Of all the ways to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, is there a better way than as a voyeur? No, not that kind. I’m talking about the Fan Woman’s Club 2012 Kitchen and Garden Tour, happening this Sunday, May 6, from 1:00 -6:00 p.m.
Once again the Fan Woman’s Club will convince strangers to open up their homes and yards, making for a chance to see how other people live. These aren’t model homes; each house is very personal, filled with unique collections of artwork, history or collections. Don’t worry, the children and dogs will be safely tucked away and out of sight.
But don’t let that stop you because the fact is that all of the homes offer comfortable spaces in 
which to relax, entertain and live, which is exactly what people do in them. Simply put, houses are chosen to demonstrate the delightful blending of old and new that defines the neighborhood and prove yet again the allure of Fan living. Gardens are chosen for their unique takes on outdoor living.
Besides sniffing around strangers’ homes, you’ll be supporting a good cause. The annual Kitchen & Garden Tour is the Fan Woman’s Club’s primary fundraiser. All proceeds are returned to the Fan District in the form of donations to local community organizations such as the READ Center, Science Museum of Virginia, Art 180, the Fan Free Clinic and the Visual Arts Center.
The group has also funded neighborhood improvement projects like continued maintenance of local parks, purchase of attractive park benches and trashcans for placement in the neighborhood.
Be smart and get your ticket in advance. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased with a credit card online at www.FanWomansClub.org. Tickets purchased online will be held for pickup at the Hospitality Center on tour day.
And just so you know, the Hospitality Center and Shuttle will be located at Tabernacle Baptist Church at 1925 Grove Avenue. There will be limited parking (so arrive early to snag your space!), restroom facilities (always essential) and light refreshments (what decent woman’s club wouldn’t provide snacks?). If you’re not inclined to want to walk, although Fan walking is a distinct pleasure and should be considered, a shuttle will be running between the Hospitality Center and the tour homes during the hours of the tour.
The event runs for five hours, so take your time leisurely strolling through a neighborhood many people only drive through. You may even get some exercise. If you’re a Fan resident, it could be fun to get ideas from other people’s houses and gardens. And if you’re a do-gooder, know that you’re supporting a worthwhile cause.
But any way you look at it, you’re also being a voyeur. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. See all the homes on the Tour here.
____________________________________________________________________
Karen is Just your average Jackson Ward resident who thinks Richmond offers more than enough to keep you occupied and entertained. She smiles too much, talks way too much, is too into music, and shares her opinion whether it’s asked for or not on her blog “I Could Go On and On.”