spring pilgrimage

Many of Mississippi's smaller towns hold an annual event called Spring Pilgrimage, when historic homes are opened up for tours and musical and other events (like Tales from the Crypt) are put on by the town. I went to three homes, all built in the mid-1800s, and all near Columbus' main street district. Though I wasn't allowed to take photos inside, two of them had gigantic gardens that were just beginning to bloom.

The house tours are usually led by groups of ladies dressed up in period costume, though I also got a garden tour by a very enthusiastic 10 year old who managed to get out of school for two weeks for doing this. I also had a long conversation with one of the ladies about their costumes; some of the dresses are indeed from the mid-19th century, but others are made out of curtains, bedspreads, and other household items. Pretty cool.