[caption id="attachment_33711" align="alignnone" width="697"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/verdier-house.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-33711"><img class="wp-image-33711 size-full" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/verdier-house.jpg" alt="The Verdier House is one of the homes that will be part of the Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens tour. Photo provided." width="697" height="360"></a> The Verdier House is one of the homes that will be part of the Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens tour. Photo provided.[/caption]

The 2017 Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens is fast approaching.

The three days of touring are:

• Friday, Oct. 27: An afternoon stroll is a favorite way to see Beaufort. The private homes on this perennially popular tour are located in the city's National Historic Landmark District, the state's largest. &nbsp;

A variety of architectural styles built in the city over the past 20 years are represented. Among the six houses open will be the Hattie Ford House, ca. 1890 on Craven Street, recently called the most beautiful street in the South; the A.P. Prioleau House, ca. 1892; and the Verdier House, ca. 1804.

Tour times are 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 28: Among the six properties open will be Cassena, ca. 1815, the Scheper-Eubanks house and two neighboring houses on The Point. &nbsp;

Rarely open for tour is one of St. Helena Island's plantation houses known locally as Frogmore Manor. &nbsp;

This house has a wonderful unique history and reflects architecturally the history of this sea island. &nbsp;

St. Helena Island remains predominantly agricultural and is also home to Penn Center, a significant landmark of African-American history. &nbsp;

The York Bailey Museum will be open for tour visitors by special arrangement.&nbsp;

Tour times are 10 and 11 a.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 29: Five local chefs will create regional specialties in private kitchens in five houses on Cat Island and in Habersham.&nbsp;

Tour times are 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $50 per person/per day.&nbsp;

Tickets can be ordered online at www.historicbeaufort.org or call 843-379-3331.