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Over the weekend of Dec. 5-6, the Virginia-Highland neighborhood hosted its 21st annual Tour of Homes. The tour consisted of six extraordinary houses that spanned over two and a half miles of the neighborhood. The houses ranged from a 1922 refurbished bungalow to a 2014 modern abode.

Throughout the tour, volunteers who explained the history and design of each house welcomed visitors. Each home was paired with a local restaurant that served sample menu items to attendees. The restaurants were paired to homes based on kitchen style and the home’s atmosphere.

“Eat, shop, tour,” is the tour’s slogan. The event allowed a visitor  to get a personal experience of the Virginia-Highland neighborhood. For more than two miles, attendees tour the beautiful neighborhood, sample six local restaurants and idle through the numerous area shops. For $25 advance ticket purchase and for  $30 the day of the event, participants had access to these amenities and joined more than 2,000 curious ticketholders along the way.

The tour did not just come together overnight. A 22-person committee and more than 200 volunteers worked to plan the event over the last year.

“I really want to get the community involved with this,” said Tour of Homes chair and Grady parent, Angelika Taylor. “It’s 100 percent volunteer, so, it’s a great opportunity for do-gooders.”

The Grady and Springdale Park  Elementary School choirs provided  entertainment on the tour. The local students sang Christmas carols,and the older students traveled from home to home to replicate a genuine caroling experience.

Taylor and sponsorship chair, Robin Ragland, led the organization and funding of the event. The whole team sought numerous sponsors and received $40,000 in sponsorship, $10,000 more than last year.     

The tour of homes is one of two community fundraisers for the neighborhood; The other is Summerfest. After 21 tours, the event only continues to grow. The tour grossed $75,000 this year, a significant increase from $61,500 last year. All proceeds go back to help the community, which neighbors Grady.

Taylor encourages all volunteers to help out, whether they want to donate their time or show off their homes to the neighborhood.