Windows to the Past
From pre-1900s homes paying tribute to the anniversary of The Great Galveston Hurricane, to Georgetown’s historic architecture gems and modern Sun City homes decked out in holiday decor, this year’s home tours offer more than just a glimpse into community history — they serve as a sourcebook for design inspiration. Here are just a few tours to add to your calendar that promise to spark creativity while deepening your appreciation for the region’s architectural heritage.
Galveston Historic Homes
For its 51st year, the Galveston Historic Homes Tour will feature around 10 homes built before 1900 in honor of the 125th anniversary of the island’s hurricane, which remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. “It’s not just about the homes; it’s about the history of the people who lived there or built the house. It’s a way for us as a foundation to bring out some of the deep history Galveston has to offer through those homes,” says Will Wright, chief creative officer of the Galveston Historical Foundation. “People are deeply interested in the story of the 1900 storm so it’s a good opportunity for us to utilize the tour and also get to speak about the storm.”
Tickets AND INFO • galvestonhistory.org • 10am-6pm • May 3-4, 10-11 • DRIVE TIME: 4 HOURS
Gingerbread Trail Tour
Waxahachie might be famous for its gingerbread homes, but not the miniature, sugary ones that pop up everywhere at Christmastime. Many of the town’s historic homes (above) and public buildings feature ornate millwork, scroll designs, steeply pitched rooflines, and whimsical lacelike cutouts and patterns – hallmarks of Victorian architecture that inspired the name of Waxahachie’s annual home tour. “The goal of the tour is to present an opportunity to educate the public on the rich history of Ellis County and showcase the town’s many architecturally diverse homes,” tour organizer Dale Whitfield says. “There are five beautiful homes on this year’s 55th tour that will take you around to the many gorgeous historic areas of Waxahachie.” Get an up-close-and-personal look at historical buildings like the Ellis County Courthouse, Ellis County Museum, Sims Library, Ellis County Art Museum, and the newly restored 1889 on the Square – the museum’s wedding and event venue.
TICKETS AND INFO at gingerbreadtrail.org • June 7-8 • DRIVE TIME: 2 HOURS
Airing of the Quilts and Tour of Homes
Embrace the charm of historic homes and an old pioneer tradition at this year’s Airing of the Quilts and Tour of Homes in Smithville. Stroll through five homes dating from the 1890s to the 1930s, including some with a touch of Hollywood history like the house featured in the 1998 romantic drama Hope Floats. Visitors can also check out quilts adorning the downtown and many Smithville churches during the tour that coincides with the annual Airing of the Quilts – a tribute to a past tradition where families would “air out” their quilts in the sunshine ahead of a long winter. Tickets will be sold on the day of the tour at each house and the Smithville Chamber of Commerce. E-mail [email protected] for tickets.
Tickets and info • SmithvilleGardenClub • November 8 • 11am to 3pm • DRIVE TIME: 1 HOUR
Sun City Kiwanis Home Tour
Kick off the holiday season at the Sun City Kiwanis Home Tour featuring five homes and two or more RVs in Sun City all dressed up for Christmas. “If you want the feel of the season, this is the tour to come to,” Sun City Kiwanis member Ron Becker says. Tour co-chair Glory Novak adds, “People wear holiday sweaters, Santa hats, and reindeer antlers and it just puts you in the holiday spirit before everything gets crazy.” The featured homes, dating back to 1997 when the Sun City community started, are sure to inspire homeowners with their elegant, modern, and even whimsical designs. “Each home is unique. You don’t know what you’re getting at your next stop. Visitors can get new ideas for everything from flooring and light fixtures to seasonal decorations.” Ticket proceeds benefit the Sun City Kiwanis’ reading and scholarship programs.
Tickets on sale in November • At First Texas Bank in Sun city & The Georgetown Visitor Center or online at sctexas.org • December 5-7
Preservation Georgetown Home Tour
Georgetown boasts a rare historic charm that will be on full display during this year’s Preservation Georgetown Home Tour (bottom). “We’ve been very fortunate in Georgetown,” says Alton Martin, president of the Preservation Georgetown board. “We’ve never had a devastating fire that’s swept through the downtown, or a tornado wipe out sections of the downtown. Not every town in Texas can say that.” He says he’ll never forget when Daytripper host Chet Garner told him, “There are 254 counties in Texas and there are only four with an intact courthouse square. And ours is the most beautiful.” This year’s tour will feature five homes and several churches dating back as early as 1850 within Georgetown’s historic district. The goal of the tour, Alton says, is to shine the spotlight on the downtown and the need to preserve its historic integrity. “We want people not to take it for granted. It took a lot of people and a lot of years, and we intend to keep the town a nice place to visit and live. This event exposes people to that concept.”
Tickets may be exchanged at any home for a booklet with maps and information about each home.
Tickets on Eventbrite.com • 11am to 5pm • December 13-14
Taylor Conservation and Heritage Society Holiday Home Tour
Experience a festive celebration of Taylor’s architectural and holiday charm at the Taylor Conservation and Heritage Society Holiday Home Tour. This event offers a chance to tour five to six beautifully decorated mansions and smaller homes dating from the 1890s to 1920s. “Visitors can look forward to seeing a wonderful collection of antique furniture, hearing histories of homes as old as 130 years old, and seeing homes very decorated for the holiday,” says Frances Sorrow, president of the Taylor Conservation and Heritage Society.
Tickets Taylor Conservation and Heritage Society • December 13-14 • 1pm to 5pm • Drive time: 30 MINUTES