Photo Courtesy of Ocean County Historical Society
No doubt your end-of-year calendar is packed to the brim with holiday parties, work happy hours, last-minute mall runs and perhaps a few volunteering opportunities. But try to fit in some time for pleasure too, rather than just the hustle and bustle of what needs to get done during the holiday season.
Many New Jersey towns are hosting guided tours of historic homes. Who knows, you might even walk away with some inspiration for your own interiors.
Here are a few happening in the coming weeks across the Garden State:
Photo Courtesy of Crane House & Historic YWCA
Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Montclair’s architecture, history and people are the focus of this two-hour Hometown History Bus Tour through the township, which includes a glimpse at the Crane House & Historic YWCA. The bus leaves at 10 a.m. from 110 Orange St. Montclair. Admission: $30 per person for members; $40 for nonmembers.
Photo Courtesy of Texier House Museum
Nov. 19, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Watchung history comes alive with a tour of the Texier House Museum, where you can explore history and artifacts of the borough as you wander through the home’s five rooms. Admission: Free, but donations are encouraged.
Photo Courtesy of Ocean County Historical Society
Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Ocean County Historical Society hosts a special holiday-themed Victorian-style open house at 26 Hadley Ave. In addition to checking out the Christmas décor inside the home, kids and adults can also take photos with Santa and enjoy festive treats and music. Admission: Free.
Photo Courtesy of Rockingham Historic House
Nov. 26, 29, 30, times vary. Mercer County is home to The Rockingham Historic House, which was Gen. George Washington’s final Revolutionary War home in 1783. The house recently underwent a seven-month renovation, and is ready for its big reintroduction just in time for the holidays. Tours are held a few times on specified days; check out the website for details. Admission: Free, but tickets must be reserved in advance because spots are limited.
Photo Courtesy of The Woman’s Club of Ridgewood
Nov. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Woman’s Club of Ridgewood returns for their annual fundraiser, The Ridgewood Holiday House Tour. This charity events takes participants on a tour of a few historic homes in the borough and surrounding communities which are all decked out for Christmas and Hanukkah. Admission: $40.
Photo Courtesy of Cranford Historical Society
Dec. 10, 2 to 4 p.m. Join the Cranford Historical Society for a guided tour of the Crane-Phillips House Museum, a Victorian-era cottage that gives a glimpse into what life was life for a middle-of-the-road family during the 19th century. Admission: Free.
Which home tour will you be checking out this season? Tell us below or on Instagram @njhomemag.