Our first Visitor

In mid-December we had our first visitor in our new home!!! Our friend Leigh came down. We met Leigh while we were at WVU and she finished her DMA this past May. Although it was short visit we filled it with lots of good times, food and wine! On her first day we explored a little bit of Bonita Lake Park. 

That night we introduced her to pizza fondue and stay up late just chatting :)

The next day it was off to explore the Merrehope and F.W. Williams Houses. I had found them on a website and all I knew going into it was they were historical homes that were decorated for Christmas. Our tour guide did a great job and the homes really were incredible. Each year they pick a different theme for the Christmas Trees and this year it was famous authors of Mississippi. While we certainly knew some of them others came as a surprise. I'm hoping to try and incorporate some Mississippi authors into my reading this year.

Gone with the Wind Tree

The story behind each house was amazing. The Merrehope house at one point was a boarding house. To make it work as such they put up various walls to section the house off into smaller apartments. When the historical society bought the house and took down the walls they found many columns and fireplaces perfectly preserved.

Mardi Gras Tree

This is actually a piano but it needs some work before it can be playable. 

The Tree done by the Meridian Symphony Orchestra

 One of the rooms in the house is set up as a bridal room as there are weddings which occur on the property.

A tree themed after The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

One aspect that both homes shared was plenty of historical pieces, including children's toys and dolls. There are of course many stories of these homes being haunted as well. Leigh and I are pretty certain we know where the spirits hang out.....

If you think this is creepy just wait until we get to the F.W. Williams house

Tree themed after the Miss Firecracker Contest, a play by Beth Henley

After we finished touring the Merrehope house it was time to head over to the F.W. Williams house. This house was built in 1886 by Frank W. Williams for his bride. They lived in the house for their entire lives and upon their passing Frank's sister continued to reside in the house until her death. Then the house passed immediately to the historical society, meaning that this house was incredibly well preserved. All the furniture/fabric, etc... are original and in amazing condition. Sadly the outside of the house was severely damaged by Katrina but they are working to raise money to restore everything.

Music was an important part of the household. 

This house contained the first elevator in the state of Mississippi. 

The stained glass front doors were breathtaking. 

Love the vintage Christmas ornaments

and I'm home!

Notice how well the bed linens are preseved

Straight out of a horror film......

Sadly that night we had to hand Leigh off to the Perna's (who we also know from WVU) in Jackson. It was such a wonderful time and nice to finally have room to host visitors!!