In addition to all the parades, festivals and snowball throwing this weekend, there also are holiday outings of a more genteel variety, showcasing historic buildings, homes and gardens, many decked out for the season.
The Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa started its annual Victorian Christmas Stroll this week, decorating the turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel (now part of the University of Tampa), in Victorian fashion for the holidays. Refreshments and seasonal music are offered nightly, along with exhibits of Christmas cards, tree decorations, statues and more. Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through Dec. 23. $9 adults, $3 for ages 12 and under. (813) 254-1891.
The Tarpon Springs Historical Society offers a tour Saturday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) of five private homes, the Safford House historic museum, a B&B and a church, with some sites festively decorated for the holidays. Tickets are $20, available in advance or on Saturday at the Depot Museum, 160 E Tarpon Ave., and the tour's starting point, the Safford House, 23 Parkin Court, on Saturday only. (727) 943-4624.
On Saturday, Largo's Heritage Village at Pinewood Cultural Park offers free tours of decorated pioneer and Victorian homes, decorated trees, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah displays (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). The neighboring Florida Botanical Gardens are offering a craft sale, holiday plants and the grand opening of the Herb Garden, with a holiday display lighting at 6 p.m.
Drive south across the Sunshine Skyway to Ellenton for the Gamble Plantation State Historic Site's free open house. The house will be decorated in period holiday splendor, members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy will be in costume, and there will be demonstrations of 19th century life, music, crafts and a Confederate encampment re-enactment by the 4th Florida Volunteer Infantry. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., U.S. 301, 1.5 miles west of Interstate 75, Ellenton. (941) 723-4536.
A jolly good time
Don't let the word "run" intimidate you: Boley's Jingle Bell Run is really more like a holiday street party in motion. Sure, some of the participants run, but many more stroll along at a leisurely clip, pulling children in red wagons and leading dogs (many wearing toy antlers and sporting bells and lights on their collars). The dress code for humans is sporty-festive, with many Santa hats and, of course, jingle bells.
The 3-mile route goes from the Pier along the waterfront past the Vinoy Hotel, but there's also a 1-mile option. Luminaria light the way, and local musicians are stationed along the road playing holiday tunes, sometimes in highly inventive ways.
Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., run/walk 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE. $15 adult in advance, $18 on race night; $10 for kids under 12 in advance, $12 race night. Proceeds benefit Boley Centers' Transitional Homeless Project for the Mentally Ill. Call 727 821-4819 or www.boleycenters.org
