Spend your weekend rambling through historic sites, enjoying delicious meals. Tickets still available.
(Atlanta) – More than 50 homes and sites will be open for tours during the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Spring Ramble in Gainesville, Toccoa and Clarkesville, April 28-30.
The event will offer visitors and residents a rare opportunity to explore private historic homes and buildings that are not usually open to the public.
On Friday, ‘Ramblers’ will tour some of Toccoa and Martin’s most intriguing historic homes including Riverside, a stunning antebellum estate, and the 1928 birthplace of Paul Anderson, “the world’s strongest man.” Guests will also have the opportunity to explore impressive turn-of-the-century homes in the nearby historic town of Martin.
On Saturday, the Ramble continues as tour-goers get a closer look at Gainesville’s beautiful Victorian-era and Neoclassical mansions in the Green Street Historic District and charming early 20th century homes in Riverside. Ticket holders will also tour the Colonial Revival and mid-century homes of Longstreet Hills, the first FHA subdivision north of Atlanta; a Craftsman bungalow that was the former residence of Jesse Jewell, founder of the area’s poultry industry; and Healan’s Mill, a 170-year-old grist mill undergoing a dramatic revitalization.
On Sunday, ‘Ramblers’ will take a drive out to Clarkesville, one of the first major resort towns of Northeast Georgia. Guests will explore charming homes built by early settlers including the 1840 Carpenter Gothic Revival style Gloaming Cottage, built by a cousin of President Van Buren, and Sunnyside, the 19th century country estate of a current Georgia State Representative.
The Ramble also includes special dining experiences held at historic sites throughout the weekend.
On Friday night, ‘Ramblers’ will dine at the Loft at Scott’s, a premier award-winning downtown Gainesville eatery located in the historic Estes-Pilgrim Furniture building. Saturday morning breakfast will take place at Pearce Auditorium, a grand Second Empire style opera house located on the beautiful historic campus of Brenau University. Lunch will be in downtown Gainesville, where ‘Ramblers’ can choose from a variety of local eateries. Saturday night’s dinner will be held at Lake Lanier’s Chattahoochee Park Pavilion, a 2015 Georgia Trust Preservation Award winner for Excellence in Restoration.
Before enjoying historic Clarkesville on Sunday, Ramblers will partake in a sumptuous brunch prepared by renowned Southern chef Lee Epting at the 19th century river mill complex of Habersham Mill in Demorest. Located on the Soque River, the property has been creatively rehabilitated as a modern retreat, winning a Georgia Trust Preservation Award in 2016.
A wide variety of registration options are available. Whether you plan on touring for one day or spending the weekend, there’s something for everyone as we explore the beautiful cities of Gainesville, Toccoa and Clarkesville.
For more information, visit www.GeorgiaTrust.org. Proceeds benefit The Georgia Trust.
