Walking Tours Capture Holiday Spirit of Heritage VillageHow did Pinellas County families celebrate the holidays back in the 1900s? Or the 1870s? Or back in 1850 when the most stylish home in Pinellas County was an old, log cabin? This holiday season, Heritage Village recaptures the holiday traditions and lore of Pinellas' past. Through Jan. 3, guided walking tours of Heritage Village's historic buildings will enable guests to experience village highlights in just under an hour. Then, patrons are invited to take extended tours of their favorite houses, or come back for a more extensive visit later. "We did a lot of research on how the families who lived in these historic homes celebrated the season," says Heritage Village operations manager Ellen Babb. "This is a very intimate way to see Heritage Village with someone who's very knowledgeable about the structures and the people who lived in them." One-hour highlight tours are conducted Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday 1 to 3 p.m. Highlight tours are $2 per person. Self-guided tours are free. Groups of 20 or more should call ahead for reservations by calling 582-2125. Heritage Village, operated by Pinellas County government, is a 21-acre living history museum located in the heart of Pinellas County at 11909 125th St. N. in Largo. It is adjacent to Pinellas County Extension and the Florida Botanical Gardens. The village is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. It is closed on major holidays. Heritage Village brings to life more than 150 years of rich and colorful local history in a picturesque, cool landscape of palmettos and pine trees. More than 25 buildings and structures are restored, authentic and full of fun. A new, self-guided EnterAction adventure welcomes families and reveals secrets of the past.
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