By Chris Bavender
If you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through gardens resplendent with fountains and vibrant flowers, or if you’re in the mood to sit and relax on an inviting porch, then the Carmel Historical Society’s annual Garden and Front Porch Tour is a must.
For $10 people will get a map for a self-guided tour of gardens and porches of 12 homes (up from eight last year) in Carmel’s historic Old Town area. The event is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 14. Maps are available outside the Monon Depot Museum on the Monon Trail.
“We were looking for other opportunities to engage the Old Town district and be outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. We were amazed at the response to it last year. People seemed to love it and thought we needed to do it each year,” said Carmel Historical Society board member Melisa Keiser. “It gives homeowners a chance to show off their hard work, too. And you can take a walk on a nice afternoon in June.”
The map shows the gardens and porches of the homes on the tour, with each marked with a sign and the Historical Society’s logo in the front yard.
“It lets you explore people’s private garden plots and check out their front porch,” Keiser said. “The homeowners are there and like to talk to people about what they have done. You might be surprised at some of the little private gardens they have with fountains and rocks and sitting areas. Last year one even had a chandelier in the garden.”
The money raised from the tour maps helps the Historical Society continue to work in the community, and it funds operating costs.
For more information, call the Historical Society at 846-7117 or email [email protected].
