TAKE MOM TO TEA AND TOSS IN A HOME TOUR, TOO

The 1888 Victorian, above,  is on the Escondido Mother's Day Home Tour and also the setting for afternoon tea

VINTAGE ESCONDIDO—The Old Escondido [Calif.] Historic District is holding its 16^th annual Mother’s Day Home Tour, Sunday, May 12 from Noon to 5 pm.  It’s a great way to celebrate Mom’s day by touring five historic homes in the Old Escondido Historic District.  Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of the event.  Tickets are limited and they mean it.  So, plan ahead and don’t be disappointed.

HOME TOUR: The City of Escondido established the Old Escondido Historic District in 1991, the only Historic District in North San Diego County. The city’s oldest neighborhood, Old Escondido features a strong collection of architectural treasures including stately Victorians, comfortable Craftsman bungalows, and eclectic Art Deco and Post World War II residences built in the mid-1880s to date.  The district contains nearly 900 properties and is bounded by 5th Avenue on the North, 13th Avenue on the south, Escondido Blvd. on the west and Chestnut on the east.

AFTERNOON TEA IS EXTRA: For an additional $20 you'll enjoy tea, scone, salad, finger sandwiches, and trifle for dessert at one of the homes on the tour. The number of tickets for the tea are limited.  The tea, which will require a separate ticket for admission, will be served in the beautiful garden of the Beach House with live music in the background.  Tea is set for two seatings: 12:30 pm and 3 pm.

Tea and tour tickets can be purchased at Rosemary-Duff Florist, 101 West Second Avenue or Escondido History Center at Grape Day Park or buy them online at www.oldescondido.org 

NOTE: A tea ticket alone will NOT admit bearer inside any of the historic homes.  Organizers insist if you are also buying a Home Tour ticket, please choose your seating time carefully to make certain you are also able to visit the homes on the tour before the doors close for the day at 5 pm.

More about the Home Tour

Your ticket to the Home Tour is a passport for a rare opportunity to see the amazing interior of the elegant Beach House, an 1888 Queen Anne Victorian located at the corner of Juniper and 7th Avenue.

Other homes include a mid-century modern with possible ties to Frank Lloyd Wright.  Also a 20s and 30s California Bungalows and a 40s Spanish style re-do, all homes boast a range of decorator styles.

Organizers regret that the homes are not accessible to those unable to climb stairs.  The homes are, however, located within fairly easy walking distance from each other but one fairly steep hill where two of the homes are located may be a challenge for some.  

Because the Amgen Tour of California Bicycle Race will be taking place on the same day, parking is likely to be more challenging than usual.  Please allow plenty of time to park and to obtain your keepsake program with map and details about each home before starting the tour.  All ticket sales are limited; we recommend buying ahead to avoid disappointment!

Proceeds from the Mothers Day Home Tour help the Old Escondido Historic District, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, to achieve their mission, to “promote and protect Old Escondido, the City’s oldest neighborhood.”

Organizers thank Major Market for their support of the inaugural tea event.