Do You Know About the 82nd Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour?
Tickets Now Available!!
Alexandria, VA – The Historic Alexandria Homes Tour began in 1941 when the Senior Auxiliary of the Alexandria Hospital sponsored it. Still, it has been run by The Twig, the Junior Auxiliary of the Inova Alexandria Hospital, since 1997.
The tour has been held annually except for 2020 when the onset of COVID-19 kept everyone isolated. In 2021, the organization pivoted to an outdoor garden tour, but things are back to normal now, and the town is ready for this much-anticipated annual event.
How Are Houses Chosen for the Tour?
Many houses are on tour because their owners have restored or maintained their historic homes, are proud of the endeavor, and enjoy sharing their hard work. Over the years, many Twig volunteers have shared their own homes. Others are the houses of supporters who walked the tour and were inspired to show their properties.
“Often the process involves word of mouth,” says Twig volunteer Scoti Albrecht. “A group of ladies also scout out homes for the tour.”
“Home addresses are not revealed in advance to keep it all a surprise,” adds Albrecht.
Why is the Tour Such a Draw?
Visitors love discovering what’s behind the facades. The furniture, paint colors, design, and artwork are revelations. On occasion, people are astonished to see pools and beautiful English gardens.
“The touring guests are interested in a house’s history,” says Albrecht. “They are curious about how people decorate things and about collections. In the past, there have been book collections, presidential portraits, and one woman collected Chinese hats. Some are almost museum-like.”
Many people travel from out of state just for the Historic Homes Tour. Twig chalks that up to the tour’s quality reputation, how it respects homeowners and ticket holders, has designated water and bathroom stations, the lack of long lines, and wait time, and that the tour is a good value at only $45.
Tidbits to know about this year’s tour:
Local florists donate flower arrangements for each house.
One house in this year’s tour faced foreclosure but is now a city gem.
There is a house that has a horse alley and one where the owner couple has cocktails on the side deck every night and chat with people passing by.
One historic house has been completely redone internally; it has everything new inside. It is completely different from everyone else’s and very eclectic.
Ask if there have been and ghost sightings.
What’s Changed Over the Years?
Not much, really, except how tickets are purchased and guidebooks distributed. Technology has modernized the process. Instead of sending checks by mail, patrons buy tickets online and download the tour books. Visit https://www.thetwig.org/event/82nd-historic-alexandria-homes-tour/ for tickets.
“It saves the organization a lot of money—not printing all those tickets and tour books,” says Albrecht. “It allows Twig to give more money to the hospital.”
