Marietta is known for its history and architecture and during the holidays some homes and businesses are welcoming visitors to enjoy both.
Each year, residents and owners of some of the spectacular homes and unique lofts located around town open their doors to curiosity seekers and those looking for a different type of holiday event.
This weekend, the Betsey Mills Club and ReStore Marietta will host two separate events, one Saturday and one Sunday.
Article Photos
ERIN O’NEILL The Mareitta Times
Wendy Myers, owner of the buildings at 440 Fifth St., shows off the newly-renovated home of her in-laws John and Phyllis Myers. The Victorian-era complex, which sits on the corner of Fifth and Wooster streets, is divided into nine 3-bedroom townhomes and is part of the Holiday Tour of Homes to be held Sunday in Marietta.
Jennifer Offenberger, past president of ReStore Marietta, said that the Marietta Loft Tour, now in its fourth year, serves a couple different purposes.
"It's really a good way to show the multiple uses for our downtown buildings," she said. "They are effective for business and also as a place to live."
Of the 11 stops on the tour, six are new participants, including the Hackett Hotel above the Adelphia Music Hall, a new residence and offices above Peoples News, a residence above Jenna's Hair Salon, the Colony Theatre, the office of Natalie Ferrell, massage therapist on Second Street and the home of Pierce Training Systems on the third floor of the Glass Press building at 205 Putnam St.
Fact Box
If you go
What: 2012 Marietta Loft Tour.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Where: 170 Front St., 220 Front St., 250 Front St., 205 Putnam St., 2221/2 Putnam St., 203 Second St., 219 Second St. Suite 206, 219 Second St. Suite 210, 127 Ohio St., 113 Maple St. Trolley rides will be available throughout the evening shuttling between locations.
Cost: $10 per person; to reserve tickets in advance (cash or check only) or to get more information, contact ReStore Marietta at (740) 885-8194.
What: Holiday Tour of Homes.
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Bruno residence, 301 Fifth St.; Robinson/Phillips residence, 606 Washington St.; Hollister residence, 613 Sixth St.; Myers residence, 440 Fifth St.; Christ United Methodist Church, 301 Wooster St. Refreshments will be offered at the Betsey Mills Club, 300 Fourth St.
Cost: $10 in advance or $12 at any door. Contact the Betsey Mills Club at 373-4981.
"The whole intention of the loft tour is to get people excited about using these loft spaces," said Ryan Smith, a ReStore board member who is organizing the tour this year. "We have residences, a boutique hotel, a gym ... just a wide variety."
Of course there are also repeat participants that are typically favorites of visitors.
"Just as an example, Chuck (Swaney) at FOUND Antiques always has something new that he has done with his loft and the food is amazing," Offenberger said. Swaney's loft is located at 113 Maple St.
The Marietta Loft Tour will be Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. The trolley will serve as a shuttle for participants who care to use it. Tickets can be purchased through ReStore.
Those looking for some decorating ideas or just interested in what is hidden behind the doors of some of Marietta's most beautiful homes are encouraged to visit the Betsey Mills Club's Holiday Tour of Homes on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Last year the tour attracted hundreds of visitors from all over the area. This will also be the fourth year for the Betsey Mills Club's event. The tour was previously hosted by the now-defunct American Association of University Women (AAUW).
Included on the tour will be the historic Wilcox-Mills house, current home of Marietta College president Joseph Bruno and wife Diane. The Federal style home was built in 1822 and is located at 301 Fifth St. The homes of sisters Joyce Robinson and Judy Phillips, 606 Washington St., and Jeff and Nancy Hollister, at 613 Sixth St., will also be featured, as well as the newly-renovated Victorian-style townhome of John and Phyllis Myers at 440 Fifth St.
"This will be the first time on the tour," Wendy Myers said of the property, owned by her company the Mitcham Group, and occupied by her mother-and-father-in-law.
"The complex was built during the last big oil and gas boom. Each apartment was meant as a 5-bedroom home but now they are divided up into nine 3-bedroom townhouses," she said.
The only non-residence on the tour will be Christ United Methodist Church at 301 Wooster St. Refreshments will be served at the Betsey Mills Club at 400 Fourth St.
Money from the ReStore event will go back into the community, according to Offenberger. The Betsey will use money from the home tour for its programs and activities.
