5 Pittsburgh Home and Garden Tours to Explore this Summer
From the South Side to Swissvale, get ready to get nebby.
PHOTO FROM PITTSBURGH MAGAZINE ARCHIVES
It’s not everyday that you get invited into a stranger’s home, but each summer, select Pittsburghers open their doors to fellow Yinzers. Sun and warm weather mean walkthroughs of lush gardens, streetwide yard sales and home tours of some of the most beautiful and historic properties the Steel City has to offer.
Mexican War Streets Yard Sale
Spring cleaning brings summer yard sales. The Annual Mexican War Streets Yard Sale, taking place on Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. takes the time-honored tradition to a whole new level.
Each year residents in the North Side neighborhood open up the doors of their rowhouses to sell old goods at a discounted price. On top of being a community yard sale, the event has live music, small business vendors and food and drinks.
The headquarters of the event will be at 1201 Sherman Avenue; the event is free and open to the public — children and dogs are welcome. For more information, click here.
South Side Home and Garden Tour
Pittsburghers are invited to explore the residences, buildings and gardens of the historic South Side from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 14.
Returning for its 32nd year, the annual South Side Home and Garden Tour welcomes participants to explore historic restored homes and repurposed lofts and brand new condominiums alike, as well as secret gardens that hide behind some properties.
According to organizers, the homes tell a story through not only unique architecture, but also through personal collections of art, heirlooms and memorabilia.
Children younger than 12 are not permitted to tour the homes. Proceeds from the event support the South Side Community Council. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the event; tickets may be purchased here. Check in and day-of ticket purchases will be located at Esser’s Plaza.
Southern Butler County Garden Club Tour
Looking for garden inspiration? For its 18th year, the Southern Butler County Garden Club Tour returns on Saturday June 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour will feature seven gardens around the area.
The green-thumbed homeowners will be onsite to answer questions and share their horticultural insights.
Registrants will have the chance to win door prizes and various “gardener’s delight” raffle baskets. Pottery and stepping stones will also be available to purchase. Proceeds of the event will go to local horticulture programs around the community.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event, and can be purchased at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. Information and tickets are available here.
Swissvale Edible Garden Tour
The Swissvale Edible Garden Tour will return for its 8th year on Saturday, July 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 25 gardens to explore. Instead of highlighting flora and fauna, this tour will showcase the fruit and vegetables growing in local yards.
According to the organizers, the tour showcases a variety of horticultural work, including that of newer, experienced and experimental gardeners.
The tour is not guided, so participants can go at their own pace, chatting with gardeners along the way. The community picnic will begin at 1 p.m. with food, activities and entertainment for all ages.
The tour kicks off at the Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale; although the event is free, participants can reserve a spot here.
Shaler Great Gardens Tour
Shaler Garden Club’s annual Great Gardens Tour will return on Sunday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with five local gardens on the tour route. Each garden highlights a unique facet of the homeowner’s green space, from unusual shrubs to pollinator-friendly plants.
Participants will have the chance to mingle with Garden Club members and homeowners throughout the tour. To pick up a map of the tour, stop by the Shaler North Hills Garden Club building the day of the event.
Purchasing a ticket means an automatic entry into the Great Gardens Tour Raffle, and proceeds go to the Shaler Library to fund educational programs and maintain library property.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of; for more information and tickets, click here.
