Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Holiday Tour of Historic Homes in Savannah, Georgia in December

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This is a time of year when southern hospitality is more welcoming than ever. The people of Savannah is again welcoming visitors into their private residences for the always popular annual Holiday Tour of Historic Homes.
The Holiday tour of Historic Homes has been described as “an intimate visit with residents of Savannah’s Historic District.”, and there is simply no better way to get a closer look at the historic district. The tour is arranged by the Downtown Neighborhood Association, so it is hosted by folks who actually live in the neighborhood.

This year two classic self-guided tours of historic Savannah homes are offered, one in the afternoon and another in the evening. Guests will receive the complete Tour Program at Tour Headquarters. The program includes maps, directions, and descriptions of all the homes.

For more information, please click here to visit the website for The tour of historic homes.

St. Marys Candlelight Tour of Homes – Georgia

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The public is invited to re-live the joys of an old-fashioned Christmas as they tour historic homes, inns, and Churches and other historic buildings from 5 to 9 pm on December 13, 2008.

An annual tradition hosted by St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau  partnering, with the Historic Preservation Commission; this year’s tour includes some sites that the public might not ordinarily have access to such as the old city jail in City Hall, the Historic St. Marys Railroad Depot.

Some of the city’s most beautiful bed and breakfasts and homes will be on the tour this year as well, each uniquely decorated in the fashion of their era. The Bachlott House (home of the National Park Service), the Stotesbury Johnson House (home of Family Matters), six private homes, two bed and breakfast inns, and five churches will open their doors for the event—many serving refreshments.

Carolers will further enhance the Norman Rockwell experience, and other entertainment includes bagpipes and hand bells.

Transportation between tour stops will be provided by golf carts hosted by members of the St. Marys Golf Cart Association , the St. Marys First Baptist Church bus, and the new Convention & Visitors Bureau trolley.

Tickets may be purchased at the St. Marys Welcome Center, 406 Osborne Street, Sheila’s Hallmark, The Goodbread House, Cumberland Inn & Suites, Spencer House, French Quarter, Once Upon a Bookseller, and at the ITT Department at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base for $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the tour.

This year’s Candlelight Tour is dedicated to the memory of St. Marys’ beloved resident and history lover Ann Stacy. Proceeds will benefit the Historic Preservation Commission of St. Marys and support tourism development by St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For more information about the tour, call 912-882-4000. For information about St. Marys, visit www.stmaryswelcome.com.

Christmas in Woodbine Tour of Homes , Georgia

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Dickens Village #1Enjoy a Christmas Celebration in small, charming and historic Woodbine. Tour historic homes and churches. Enjoy an art exhibit featuring local artist and juried works of CCHS Art Students. Soup & Sandwich Supper at St. Marks Episcopal Church at 5:00 p.m. Supper tickets are $5.00 at the door. Tour of Homes Tickets and map at the Woodbine City Hall for $10.00 the day of the event. For more information call 912-576-3211.

40th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes – St. Augustine, FL

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Golden ChristmasEnjoy “Christmas Traditions,” the St. Augustine Garden Club’s annual tour that will showcase homes located around Maria Sanchez Lake, the Matanzas Bay and St. George Street in St. Augustine’s South Historic District. These beautiful historic homes which will be open for the tour represent styles popular in the city and were constructed in 1890, 1905, 1920’s and more recent years. All decorations and floral arrangements throughout the tour will be composed of natural materials designed and hand crafted by members of The Garden Club of St. Augustine. In addition, your ticket includes a delightful tea at the Coastal Community Center, located at 180 Marine Street where quality-crafted items made by Garden Club members will be available for purchase. Tours begin at the Coastal Community Center, from noon to 5 p.m. The Red Train Trolley will provide shuttles from the Center to the homes on the tour. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 day of tour.

For more information call 904.797.6862 or visit our website www.gardenclubofstaugustine.org

Historic Homes for the Holidays – Amelia Island, FL

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Christmas Santa 2006 - 044F
Tour five of Amelia Island’s loveliest, private historic homes during the Amelia Island Museum of History’s Christmas on Centre, an annual celebration of the holiday season in Fernandina Beach. Also included are caroling, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a huge model train exhibit, decorated trees, gingerbread houses, children’s games and much more. For more tickets and information, call the museum at 904.261.7378 or go to www.ameliamuseum.org.