“We have tours for lots of different types, themes and interests,” coordinator Kevin Rose said.
Walking tours are held on Saturdays and generally last between 90 minutes and two hours. Bicycle tours are also held on Saturdays and run about two hours, covering four to six miles.
One bicycle tour this year will be held in Yellow Springs, where some of Springfield architect Jack Kline’s best mid-century designs can be seen.
“That’s also our first tour out of town,” Rose said.
When the Westcott House Foundation and Springfield Preservation Alliance merged last year, he said one of the goals was to expand their offerings regionally.
For those interested in shorter tours with a bit of nightlife thrown in, three happy hour tours are available on Wednesday evenings. The tour price includes one drink at a local eatery along the tour.
The new members-only tours are a way to give architecture enthusiasts a chance to see some smaller venues.
The programs are a great way to learn about the Springfield community, Rose said.
“I find that you grow to appreciate Springfield more,” he said. “From the wealthiest neighborhoods to the poorest neighborhoods, there is beauty everywhere.”
The schedule of tours for this summer is as follows. Visit www.summertourseries.org for prices and full details on each event. Tickets are available online or at the Westcott House Museum store, 1340 E. High St.
- Ferncliff Cemetery West walking tour, 10 a.m. today.
- Architecture of Charles A. Cregar bicycle tour, 10 a.m. June 7.
- Downtown Victorian happy hour tour, 6 p.m. June 11.
- Eye Spy Springfield youth tour, 10 a.m. June 21.
- Mast Mansion members-only tour, 6 p.m. June 25. Local architect Lon Krider designed the mansion in 1882. Advance registration is required for this free tour for members only.
- Ridgewood in the Country Club District walking tour, 10 a.m. June 28.
- Downtown Modern happy hour tour, 6 p.m. July 9.
- The Woods walking tour, 10 a.m. July 12.
- Gilded East High walking tour, 10 a.m. July 19.
- Jack Kline's Yellow Springs bicycle tour, 10 a.m. July 26.This bicycle tour will examine the exteriors of some of Kline's best mid-century designs. A stop at the Vernet Ecological Center completes the tour.
- Civic District happy hour tour, 6 p.m. July 30.
- Perrin Woods North walking tour, 10 a.m. Aug. 2. This new tour will explore the 1920s subdivision, and then take an up-close look at the 1830s Perrin Homestead.
- College Hill North walking tour, 10 a.m. Aug. 9. A new tour examining the architecture and history of this late-Victorian north end neighborhood. This tour features the areas east and northeast of Wittenberg University.
- Ridgewood East walking tour, 10 a.m. Aug. 23. While most of Ridgewood lies west of Fountain Boulevard, the two sections to the east have their own unique story to tell. This new tour will end with a brief detour to the English Village on Kewbury.
- Demint Cemetery members-only tour, 6 p.m. Aug. 27. Walk through Springfield's first burial ground and hear stories of Springfield pioneers, Revolutionary War soldiers, and a member of the Boston Tea Party. Free for members, but advance registration is required.
- Garden Acres by Mail walking tour, 10 a.m. Sept. 6.
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