Friends of Fourth Ward hosts 37th Annual Holiday Home Tour

This is one of our favorite holiday events. The hospitality and warm welcome of the residents of Fourth Ward is unequaled and always gets us in the Christmas mood. See our article on last year's tour, here.

Below is the press release with the details about this year's tour. Don't miss the history section at the bottom to find out more about this lovely neighborhood and great holiday tradition.

The Friends of Fourth Ward celebrates its 37th wonderful year with a three-day event showcasing the elegant Victorians, urban condominiums, cultural institutions and historic places for which Fourth Ward is famous – all dressed in their holiday finery. The public may tour these luxurious private residences and historic locations on the following dates & times:

2014 Tour Dates & Times

Friday, December 5th: 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Saturday, December 6th: 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Sunday, December 7th: 1:00 – 5:00 pm

This walkable tour includes admission to 7 private uptown homes (including the rarely-seen historic Berryhill House, the flagship Victorian of the neighborhood), free food, beer and wine samples (while they last) at locations along the tour route, plus special holiday surprises at the 7th Street Public Market. On Sunday only, guests may also tour the historic McNinch House restaurant and Victorian home, including the newly renovated private residence upstairs. Throughout the weekend, choirs and hand bell ensembles will perform seasonal music on the porches of neighborhood homes and tour-goers will enjoy free horse and carriage rides throughout the neighborhood, along with complimentary appetizers at participating center city restaurants.

Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour Tickets

Discounted, early-bird tickets are on sale now for $20 at www.fofw.org. Beginning Nov. 10, full price ($25) tickets may be purchased online and at the following retail outlets: Alexander Michael’s Restaurant & Tavern, Park Road Books, 7th Street Public Market, and all area Brixx Pizzas and Dean & Delucas. Tickets are good for all 3 days. During tour hours, ticket-holders must redeem their tickets for tour guidebooks at the tour ticket booth at the corner of 9th Street & Poplar Streets in Fourth Ward, or at the 7th Street Public Market. The Ticket Booth and Market also will be the only location for same day ticket purchases. Additional tour information and group rates: www.fofw.org. 

Tasting Stations & Restaurant Partners

Vendors providing complimentary refreshments and tastings within homes or at official stops along the tour route include: Mert’s Heart & Soul, Rock Bottom Brewery, Allen Tate Realtors, Good Eats & Meets, Skyhouse Uptown and 7th Street Public Market. Center City restaurants offering complimentary appetizers to tour ticket holders who visit during tour hours include: Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, The Asbury and The Wooden Vine. (Tour-goers must present guidebook to receive complimentary selected appetizers.)

7th Street Public Market

As an official stop on the tour, 7SPM will be open during all tour hours, offering complimentary cider & cookies, live seasonal music, multiple tastings, “Gingerbread Houses On Parade”, and terrific holiday gift shopping.

All tour stops are within walking distance of one another. Limited free on-street parking is available throughout the neighborhood. Additional flat fee ($5.00) parking is available in the surface lot adjacent to the 7th Street Public Market at 224 E. 7th Street. FREE horse-drawn carriages will transport tour-goers between the Market and the Holiday

The Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour is presented by Skyhouse Uptown. Supporting sponsors include Allen Tate Realtors, 102.9 The Lake, 7th Street Public Market and Charlotte Center City Partners. Tour proceeds benefit the non-profit Friends of Fourth Ward neighborhood organization.

History of the Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour

Founded in 1977 by neighbors who visited each others’ homes to feast, sing carols and enjoy holiday décor, the Friends of Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour has evolved substantially in 37 years. In 1979, the event opened to the public and quickly became a successful fundraiser for the neighborhood. To this day, all tour proceeds benefit important neighborhood projects such as neighborhood beautification, preservation of historic landmarks, and public art, social and safety programs. The annual home tour is hosted by the Friends of Fourth Ward, a not-for-profit neighborhood organization.

History of Historic Fourth Ward

In the mid-1830s, Charlotte was divided into four political wards. The northwest quadrant was called Fourth Ward – a prosperous area that was home to merchants, ministers, physicians and numerous churches, forming a strong center of social and religious influence.

By the early 1900s, the trolley had expanded beyond uptown Charlotte, making nearby “suburbs” such as Dilworth the neighborhoods of choice. Fourth Ward entered a period of decline that continued until 1976, when the Junior League undertook a restoration program that fired the imaginations of adventurous urban “pioneers”.

