RICHMOND, Va. -- From April 17 to 25, visitors can catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of some of Virginia's finest homes, gardens, and historic landmarks during the state's annual Garden Week.
More than 200 properties that are not normally open to the public are on the tours. They include places that date from the mid-17th century to the early 21st, from homes connected to the Revolutionary War and the Civil War to an original Frank Lloyd Wright design in Virginia Beach. Locust Hill, birthplace of explorer Meriwether Lewis, is also on the tour, along with George Washington's family farm.
Among the privately owned homes open to the public is the boyhood home of Robert E. Lee in Old Town Alexandria. Guests may tour James River Plantations, historic Eyre Hall, and other homes owned by the descendants of their original owners.
Prices for tour tickets range from $10 to $30 per event. Tickets may be purchased the day of the tour at any of the properties, or through www.vagardenweek.org, where you'll find a complete list of the properties included.
A comprehensive guidebook detailing the tours and other information is available by mailing $5 to Historic Garden Week in Virginia, 12 E. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23219.
For details by phone, call 804- 644-7776.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
