Punta Gorda Garden Club Holly Days Home Tour

There's an opportunity this Friday and Saturday to get a glimpse inside some unique historic homes decked out for the holidays. Each year the Punta Gorda Garden Club applies their decorative talents to a select number of Punta Gorda homes in the Downtown area, which are then open to the public. In addition to viewing these lovely homes, tour attendees can gather inspiration for their own holiday decorations.

The "Holly Days" homes displays are typically very innovative providing a feast of seasonal decor ideas.

Usually enhanced with seasonal aromas,e.g., the smell of fresh baked cookies, pine and other spices, the homes often beckon entry with seasonal music. Garden Club members are there to welcome and to discuss decorations. All the wreaths, ornaments and other adornments are made by members from natural materials (fresh and dried).

This year's theme "Christmas....reflecting 60 years" will be the 17th Holly Days Tour (the tour was suspended in 2004 after Hurricane Charley).

Highlights include the following Tour Homes and First United Methodist Church:

• 507 W. Marion Ave.
• 117 Chasten St.
• 625 W. Olympia Ave.
• 451 Retta Esplanade

In addition, punch and cookies as well as poinsettias will be sold at Lenox Hall near the Church.

IF YOU GO

The tour is self-guided and runs between Noon and 5 on December 4 and 5.

Advance tickets are available at the Charlotte Co. Chamber of Commerce Freeman House, 311 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, at 2702 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, and at the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerece 252 W. Marion Ave. Suite 121.

Tickets will be available on Friday and Saturday at the First Methodist Church and all houses on the Tour.

Ticket Donation: $10 (Proceeds go to the scholarship and community project fund of the Garden Club)

For more information: (941) 575-6354

Also see for more pictures from last year.