Holiday Home Tours

By Collin Kelley
Four Intown neighbors will mark the season with annual holiday home tours that will not only offer a glimpse inside beautifully decorated interiors, but also a chance to taste food from local restaurants and shop for last minute gifts.

Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes
The annual Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes, presented by the Virginia-Highland Civic Association, is set for Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13, from noon to 5 p.m.
This year’s tour features seven homes that reflect the owners’ distinctive tastes and the historic architecture of the community. Homes include Russell Winch’s restored 1930s bungalow on Amsterdam Avenue; Amy and Dale Cohen’s 1939 cottage on Los Angeles Avenue; Lisa Adams 1920s bungalow on Highland View, which features an English garden; and Pamela and Colin Papner’s 1940s Craftsman on Highland Terrace, which was such a hit on previous tours that it’s back again.
Local restaurants will be providing food tastings at each home. The information was not available a press time, so check the tour website for more information.
Tickets are $20 in advance at www.vahihometour.org or at local merchants. Tickets on tour days are $25. Proceeds will benefit Highland Park, the new greenspace at the corner North Highland St. Charles avenues.
Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes
Historic Grant Park’s holiday tour will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 10 p.m. Held in the evening by candlelight and holiday lights in all their splendor, the tour features cozy Craftsmans, decked-out Victorians, spacious new-constructions and even a condo or two.
The Artists’ Market and the Winter in the Forest Children’s Celebration will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 501 Grant St.  Hours for the market are 5 to 9 p.m., while the children’s event is Saturday only from 4 to 6 p.m. Santa will be on hand to talk with the children.
The tour will benefit three of Grant Park’s nonprofit, community organizations: St. Paul, the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool and the Grant Park Parent Network. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $15 online at www.candlelighttourofhomes.com and at local merchants.
Decatur Holiday Candelight Tour of Homes
The 27^th annual tour will be held on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 9:30 each evening. This year’s tour features eight new and older homes in the Great Lakes/Clairemont area of the City of Decatur as well as the Clairemont Elementary School Holiday Marketplace and Café.
Highlights of the tour include the Bosserman’s home on Wilton Lane, a modern, LEED certified home. The home features many green features as well as an open floor plan. The Culp/Pate Home underwent a renovation in 2008 that added a lot of usable square footage to the home, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of the neighborhood. The home received a City of Decatur Historic Preservation Design Award in 2008.
The Tour of Homes is a fundraiser that benefits the Decatur Youth Fund and the Decatur Preservation Alliance. The Decatur Youth fund provides scholarships to low income youth for summer camp programs, as well as supplements the Animal Crackers after school program. The Decatur Preservation Alliance is a non-profit citizen’s group whose mission is to connect the Decatur community through the preservation of its historic structures and green spaces.
Tickets for the Tour are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. Advance tickets are available at The Seventeen Steps, The Seen Gallery, Intown Ace Hardware on Scott Boulevard and Bicycle South www.decaturtourofhomes.com.


Avondale Estates Christmas Tour of Homes
The 17th annual Avondale Estates Christmas Tour of Homes, sponsored by the Avondale Community Club, will be held Sunday, Dec.13, from 3 to 8 pm.
The tour features seven homes that have been restored or renovated to preserve the character of the community. Styles include Tudor, Cape Cod, Colonial, a modernized brick Ranch and more.
A Holiday Market will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Avondale Community Club at 59 Lakeshore Dr. and will feature the creations of a variety of local artists.
Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 on the day of the tour at the Avondale Community Club. www.avondaletourofhomes.com.