Step back in time with the 38th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour, presented by the Galveston Historical Foundation on the weekends of May 5 and 6, 12 and 13. Ten resplendent — and resilient — properties are open for public viewing, 10 am to 6 pm, with the purchase of a single ticket. These true survivors weave a fascinating tale of renovation, relocation and close calls with fire, storms and demolition. The ages of the homes range from the 1870 Louis and Margaret Wenzel Cottage to the 1916 abodes of Oscar and Laurence Hoecker and Louis and Anita Runge. Also included is the Charles F. Rhodes Co., Island City Cigar Factory, built in 1898. Tickets are $20; packages combining tour admission with the Sunset on the Sand Kickoff or the Linen and Lace Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch and Fashion Show are also available. Your Historic Homes Tour ticket even grants you discounted $5 access to other local attractions: the 1892 Bishop’s Palace, Texas Seaport Museum and the 1877 tall ship Elissa, the 1838 Michael B. Menard House and the Historic Harbor Tour and Dolphin Watch. Talk about a history buff’s dream come true. Tickets 888.305.7627; galvestonhistory.org.
IMAGE: Josephine Drouet House, 1898. Photo © Galveston Historical Society.