Coastal Virginia Home and Garden Tours
The Garden Club of Virginia celebrates Historic Garden Week April 18–25 with home and garden tours. Here’s your guide to a week of delightful homes and gardens in Coastal Virginia with plenty of water, history, art and fun for all.
Historic Garden Week in Virginia, Suffolk
Where: Riverfront Golf Club, 5200 River Club Dr., Suffolk
When: April 18 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $30 in advance via www.vagardenweek.org, $35 day of
What: This tour of six homes celebrates the beauty of land and the James and Nansemond rivers by focusing on six private properties in Harbour View. The Nansemond River Preservation Alliance also will give demonstrations during the day.
Contact: portsmouthsuffolkfranklin@vagardenweek.org
Historic Garden Week in Virginia, Williamsburg
Where: Williamsburg Garden Club, 101 Visitor Center Dr., Williamsburg
When: April 21 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission: $40 in advance via cbtbka@cox.net, $50 day of
What: Commemorating the 300th anniversary of Bruton Parish, the church will be decorated with wedding flowers in celebration of the most joyous event in the life of a church. This theme will be reflected in flower arrangements at all tour properties including the Custis Tenement and Garden, the William and Mary President’s House and Garden, the Fife and Drum Inn, Providence Hall and properties and gardens at Colonial Williamsburg.
Contact: williamsburg@vagardenweek.org
Historic Garden Week Hampton, Newport News
Where: 101 Museum Dr., Newport News
When: April 22 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $30 in advance via www.vagardenweek.org, $40 day of for entire tour: $15 for single-site, children 6–12 half price
What: This tour features seven private homes and gardens in Merry Point Estates along the James River and bordering the James River Country Club. Several of the properties offer scenic views of Indigo Lake and the James River. All are located within a one-mile radius. A tour ticket includes admission to the Peninsula Fine Arts Center and the James River Country Club Golf Museum, the oldest golf museum in the world.
Contact: hampton-newportnews@vagardenweek.org
Historic Garden Week, Virginia Beach
Where: The Princess Anne Country Club, 2800 Pacific Ave., Virginia Beach
When: April 22 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission: $30 in advance via www.vagardenweek.org; $40 day of
What: Beach cottages hold a special attraction for everyone who’s ever enjoyed a vacation on the sand. This tour includes five private homes and gardens in the North End, a narrow three-mile strip developed starting in the 1880s. Also included are the new Brock Environmental Center (home to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation), visits to an oyster garden, a bird watching tour at the end of the day and access to six nearby historic properties on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday.
Contact: virginiabeach@vagardenweek.org
Historic Garden Week, NorfolkWhere: Freemason District, Norfolk. Parking is limited.
When: April 23 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $35 in advance via www.vagardenweek.org; $40 day of
What: Step back in time to the Freemason Historic District. This charming neighborhood was the first to be built outside the original boundaries of colonial Norfolk and is the oldest residential neighborhood in Norfolk. Streets paved with cobblestones salvaged from 19-th century ships’ ballast, granite curbs, cast iron fences, and brick sidewalks are lined with grand Federal, Greek Revival, and Late Victorian homes. The American Planning Association named it one of “10 Great Neighborhoods for 2013.”
Contact: norfolk@vagardenweek.org
Historic Garden Week, Eastern Shore
Where: 32383 Lankford Highway, Cape Charles, Eastern Shore
When: April 25 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $40 in advance via www.vagardenweek.org; $45 day of, single-site $15, ages 5–12 $20
What: This tour tells the stories of centuries of architectural trends. Fine homes rest in romantic tangles of tidewater lanes and woodlands, and often open onto the bay or ocean.
Contact: easternshore@vagardenweek.org
Historic Garden Week, Gloucester-Mathews
Where: Ware Church, 7825 John Clayton Memorial, Gloucester
When: April 25 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $30 in advance via www.vagardenweek.org, $35 day of
What: Tour includes whimsical gardens, extensive art collection, Old World architecture with a New World twist along with Ware Church, a historical landmark dating to the 1600s.
Contact: gloucester@vagardenweek.org
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