I can’t think of anything I like better to do than to go on a Christmas Walk and Home Tour during the Holidays. We have a favorite spot in Charlotte in the Fourth Ward. What began as a neighborhood potluck dinner crawl for neighbors over 41 years ago, has evolved into a vibrant, festive celebration of this special neighborhood with all the joys of urban living. Seven private homes were on tour, this year, revealing the diverse living options and the reflections of the personal design styles of the owners. All the homes were “special” in their own way. From cottage, to townhome to condo we went! And finally up to the 39th floor, what did we see? The view of the city and the BB&T!

But, before all the fun begins at dusk…..we came early to take photos and eat at one of our favorite spots…….Alexander Michael’s Restaurant and Tavern at 9th and Pine.

This historic building was erected in the early 1890’s and was home to the E.W. Berryhill  Store for 70 years. The neighborhood grocery store and general merchandise store served as the Fourth Ward’s social center. The folks gathered round the bot-bellied stove to hear the latest gossip! In 1983 it opened as Alexander Michaels and is still a favorite gathering spot!

After our refreshments we are ready to stroll! Let’s gander at some of these historic homes!

This chimney caught my eye……….

As you can see from the photos we are within walking distance to uptown Charlotte. The neighborhood is very eclectic with different styles of homes……….and a park is now where the main thoroughfare once was, making this a wonderful walking area.

My favorite is still the pink Victorians……..

After Christmas, I am going to look for giant ornaments like these to fill some planters on my porch!

You can see from these pots what a mild winter we have!

Yep, I am definitely getting black plaid ribbon………….I loved the bows and the red and black combination.

One gate showed off their reds!

The dead tree must mean something right? Maybe  leftover from Halloween!

The Poplar Tapas Restaurant & Bar, located in the old Historic Morrison House, is another favorite restaurant in the Fourth Ward…..   Queen Anne in style, with Italianate touches, the architectural details have been preserved throughout the house. The home is named  after Dr Robert Hall Morrison, founder and first president of Davidson College.

and walking on……..

It’s beginning to get dark and the homes will open shortly……..it’s a beautiful night for touring!

We did not take any photos inside the homes on tour. We didn’t want to appear as though we were casing the joint! Our hosts and their homes were all spectacular! One special treat, was a 4,000 square foot condo on the 39th floor of the Vue! The Vue is the tallest building between New York City and Miami…….it has 59 floors and overlooks the Bank of America Stadium and the BB&T Ballpark. This is the view from one of the condo’s panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows!

And from the Billiards lounge, oh my! This complex has every amenity imaginable, trust me…… It is awesome!

I hope you have enjoyed our Christmas Walk as much as we did. Mark your calendars for next year and get your ticket early, they sell out quickly! See you soon!