Our holiday tour includes several of the mansions of Miller Park and grand houses located in the historic district of Franklin, PA. Each of the eight houses on the tour will feature unique Christmas decorations. The self guided tour will be held on Saturday, December 21 from 11 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, December 22 from Noon to 4 PM. Please allow ample time to enjoy the beautiful architecture and decorations in all eight of the homes. The tour begins at the Peddlers and Paddlers Inn, where participants must exchange their tickets for wristbands and brochures with locations and descriptions of the homes on the tour. Participants can board a free shuttle bus to visit the homes in the Miller Park section of historic Franklin, where parking is not available, and also choose to ride the shuttle to the homes in other locations.
Tickets are $15 in advance and will be available for $18 the day of the tour if they are not sold out. We recommend that you purchase tickets in advance to avoid the same day ticket line. Tickets are available online at EventBrite.com Buy tickets for Saturday here or Sunday here. Tickets are also available at the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Olive Vault in the Liberty Building, 1243 Liberty Street in Franklin. Cash only.
FAQ
How do I get there and where do I park?
Franklin, PA is in Venango County in northwestern Pennsylvania. It is easily accessible via I79, I80 and Route 8.
Directions
Public parking lots are located near the Peddlers and Paddlers Inn. Free street parking is available on most blocks of Elk St. Metered parking is available in several city parking lots ( shown as lots A, B, C, and D on the above map) and along some streets and will be in effect on Saturday. Most metered parking spaces are limited to 2 or 3 hours. In Lot D across the street from the Peddlers and Paddlers Inn, there are a number of parking spaces on the Elk Street side that can be used for up to 10 hours. The Clarion County Community Bank at 1272 Elk Street has graciously made several parking lots that it owns (marked in purple on the map) available to tour participants on Saturday and Sunday. The First National Bank has also generously made their large parking lot, (marked in pink on the map) located next to the Peddlers and Paddlers Inn available for tour participants on Saturday and Sunday. Some parking spaces may also be available in the Central Elementary School parking lot (shown in orange) on Otter Street.
Can I purchase tickets on the day of the tour?
If they are not sold out, tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour for $18 at The Peddlers and Paddlers Inn.
I am unable to use the tickets purchased in advance; is it possible to get a refund?
Unfortunately, we are unable to refund unused tickets for any reason. However, you are welcome to have someone else use the ticket.
Does everyone have to use the shuttle bus to visit the homes on the tour or can I visit them on my own?
As long as you don’t drive into Miller Park section of Franklin, where there in no street parking, you are free to walk to and through Miller Park and then drive or walk to the homes in the other areas. Miller Park is on a hill and if you walk, some uphill walking will be necessary. There are no sidewalks in Miller Park. Or you can take the bus to Miller Park to see the homes there and visit the other 4 homes on your own. Either option will take less time than riding the bus to all 8 homes.
Is the tour accessible for guests using wheelchairs, walkers or strollers?
The tour consists of historic private homes which are not otherwise open to the public. As such, these structures are not always accessible to those who rely upon wheelchairs, motorized carts, or other mobility assistance. The entrances to most of the homes require tour attendees to navigate one or more steps, and sometimes, in the case of the homes that have second floors open on the tour, up to 20 or more steps. At some locations, you will be asked to wear ‘booties’ over your shoes. Please wear these during your visit, then remove them and place them in the baskets as you exit the home.
Can I take photos?
To protect the security and privacy of the homeowners, no indoor camera or cell phone photography is permitted.
Are there any other restrictions?
Please be respectful of the homeowners’ property. No smoking, pets, umbrellas, strollers, backpacks, food or beverages are permitted inside the homes.
What if there is bad weather?
All tours will take place as scheduled and will not be cancelled for weather related reasons. Please plan appropriate attire (especially non slip footwear). This is Northwestern PA and we hope that the winter weather will be part of the holiday charm!
You must be logged in to post a comment.