April showers can’t stop these NoVA home and garden tours. From April 20 to 27, the Garden Club of Virginia hosts Historic Garden Week, where sites across the state will hold home and garden tours. This nearly 100-year-old tradition celebrates flora across the state. In addition to Historic Garden Week, other historic districts hold their own tours, including Georgetown and Alexandria. This is the perfect excuse to soak up the sun and wander along flower beds.
Here are some NoVA home and garden tours you won’t want to miss.
Old Town Alexandria
April 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tour six private homes and gardens in this picturesque riverfront town. Gorgeous florals and landscaping surround these homes. Three of the properties are on Fairfax Street, two are on Queen Street, and the other property is the Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden on Orono Street. This tour also includes admission to the gardens at George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the Green Spring Gardens. Tickets can be purchased at the Alexandria visitor center or online. Alexandria Visitor Center: 221 King St., $55
Georgetown House Tour
April 20, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Georgetown’s historic rowhouses have always been a DC staple. Now, you’ll have the chance to learn the stories behind them and explore their stunning interiors. All of the homes are within six blocks of St. John’s Episcopal Church. The Parish Tea in Blake Hall, which will feature homemade tea sandwiches, macarons, and cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake, will be included in the tour. Buy tickets online or in person. St. John’s Episcopal Church: 3240 O St. NW, Washington, DC, $60–$65
Hillsboro
April 21, 1–5 p.m.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hillsboro is one of Loudoun County’s oldest villages. The tour features four historic properties and a renovation of Hillsboro’s main street. Purchase tickets online. Old Stone School: 37098 Charles Town Pk., Purcellville, $45–$55
Fredericksburg
April 23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
It’s worth the mid-week journey to learn the rich history of this town. Fredericksburg’s Caroline Street is lined with diverse architecture and pristine landscapes. Enjoy this peaceful walk near the Rappahannock River and the vibrant tulip display. Among the properties on the tour is the 1772 home of Dr. Charles Mortimer, Mary Washington’s physician. Buy your tickets online. Caroline St., Fredericksburg, $40–$50
Green Spring Gardens
Monday –Saturday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon–4:30 p.m.
Located in Lincolnia, these tours are led by master gardeners. You and your family will learn about the plant collections in the 22 themed gardens on the 31 acres. This is also a great time to pick up some home gardening tips. During April, Green Spring Gardens is an explosion of color. Some of the garden’s April blooms include irises, lilacs, azaleas, and Virginia bluebells. Register for a public tour, or sign up for a private, personalized group tour. 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, $10–$12
Feature image by Nick Johnson
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