The Daily News Journal, November 10, 2017
Usher in the holiday season with an enchanting tour of historic homes and landmarks. The annual Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes is slated for Dec. 2 from 4-8 p.m. in Murfreesboro. The tour, will feature beautiful and historic buildings, and as always, the graceful Oaklands Mansion. These festively adorned historical structures, dressed in holly and evergreen, will transport you to a simpler time.
In addition to tours of spectacular downtown sites, Oaklands Mansion will host its first Holiday Marketplace in Maney Hall. A selection of local artisans and craftspeople from around Murfreesboro will feature their wares for holiday shoppers. It’s the perfect opportunity to make holiday purchases for friends and family while enjoying the sights and sounds of the season at the historic Oaklands Mansion. Admission to the marketplace is included with tickets to the Candlelight Tour of Homes. In addition to the marketplace, see a live nativity displayed by Southeast Baptist Church’s Bethlehem Marketplace. Be sure to stop by The Beet Poet food truck for a hot beverage and warm treat.
“The Candlelight Tour of Homes is a Middle Tennessee tradition 34 years in the making,” said James Manning, Executive Director. “Tour goers love that they can begin at any location and if they have not already purchased a ticket in advance at OaklandsMansion.org, they can buy one at any home on the tour.
The church is free, of course! You will have the option to drive the tour route or ride in style on the Raider Express as they shuttle you along the way. You can find the tour route on our website when you buy tickets on-line.”
Stops along the holiday tour include these historic buildings:
- Oaklands Mansion, Cottage & Holiday Marketplace, 900 North Maney Ave.
- Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Turman- Hippie Haven, 420 East Burton St.
- Mr. & Mrs. Justin Holder, 820 East Burton St.
- Ms. Barbara Sutton, 821 East Burton St.
- Mr. & Mrs. Barry Clark, 716 East Burton St.
- Mrs. Melinda Haines, 119 Cherry Lane
- Mr. & Mrs. Roger Hopkins, 702 East Main St.
- Dr. Greg Nicholson, 746 East Main St.
- First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 907 East Main St.
Today, local residents and visitors alike enjoy the mansion that has been lovingly restored and brought back to its former glory. The proceeds of the Candlelight Tour of Homes go toward the continuing preservation of this historic treasure. Purchase advance tickets (either online at www.OaklandsMansion.org or in the museum shop) by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30 and receive a special price of $15 for adults. Admission is $20 per adult at the door, $10 students and children, free for ages 6 and under. On the night of the tour, tickets can be purchased at any home on the tour or at Oaklands’ Museum Shop.
The 2017 Candlelight Tour of Homes is made possible through the generous support of: Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors, Franklin Synergy Bank, Ajax Turner Company, Mrs. Nancy Ammerman, Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Baum, Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Bell with HylaBrook Antique Mall, Dr. & Mrs. Charles Goodman, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Harter, Nathan Carrol with Middle Tennessee Tours, Tim Montgomery CPA PLLC, Judge & Mrs. Royce Taylor, Dr. & Mrs. George Vernardakis, Mrs. Addiesue Webb, and Mr. & Mrs. Don Witherspoon.
Oaklands Mansion is a non-profit educational organization. For information on becoming a member or a volunteer, please call (615) 893-0022.