Today, Historic Fourth Ward is an active, charming community of grand Victorians, luxury condominiums, urban apartments, parks and businesses, as well as cultural, religious and educational activities – all within walking distance of Charlotte’s thriving uptown business center.

Secret Garden Tour of Fourth Ward

The weather was amazing, the homes oh so enchanting, and the gardens were sublime.

First stop for libations

We picked up our tickets at 9th and Poplar by way of horse drawn carriage and proceeded to our first stop: libations of Skyy Vodka and lovely sweet and sour mixer, cold and refreshing to sip as we walked down to our first garden. On the way we ran into Chandler (a local Charlotte actor), her husband Taylor and friends.

Chandler, Taylor and friends

Lee Garden, deck and patio

First garden: The Lee Garden, beautiful fresh and well thought out for design and color. And of course the Dittloff Garden. Both of these homes are located on 9th Street. 

Garden at the Poplar St. Condos

And really one of my favorites, the Poplar Condominiums on 10th Street bringing back memories of my childhood when I would roller skate the sidewalks and through the covered entrance. 

 I remember how glamorous the apartments were and the movies were the only place you saw buildings like this. The architecture is perfectly preserved including the original entrance doors, the windows unique at that time to Charlotte and the structure itself is all original, built to last. 

Door at the Poplar St. condos

On to 10th Street Courtyard Park surrounded by well designed condos to compliment the old trees and streets built in the 1980s when the city of Charlotte was restoring Fourth Ward. 

More libations at the Garden condos

 More libations, lovely champagne and lovely people having fun with lots to talk about. 

Really enjoyed the Knott-Schooler Garden as we were invited to walk through the home and view the exquisite rooms with the old preserved to its original beauty.

On the porch, where business decisions were mads

 Lovely porch and courtyard garden where most important business decisions were made back in the day.

My favorite porch

 At the Timmins garden and lovely front porch we sat and relaxed and did some serious people watching. 

My pick for Best Garden:  the Causby-Cernohorsky Garden

But truly I have to say the Causby-Cernohorsky Garden with its sloping waterfall and Koi pond is breathtaking. 

Koi pond

 The front landscaping and the garden down the side of the home as you leave the back garden is something to see. I was so glad that they were among the gracious homeowners to share their private space with us. 

Beautiful Fourth Ward Park

By the time we reached Fourth Ward Park we sat again in the shade and watched the people on the tour strolling in and out of the park. 

The Wood Vine

Then on to the Wood Vine Wine Bar up on North Tryon, part of the tour for a delightful glass of wine and a tapas of citrus infused cheese with a splendid sauce, a perfect pairing with the Cabernet we were served. 

Great cabernet

We also stopped in the Asbury restaurant located in the Dunhill Hotel and had a dressed up egg they serve as an appetizer, a yummy deviled egg, really different. The Dunhill is another favorite Center City spot beautifully preserved and so very romantic. 

Bar at the Asbury in the Dunhill Hotel

3 Church hosted the kickoff party, so sorry we missed it, Rock Bottom was serving Mimosas and Bloody Marys. After stopping by Alexander Michaels for a visit with friends, we hopped a carriage ride to the 7th Street Market, our favorite community gathering place, and called it a day. What a wonderful way to spend the day. There is something about nostalgia that touches my soul and leaves me with deep appreciation. 

A free carriage ride adds to the fun. 

To find out more www.fofw.org 

Shepperd house, built in 1898, at 601 Poplar. Not on the tour while it undergoes a two year renovation but look for it next year.

Additions are improving on perfection.

Don't miss 2014's Secret Gardens Tour of 4th Ward

On May 3 and 4, the Friends of Fourth Ward host their 2nd annual Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward tour. Homeowners throughout the historic district open their lovingly-tended and rarely seen private gardens to the public – revealing the secret green worlds tucked behind courtyard walls.

We had the pleasure of attending the tour's inaugural event last year, and were charmed by these hidden gems and the hospitality of the homeowners who welcomed us into their private worlds.

You can see our story about the tour and many pictures by clicking here.

In addition to the featured gardens, the walkable, self-guided tour highlights public art, historic homes and special points of interest along the tour route, showing off all the charms of Historic Fourth Ward – and the extraordinary quality of life it offers.

