Saturday, October 13th and Sunday, October 14th

Join us for OctoberTour 2018 for its 43rd year! OctoberTour is one of the oldest annual historic home tours in the South and has featured more than 200 houses and historic properties in Salisbury and Rowan County. Its strong reputation and proven track record have helped establish Historic Salisbury Foundation as one of the country’s leaders in historic preservation.

OctoberTour is going off the rails, so to speak, for 2018 by exploring the railroad history between Salisbury and Spencer. Historic Properties in Spencer as well as the North Carolina Transportation Museum will be featured this year along with North Main Historic District and Downtown properties in Salisbury.

OctoberTour features historic houses of varying sizes, complexity and architectural styles, including Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, Mission, Italian Renaissance, and Romanesque. The tour sites tell the stories of those whose lives and labors have shaped the character and the historic fabric of this community. The architecture reflects the history, literally and figuratively.

Saturday (13th) open from 10:00-5:30 with the Plein Air Artist reception from 5:00-7:00 on the Spencer Library Park Lawn. 

Sunday (14th) open from Noon-5:30.

Other Tour Activities:

On Thursday Night, October 11th, the annual Patrons’ Party will launch the weekend of festivities. The OctoberTour luncheon on Friday, October 12th shares historical accounts of some of Salisbury's famous people and places. As always, tour sponsors and patrons can enjoy refreshments and drinks on the Patrons’ Porch both days of the tour (badges required).

NEW FOR THIS YEAR ONLY! Our annual Bank Street Cafe and Festivities will move to Library Park in Spencer and will feature food, beer and wine, crafts, live musical entertainment, and activities for the entire family Saturday and Sunday during tour hours. Plein Air artists will be painting in neighborhoods throughout the Tour and will display their work at the Artists Reception from 5-7pm Saturday on the Library Park Lawn. Tickets are not required for this portion of the weekend’s activities.

All tickets purchased online may be picked up the weekend of the tour at the Historic Salisbury Station located at 215 Depot Street. Each ticket includes one entry into each home on the tour at anytime during tour hours. Docents are available throughout each tour site to explain history, architectural features, and other pertinent details about the site. Tickets also gain you access to trolley rides. Food and wine located at Spencer's Library Park. Fast Track Tours – Again this year, you may move through homes at your own pace. If doing so, please stay in the back of the group so as not to disrupt the docent’s presentation.