Autumn in Columbus yields crunchy leaves, crisp air, and a chance to experience a slew of creative urban dwellings. This year’s Short North Tour Of Homes & Gardens (formerly known as the Victorian Village Tour of Homes) will be held on September 18 and 19. Presented by the Short North Civic Association, the tour features various architectural and design styles in Victorian Village, Italian Village, Harrison West, Dennison Place, and The Circles.
A special preview tour, cocktail reception, and series of themed dinners at private residences will take place on Saturday, September 18. These reservation-only events include an exclusive tour of homes from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., a cocktail reception from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at The Jackson on High, and a choice of four dinners hosted by Aaron and Gwen Carmack; Rick Gallagher; Deborah Quinci; and Rob Pettit/Chris Stenger.
The actual tour takes place on Sunday, September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Among the 10 homes and two gardens in this year’s tour are 43 Brickel Street: a new build with an art-filled outdoor industrial room and a meditation loft; 929 North Fourth Street: a bungalow with Brazilian Cherry floors, a double-sided fireplace, and an outdoor snow melt system; 178 Buttles Avenue: a stately home with seven fireplaces, a cookbook library, and a wealth of family antiques; 895 Dennison Avenue: a renovated home with a game room, a rooftop terrace, and ladies/gentleman parlors; and 851 Neil Avenue: an eco-friendly two-level Victorian garden with a dry well and garden waste compost. Guests can either walk along the tree-lined tour route or ride in an old-fashioned trolley car.
Tickets to the Sunday tour cost $15 or $20 on the day of the event, and preview tour tickets (including cocktail reception and a seat at a hosted dinner) cost $100. Tickets to all of these events can be purchased by calling 614-228-2912 or visiting shortnorthcivic.org. Sunday tour tickets may also be purchased in person at Spinelli’s Deli.
Alexandra Kelley sits on the board of the Short North Civic Association and is a featured writer for Columbus Underground. Visit alexandra477.com for more information.
