Beaufort's Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens coming up

The annual tour of some of Beaufort's most interesting home and gardens is coming up.

The three days of events run October 22, 23, and 24 (Friday-Sunday,) and are split into four main threads, the "Candlelight Walking Tour" on Friday, the "Ramble Around Beaufort" that shows some areas just outside of downtown and the "Hallelujah Singers" on Saturday, and the "Kitchens and Cuisine" that will allow you taste area specialties on Sunday.

Here's specifics on each part, from the brochure:

CANDLELIGHT WALKING TOUR Beaufort Historic District Friday, October 22, 5 to 7:30 p.m. or 6 to 8:30 p.m. $40 —An evening stroll as daylight fades is a favorite way to see Beaufort. This perennially popular tour includes six houses located on the Point, a distinctive neighborhood with in the City’s National Historic Landmark district, the state’s largest. The private homes open this evening represent the variety of architectural styles built in the city over the past two hundred years. Among those on tour are the Hepworth Pringle House, the Elizabeth Hext House, the Waters home and the Fienning home on New Street, and the Hart home on Port Republic. This self-paced walking tour also includes a tour of The Verdier House, ca. 1805, the house museum of Historic Beaufort Foundation. (you may wish to bring a flashlight for the later time of this tour)

RAMBLE AROUND BEAUFORT Saturday, October 23,10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $40 Optional box lunch $16 – by advance reservation — Today’s tour is a wonderful combination of houses that gives visitor a clear picture of the various historical buildings that together weave together the tapestry of the Lowcountry’s architectural styles from simple to grand, from houses in the city to country retreats. Open today on the Point are the Joseph Johnson House known locally as “The Castle”, the William Wigg Barnwell House, the Henry McKee House, the O’Brien House and First African Baptist Church. A short drive from town will take you to Wimbee Creek Farm and Darlington House: two country retreats reflecting the owners’ interest in preserving antique build- ings and  creatively using them to create exquisite homes. Automobile transportation required to visit the country sites. Box lunches available by advance reservation between 11 and 1 pm only in courtyard of the Beaufort Inn.

HALLELUJAH SINGERS At FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Saturday, October 23 7 p.m $25 — Enjoy a performance by the reknown Hallelujah Singers. The Hallelujah Singers music and song is that of the Gullah culture which is an integral part of the Carolina Lowcountry. The singers have performed for Congress, at the Kennedy Center, and in the movie “Forrest Gump”: it is particularly special to hear them in their hometown.

KITCHENS & CUISINE Sunday, October 24 Noon to 3 p.m. or 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. $40 — Experience culinary Beaufort! Local chefs will create regional specialties in private kitchens in houses along Hermitage and Ribaut Roads and Pigeon Point. Five chefs, five houses! A fun way to spend Sunday afternoon!

Tours are self-paced and benefit the Historic Beaufort Foundation. You can buy tickets online or by calling (843) 379-3331.