Admission includes entrance to over a dozen private gardens of every type, as well as docent-led tours of Fourth Ward Park. Along the tour route, participants will enjoy free beer, craft cocktail & champagne tasting stations (courtesy of Skyy Vodka, Hendrick’s Gin, St. Germain, Rock Bottom Brewery & more); free B-Cycle and horse-drawn carriage rides; free food tastings from Fourth Ward Bread Co.; complimentary “tour-only” appetizers at nearby restaurants, including 3 Trade and Rock Bottom Brewery. The 7th Street Market kicks off its "Green Market Saturdays” in conjunction with the tour, and will offer special tastings, garden-themed activities and products. Horse-drawn carriages will provide free shuttle service between the Market and Fourth Ward during tour hours.

If you have enjoyed Fourth Ward's long-running Holiday Home Tour in the past, you'll have some idea of how charming this tour is and what a great value. Proceeds from both tours benefit projects within Fourth Ward and Fourth Ward Park. Additionally, this year Fourth Ward is partnering with the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, and will donate $5 per ticket to RAIN for tickets purchased through the Friends of Fourth Ward website.

Hours are from noon to 4 p.m. each day and we recommend you plan to attend both days to get in all the fun activities, freebies, and great hospitality. Tickets are $20, and are good for both days. You can purchase them online at www.fofw.org or at many local retail locations, including 7th Street Public Market, Alexander Michael’s, Campbell’s Greenhouse, Park Road Books, Salon Botanical and Fourth Ward Bread Co. During tour hours, ticket-holders must redeem their tickets for tour guidebooks at the ticket booth at 9th and Poplar Streets in Fourth Ward. This is also the only location  for same day ticket purchases.

See the Friends of Fourth Ward website for further details, parking suggestions, etc.   

Friends of Fourth Ward Holiday Tour

Founded in 1977 by neighbors who visited each other’s homes to feast, sing carols and enjoy holiday décor, the Friends of Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour has evolved into a successful fund raiser and covers quite a large area of the Center City.

Nutcracker rehearsal

We began our tour at the North Carolina Dance Theatre where the students were rehearsing for The Nutcracker Ballet, an annual event for the school. 

 Then on to pick up our tickets by way of a carriage ride starting at the Seventh Street Public Market where musicians were playing seasonal music, and cider, cookies, wine and cheese were being served.

Young performers at 7th St. Market

Our next stop on the tour was Alexander Michaels, Fourth Wards historical restaurant and bar serving great food and beverages. After soup and salad we were on our way to our first home. 

 
Needless to say the homes were decorated with breathtaking artistry and the lights, caroling and music filled the narrow streets with street lamps glowing. It was truly magical.

Fourth Ward has been preserved in the greatest of traditions boasting its life of days gone by when coal heated the houses and the milk man left his bottles of milk on the front porch. I still remember the coal trucks coming after dark in the winter time rolling slowly down the street and the voice of a small child hanging from the side of the truck calling out “hey coal.” The kids came running from the houses with their empty buckets and their nickels to purchase a bucket of coal for the night. The mist would hang heavy in the street lamps and the smell of dinner still lingered in the air.

The Jenkins/Lancaster Residence transformed into a Christmas wonderland with a tree in almost every room. Each tree had its own theme. My favorite? The Top Hat Tree.

The Mink Santa standing about three feet tall was adorned in mink and jewels inherited from the owner’s mother and honoring her memory and her love of Christmas. What a great way to say, I love you Mom.

And of course the rooftop terrace is amazing for social gatherings, a garden oasis in the heart of the Center City.

The restored Dittloff Residence, dating back to the 1800s, is a modern day version of the original and done quite beautifully. The Dittloffs directed the renovation and have truly preserved the integrity of the home. Mrs. Dittloff, artist extraordinaire, has her art work displayed throughout the home for an added pleasure.

The McNinch House Restaurant 1891. 

 Oh my there is so much to say about this genteel Southern home. The photos don’t do it justice. The downstairs was decorated complete with all the trimmings you would have seen in the 1800s if you were dining at Christmas time in the McNinch home.


We have not had the pleasure of having a meal there but it is truly on our list of very special things to do.

The upstairs, open for the first time, is the private residence of owner Ellen Davis. The wife of the mayor of Charlotte who built the home, Mattie McNinch, had her private room looking down on the street where she spent her quiet time. The room is known as “Mattie’s room.”

Mattie's Room

The front parlor, master bedroom and the enchanting bathroom are decorated in the finest fabrics and accessories, with purple used throughout, Mattie’s favorite color.

One of the condominiums on the tour

 With four beautifully restored Victorian homes, two townhomes and two condominiums to tour, the Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour was a wonderful 4 or 5 hours of time spent in another era.

Refreshments were served at several of the homes and complimentary carriage rides around the Fourth Ward neighborhood were offered.

