Flat Rock Tour of Homes scheduled

The beautiful village of Flat Rock will be the setting of the 2008 Tour of Historic Homes from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26.

On the tour are Boxwood, Five Oaks (now Flat Rock Inn), Oak Knoll, the Old Parsonage and the gardens of Long Run.

Learn a bit of history as you tour four historic homes, as well as the gardens of Long Run located on the property of the old Claremont Estate. This home has an exquisite formal garden as well as adjoining woodland gardens. See why the residents of the low country came to consider this tranquil area in the mountains their second home.

It is suggested that the tour be started before 12:30 p.m. to fully enjoy all the homes and gardens and not be rushed. Homes will close at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for the tour are $30 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under (no strollers please). There will be ample parking across from Mud Creek Baptist Church at the corner of Rutledge Drive and Erkwood Drive in Flat Rock. Shuttle service will be provided to all the homes. It is advisable to wear flat-heeled walking shoes as many of the areas are not paved. Homes and shuttles are not handicapped accessible.

Lunch will be available at the Parish House of St. John in the Wilderness Church between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets for lunch must be purchased in advance. They are $8 and will be available in Hendersonville at the Visitors Center and Mountain Lore Books; in Flat Rock at the Wrinkled Egg.

For more information about tickets and lunch, call 697-1018.

All proceeds will benefit Historic Flat Rock Inc., a non-profit organization celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, in its ongoing work of historic preservation.

For more information, call 698-0030, 692-2929 or visit www.historicflatrock.org.