Opening Doors for 60 Years
60th Annual Blowing Rock Tour of Homes will be held July 27, 2018
The annual Tour of Homes, sponsored by St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church, opens the doors to some of Blowing Rock’s most special private homes and offers an opportunity to admire the special features and furnishings that have been cherished by homeowners for generations. This year the featured homes are all historic, providing a glimpse into old Blowing Rock treasures. Featured are: Far Horizons, home of the Caudles; Owls Roost, home of Nan and Edgar Lawton; Merlin Glenn, home of Jim Fort; Tuckaway, home of Tracy Woody and Gene Ostrow; and Maymont, Sylvia and Cullie Tarleton’s home. In addition to the tour, other activities offered at the church will include a $15 lunch provided at the Church Café, a bazaar with baked and savory goods and a tag sale offering unique items.
A Tour of Homes Opening Doors Gala will be held for the entire community on July 12 where ticketed guests will be treated to some of the best food and hospitality the High Country offers. A private preview of Far Horizons will be the stage for this festive-attire event to celebrate the 60th year Tour anniversary. Gala tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased at the church or online at www.stmaryofthehills.org.
Tour tickets are $30 in advance. Tickets go on sale May 1 and may be purchased online at www.stmaryofthehills.org, at the church office or the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce on Park Avenue. They may not be purchased by mail.
According to Tour Chairs Susie Greene and Loy McGill, in the spirit of community, the Tour of Homes and Gala have galvanized members of the Blowing Rock community to come together for sixty years to open doors and make money for worthwhile area programs. Since the Tour’s inception in 1958, over a million dollars has been given to charities. Countless individuals in the High Country have benefited from the generosity of the women and men who have participated in making the event possible.
HERE ARE THE ANSWERS TO OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS:
*100% of the profits from the Tour go to High Country charitable groups.
*Tour date is Friday, July 27th from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The last time to buy a ticket is 3:00 PM.
*The tour will be held rain or shine.
*Refunds or exchanges are not available.
*Patrons are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. The historic homes in some cases do not have air conditioning. The opportunity to walk between several of the homes will be available.
*The homes are not handicapped accessible.
*Well supervised children six years and older are welcome. A ticket must be purchased for each child.
*Strollers are not allowed.
*Cars or other motorized wheels are not allowed at the homes or in the gardens.
*Food and/or beverages are not allowed in the homes. Water will be available for patrons outside of each home.
*Photographs may not be taken inside or outside the homes.
*Dogs are not allowed.
*No public restrooms are available at the homes. Restrooms are available at St. Mary's, Blowing Rock Park, and BRAHM.
*Tickets purchased before the Tour (before 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 26th) are $30 each. On the day of the Tour, tickets are $35.
*If you purchase tickets online your hard copy ticket will be available at "Will Call" at St. Mary's on the day of the Tour.
*The Opening Doors Cafe will once again provide a delicious lunch at the church for $15. This includes an entree, bread, dessert, and beverage. A limited number of meals are available. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the Tour.
Questions: Susie Greene-828-295-3217 or greenesl@appstate.edu
Loy McGill-336-817-9476 or Loybmcgill@gmail.com