Article and photo submitted by Christmas in Montrose.
Since its inception several years ago, the Take a Bite Out of Christmas Tours as a part of Christmas in Montrose, the planning committee has appreciated and listened to suggestions from you, the public. As a result, updates have been planned to make the Friday night tours even better. Depending on which tour you choose, you will experience a different mode of transportation as well as learning a piece of the rich history of Montrose at each stop.
Those participants lucky enough to get tickets for one of the tours are encouraged to dress in their most festive holiday attire or period costume for their journey. This is a rain or snow event, and participants should dress warmly and appropriate for the weather.
As you travel from one spot to another, you will have the opportunity to not only experience charming homes, historic buildings, and beautiful churches but also view homes and businesses decorated for the holidays, some of which are a part of the “Light Up Montrose” decorating contest.
All tours are for adults only– must be at least 21 years of age.
Tour #1 “Snowflake Express”
Participants will check in at the information booth at the Christmas Village on the Green at 4:45 where they will be picked up to start the tour promptly at 5:00 PM.
Participants will board a hay wagon and travel to different homes while hearing stories, singing carols, and making merry along the way. The tour begins at the Pink Arrow Art Gallery, then to the beautiful Community Foundation, an undertaker’s barn and 1816 house, the former Silver Lake Bank in Montrose, and home of The Center for Antislavery Studies (CASS) where food will be served.
Tour #2 “History Mystery Christmas Tour”
This is a walking tour so please be sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Participants will check in at the information booth at the Christmas Village on the Green at 4:45. This strolling tour begins at 5 PM sharp at the Historical Society Museum which is a short walking distance from the Green. Have fun dressing up as a Montrose citizen of the past while trying to solve “who did it?” Guests will walk to the theater and then stroll up and down the avenue to hear stories and learn about the town’s history while gathering clues. The Tannery will be a stop where participants will enjoy a delicious chicken pot pie meal at the Busy Bee Café. Then on to the historic “Relic” where the mystery will be solved and participants can enjoy desserts and drink and the festive atmosphere.
Tour #3 “The Silver Bells Historic Church Tour”
The tour begins at 4 PM with light snacks at the Montrose Bible Conference where parking is available. Participants will hop on the “Church Bus” and experience church in a new way! They will take a ride through the local church history and visit several of the area churches and former meeting grounds, while listening to stories of history, mystery, and more. A variety of hosts will walk participants through the history of the buildings, their parishioners, and rich beginnings as well as experiencing an old-fashioned tent meeting. Some of the churches included are the AME Zion, Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian as well as radio station WPEL and then back to the Montrose Bible Conference.
All the tour participants can bring a blanket and should dress warmly and appropriately for the weather. After the tour participants are invited to the beautifully restored “Relic” on Church Street for holiday drinks and desserts.
Don’t be one of those disappointed individuals because you didn’t get their tickets soon enough. You must be 21 years old for the ticket-only Friday night tours on December 5th. Tickets are required for visitors who will be welcomed by the homeowners and given some historical facts about their site.
More details and directions for parking will be provided via email upon purchase of your ticket. Sorry, no refunds given.