The threatened demolition of 398 Milledge Circle—one of the stops on the tour—led to the creation of two new historic districts in Five Points earlier this year.

Five houses in the new Milledge Circle Local Historic District will help ring in the holiday season this weekend as part of this year’s Gala Tour of Homes hosted by the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation.

This annual home tour, which is from 5–8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, features homes in one of Athens’ newest historic districts, including two designed by noted Athens architect Fred Orr. The self-guided tour includes food at each home provided by local restaurants, beer and wine from local breweries and a silent auction well timed for holiday gifts.

“There are so many beautiful neighborhoods in Athens, it’s always difficult to decide which to highlight for our annual Gala Tour of Homes,” said Tommy Valentine, executive director of the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation. “But when Milledge Circle was named a local historic district, along with Castalia Avenue, earlier this year, our planning committee knew this was where we needed to be.”

Homes on this year’s tour were built between 1910–1930 and range from Craftsman-style bungalows to two-story stately homes. Each house has been restored to its former glory, plus each includes tasteful additions and updates to accommodate modern families and lifestyles.

The annual home tour is a major fundraiser for the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation. Tickets are $55 for ACHF members and $80 for non-members. This year’s tour features food from Heirloom Café and Fresh Market, The Expat, Pulaski Heights BBQ and Donna Chang’s, plus bites from Independent Baking Co. and Earth Fare. Capping off the evening is chocolate from Condor Chocolates as part of the event’s signature silent auction, and guests can also enjoy beer from Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Southern Brewing Co. and Terrapin Beer, plus select wine from Five Points Bottle Shop.

This year’s tour also includes a special preview party for guests who purchase a Host Committee ticket, which includes an exclusive tour of the Milledge Circle home whose threatened demolition helped launch the new historic district. This preview party will be catered by 5 and 10 and also feature local brews.

“This event is always a great representation of Athens and the character of each neighborhood we feature,” said Kim Klonowski, president of ACHF’s board of trustees. “This year is no different, including many Five Points businesses who are taking part. We’re really thankful we have such great neighbors.”

Tickets are on sale for a limited time; Klonowski cautioned that this event typically sells out, so it’s a good way to kick off the holiday season.

“Grab a drink, enjoy the homes, have some food,” she said. “It’s a great way to enjoy Athens during the holidays.”

For tickets, visit www.achfonline.org/heritage-holiday.