RIDGEWAY – Ridgeway prides itself on being a Historic District with most of the buildings having been built between 1890 and 1915. It is designated by the National Register as a significant example of a virtually intact turn-of-the-century town whose development was tied to agricultural prosperity brought on by cotton.
Ridgeway’s Isaac C Thomas Historical Museum, itself built in 1885, offers an eclectic look back through artifacts, photos and collections that reflect the centuries-old progression of the community.
Candelight Tour of Homes
And this year, the museum is part of Ridgeway’s Holidays on the Ridge celebration which, on Friday, Dec. 5, will feature Candlelight Tours of the interior of the museum as well as two of Ridgeway’s historic homes, regaled in all their holiday finery.
The Ivy Veranda, ca. 1905, and known as the Dr. James W. Team House at 110 West Ruff Street is a 3,670 square foot home that eight original fireplaces, plaster walls, handsome molding and picture railing, heart pine flooring and glass blown windows.
The wrap-around porch beckons with elegant furniture that exudes southern hospitality. The holiday magic includes five uniquely themed and Christmas trees. The tree themes run the gambit from teacups to deer antlers and pumpkins to bird nests. The home’s selective décor is influenced by the owners’ European travels and reflects that diversity. From the bold staircase to the elegantly appointed dining area, the home is a Ridgeway treasure that holiday visitors won’t want to miss.
The second home on the tour is the Pecan Hill Estate Bed and Breakfast.
Listed on the historic register as the Maggie Cloud Smith House ca. 1892 it is located on 4.5 acres of gardens, live oaks, magnolias and pecan trees at 400 South Dogwood Avenue. Custom holiday decorations enhance the four bedrooms and suites, the gallery and architectural details that make this a luxurious example of pre-turn-of-the-century southern homes.
Tickets will be available at tour locations or at Over the Top Boutique located at 115 South Palmer Street, and at Ridgeway Town Hall, 170 S. Dogwood Avenue.
The tour will be part of the Town’s Lights on the Ridge celebration from 5 – 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.
Also included in the day’s festivities will be a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas carolers, carriage ride/vintage tractor pull and a visit from Santa.
Visitors to the town on Saturday, Dec. 6, will enjoy strolling the decorated storefronts and shopping at unique shops and dining at the Town’s several restaurants.
Christmas Parade
The Town’s annual Christmas parade will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. The parade will float down the middle of the town’s main street. This year’s theme will be ‘Shimmer and Shine. It’s Twinkle Time.’