Are you planning a getaway in 2020? Whether your adventure includes a destination vacation or mini day trip, we used Yelp data to curate a list of ten notable and curious home tours. From sprawling historic mansions to off-the-grid green homes, these gems are worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Step inside a famous painting in Eldon, IA.
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In the 1930’s, Grant Wood painted his most famous painting of all. Tour the iconic American Gothic House in Eldon, IA and get your very own pitchfork photo taken. Also, find out if the farmer in the painting was really a farmer.
2. View mid-20th century architecture in Pacific Palisades, CA.
Photo by Yelper Alexis B.
Charles and Ray Eames designed one of the most noted mid-20th century homes in the world. Visit the Eames Foundation in Pacific Palisades, CA and tour the famed Eames House, also known as Case Study House No. 8.
3. Join the notable guest list in San Simeon, CA.
Photo by Yelper Rav V.
Greta Garbo and Winston Churchill were among notable guests who visited newspaper publisher William Randolph in his former private home. Tour the historical Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA and experience life as a star.
4. Get royally pampered in Asheville, NC.
Photo by Yelper Jessica C.
Travel along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway drive and pay a visit to George Vanderbilt’s luxurious 175,000 SF historic country home. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC is America’s largest privately-owned mansion with lush gardens, a winery, farm, and inn.
5. Explore the Earthship movement in Taos, NM.
Photo by Yelper Sari Marissa G.
There is no better time to help save our planet. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live off-grid in an eco-friendly earthship, we suggest you schedule a guided tour at Earthship Biotecture in Taos, NM.
6. Experience quirkiness at its finest in Spring Green, WI.
Photo by Yelper Jessica G.
In the middle of nowhere, you’ll find a house built on top of boulders and connected to an enormous collection of oddities. Plan a visit to The House On The Rock in Spring Green, WI to see the world’s largest indoor carousel, and venture out on a walkway that suspends 218 feet over the valley.
*Scheduled to reopen March 12, 2020.
7. Explore a house made out of paper in Rockport, MA.
Photo by Yelper Amy M.
If you’re into weird and wacky discoveries, we suggest you take a detour to The Paper House in Rockport, MA. Everything is made out of paper––even the piano!
8. Travel to this Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece in Mill Run, PA.
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Fallingwater in Mill Run, PA is a home built over a waterfall in Bear Run. This National Historic Landmark is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most architecturally significant homes ever built. Make this a destination.
9. Visit the birthplace of Prairie style architecture in Oak Park, IL.
Photo from the business on Yelp
Designed as a home for his family, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, IL was a site of experimentation for the young architect during the 20 years he lived there. Plan a tour and and catch a glimpse of the experiments that shaped Wright’s work for decades to come.
10. Find peace and serenity in Wilmette, IL.
Photo by Yelper Florence G.
One of eight continental Baha’i temples, this Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, IL is the oldest surviving temple and stands 138 feet high. Surrounded by exquisite gardens and fountains, here you will find peace and serenity on this tour.
Ready to go? We guarantee you’ll be one step ahead of the tourists. Download the Yelp app here and plan your best vacation ever. You can also leave love via a review for your favorite historical site.
