration on April 5.
• Join the Bull Run Mountain Conservancy on an Old Home Sites Tour on April 5 as they guide you through cemeteries and markings of former residences.

In Maryland…

• The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage, April 26 - May 18, focuses on different homes throughout the state.

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POSTED IN: Historic Homes, Plantations, Southern Byways, Southern Mansions, Things to See in Alabama, Things to See in Georgia, Things to See in Louisiana, Things to See in Maryland, Things to See in Mississippi, Things to See in South Carolina, Things to See in Tennessee, Things to See in Texas, Things to See in Virginia