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Friends of Fourth Ward’s 37th Holiday Home Tour is slated for Dec. 5-7 this year with seven Uptown homes participating. The decades-long tradition showcases Fourth Ward’s elegance, with historic Victorian homes, urban condominiums and other historic and cultural places dressed in holiday style.
The walkable tour includes admission to the seven homes, including the rarely-seen Berryhill House, along with other offerings like free horse-drawn carriage rides and complimentary appetizers at participating restaurants. The tour will also offer tasting stations with samples and other treats from local businesses. Seventh Street Public Market will offer complimentary cider and cookies, live seasonal music and more.
Discounted tickets are available for $20 online at fofw.org. The price increases to $25 on Nov. 10 and can be bought online or at several local businesses, including Alexander Michael’s Restaurant & Tavern, Park Road Books, 7th Street Public Market, all area Brixx Pizzas and Dean & Delucas.
Proceeds from the tour benefit Friends of Fourth Ward and neighborhood projects like beautification, historic preservation, public art and social and safety programs. : :
History of Fourth Ward
In the mid-1830s, Charlotte was divided into four political wards. The northwest quadrant was called Fourth Ward – a prosperous area that was home to merchants, ministers, physicians and numerous churches, forming a strong center of social and religious influence.
By the early 1900s, the trolley had expanded beyond uptown Charlotte, making nearby “suburbs” such as Dilworth the neighborhoods of choice. Fourth Ward entered a period of decline that continued until 1976, when the Junior League undertook a restoration program that fired the imaginations of adventurous urban “pioneers.”
Today, Historic Fourth Ward is an active, charming community of grand Victorians, luxury condominiums, urban apartments, parks and businesses, as well as cultural, religious and educational activities – all within walking distance of Charlotte’s thriving uptown business center. : :
— courtesy Friends of Fourth Ward