Home Tours are my jam for so many reasons.
I love the character of historic homes built in a time when creativity was key and building products and techniques were focused on craftsmanship. I love the little special details like a milk door, a carved surround on a fireplace, or stained glass house numbers on a window above a door. I love the evident care put into these homes by their owners who safeguard historic elements while also modernizing the home with their own personal style. Plus, at heart, I am a Looky-Lou. Some of you relate to that, I know you do! I was a Looky-Lou before I heard the term for the first time on Portlandia. Curiosity abounds and drives me towards the unknown of a historic home tour. I can not resist!
The 43rd Annual Springfield Tour of Homes is this weekend, May 14-15 from 12-5pm. This year will feature six beautiful historic homes and two lovely gardens. I have searched everywhere to find out where the houses and gardens are located but I guess they are keeping it a secret until the day of the tour. That is fun too, I suppose.
We do know one historic location! On Saturday, you can tour Bethel Baptist Institutional Church (215 Bethel Baptist Street) as they will be hosting an Open House that one day of the tour. Bethel Baptist is the oldest Baptist congregation in the state of Florida, founded in 1838. The building on tour was constructed after the Great Fire of 1901 destroyed the former structure and most of Downtown Jacksonville. It really is a special treat to be able to visit this historic African American church, not only because of the beauty of its architecture and construction, but mostly because it is filled with so much of our city’s rich history and culture.
Reserve early bird tickets for $15 online before the tour at Springfieldtour.com. Or pay $20 on the day of the event. Either way, you have to pick up your tickets and the tour map at the SPAR Headquarters (1321 North Main St).
SPAR members get an extra discount. Not a member? Learn more about SPAR Council. Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) is “the non-profit neighborhood membership organization that aims to enhance and preserve the historic Springfield neighborhood.” Supporting local historic preservation groups is an important part of living in or playing in a historic district. These organizations protect and promote their neighborhoods, which increases home and business value, boosts tourism, and helps make them the best places to live and play in Northeast Florida.
My favorite way to experience any home tour is by bike! It really is the best way to see the full beauty of a neighborhood. Ideally you could walk the tour but most tour stops are too far away to leisurely walk the whole tour in a day. Just imagine bicycling down historic streets, shaded by old live oak trees, the wind blowing through your hair, catching the scent of jasmine vines. You can even strap on a small cooler with lunch and drinks and have a short picnic in one of the local parks. If you want to join a bike group, SPAR is offering a special bike tour on May 14 from 1-4pm. Hosted by the wonderful Leigh Burdett of e2ride bike tours, visitors will be guided along a special route that includes not only the homes on the Tour but also highlights other interesting historical locations in the neighborhood. Leigh is a great storyteller - you won’t regret going on a tour with her.
Can’t wait to see you and my other Looks-Lou friends soon!
