October Tour

October Tour is one of the best parts of living in downtown Salisbury. Each year the Historic Foundation picks out about 10 or so homes (out of many lovely potentials) in the downtown area to be on the tour. I somehow missed out on this bit Salisbury life until 2 years ago when my grandmother and I decided to go together.

In the one year I have lived downtown I've discovered so much more about this town that I've lived in my entire life. There is really a lot of good history and culture hidden about in its many nooks and crannies. The history buff in me totally comes out and I get overly excited at learning little tidbits of history about Salisbury.

Today I toured the homes with my mom, my friend Amy, and her mom. It was a very mother-daughter event that we couldn't believe we hadn't thought of earlier.

On our way down Bank Street to two of the homes on the tour we passed by a row of houses that were originally included in the Confederate prison that occupied these blocks during the Civil War. It's hard to tell if they are occupied or not but they have good bones. Since one end of this block is getting more attention to renovators it would be nice if these homes would get some love as well.

Notice the sign outside the house above. There were ones at each house which created a little poem about how the block is changing. This is the point where Amy and I realized we needed to start taking some photos.

This house gets to me for some reason. I pass by it all the time and think it could be so great. However, I'm not sure how long I'd want to clean up the ivy growing INSIDE OF THE HOUSE! (Look in the left downstairs window!)

A lot of the homes were saved from bad owners that turned them into offices, duplexes, beauty salons, etc.

These next two Bank Street homes are good examples of that:

This lovely home is actually for sell! It's been fully restored and has a kitchen to die for. Also, it has a cute little cottage behind it which hasn't been fully restored yet but would make a really cute little guest house. Or bakery...but that's just me.

On the walk back into town, we passed by the most unique little garden I've ever come across. A wheelbarrow in the sky, paint brushes hanging from branches, and garden tools lining the gate...

In 1972 the next door electric company wanted to tear down this house to build a parking lot. This is my favorite house to look at when I walk downtown. I dream about living in that round room. I want to eat breakfast on the little upstairs porch.

And who could not love a house this grand? Especially when the docents dress up like they could be extras in Gone With the Wind. I've visited the Hall House many times since my first trip as a field trip in the 4th grade, but I always learn something new each time I go.

Somehow, I managed not to take photos of my favorite home, a Arts and Craft stone bungelow from the turn of the century. However, I'm getting the chance to work as a docent there tomorrow afternoon so I'm sure I'll come back with more stories and info then.

If you live in the area and have a free Sunday afternoon then you should really come stroll through!