We ran into friends spending their 12-year wedding anniversary celebrating their life together while on the tour. So romantic.

Lisa and Joe celebrating 12 years

Chandelier at McNinch

See you in December. A wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season.

Happy New Year to All.

Our thanks to Beth Spears for inviting us on the tour. 
For more information on the Friends of the Fourth Ward and its two annual home and garden tours, visit fofw.org

Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour

Photograph by Joy Kennedy

The Friends of Fourth Ward association hosts its 36th Holiday Home Tour, this year a three-day event showcasing the neighborhood's elegant Victorians, urban condominiums, cultural institutions and historic places – all dressed in their holiday finery, as well as many free special events, including tastings, appetizers at local restaurants, carriage rides and previews of "The Nutcracker" by the NC Dance Theatre.

Tickets include entrance to luxurious private residences and historic locations, including 8 private uptown homes, (4 beautifully restored Victorians, 2 townhomes & 2 condominiums) along with the North Carolina Dance Theatre, and special holiday surprises at the 7th Street Public Market.

2013 Tour Dates & Times

• Friday, December 6th: 5 – 9 pm
• Saturday, December 7th: 5 – 9 pm
• Sunday, December 8th: 1 – 5 pm

All weekend, choirs and hand bell ensembles will play seasonal music on the porches of neighborhood homes. Tour-goers also will receive complimentary horse and carriage rides through the neighborhood and to the 7th Street Public Market, plus samples of beer, wine and food samples (while they last).

Photograph by Joy Kennedy

Vendors providing complimentary refreshments and tastings within homes or at official stops along the tour route include: 

• Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 
• Mert’s Heart & Soul, 
• Cowbell Burger & Bar, 
• Mortimer’s Café & Pub, 
• Local Loaf, 
• Assorted Table Wine Shoppe, 
• Fourth Ward Bread Co., 
• Allen Tate Realtors and 
• 7th Street Public Market. 

Center City restaurants offering selected free appetizers to tour ticket holders who visit during tour hours include: 

• Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, 
• Delta’s Restaurant, 
• Dillinger’s Taproom and 
• Brixx Wood-Fired Pizza. 

Tour-goers must present their tour guidebooks to receive complimentary appetizers.

Photograph by
Virginia Dunn

North Carolina Dance Theatre

For the first two hours of the tour each day, NCDT invites tour-goers to preview live Nutcracker rehearsals, tour the studios and costume shop, and enjoy complimentary food and beer. Nutcracker tickets will be on sale for up to 50% off. Visit the NCDT website for more info.

7th Street Public Market

The Market, an official stop on the tour, will be open during all tour hours, offering complimentary cider & cookies, live seasonal music, wine and cheese specials, plus tastings, samplings and great options for holiday shopping. At 6 pm on Friday, 7SPM will unveil “Nutcrackers on Parade.” Tour-goers will receive free horse-drawn carriage rides between the Market and the heart of Historic Fourth Ward. Visit 7thstreetpublicmarket.com for more info.

The McNinch House Restaurant & Victorian Home

On Sunday only, tour-goers can visit the historic McNinch House restaurant and Victorian home, including a tour of the newly renovated and never-before-seen private residence upstairs.

Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour Tickets

Tour tickets are $25, and are good for all 3 days. They may be purchased in advance online at www.fofw.org or at these retail outlets:

Photograph by
Joy Kennedy

• Alexander Michael’s Restaurant & Tavern, 
• Park Road Books, 
• Blis Uptown Gift Boutique, 
• 7th Street Public Market, and 
• all Charlotte-area Brixx Pizzas, Dean & Delucas and FastFrames. 

During tour hours, ticket-holders redeem their tickets for tour guidebooks at the tour ticket booth at the corner of 9th & Poplar Streets in Fourth Ward, or at the 7th Street Public Market. Same day tickets are also available at the Ticket Booth and Market. Additional tour information and group rates is available at www.fofw.org. 

Parking

Photograph by
Virginia Dunn

All tour stops are within walking distance of one another. Limited free on-street parking is available throughout the neighborhood. Additional flat fee ($5) parking is available in the surface lot adjacent to the 7th Street Public Market at 224 E. 7th Street. Free horse-drawn carriages will transport tour-goers between the Market and the Holiday Home Tour.

The Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour is presented by Allen Tate Realtors. Supporting sponsors include North Carolina Dance Theatre, 102.9 The Lake, 7th Street Public Market and Charlotte Center City Partners. Tour proceeds benefit the non-profit Friends of Fourth Ward neighborhood organization.