Ingelside, circa 1817, was designed and built by an architect of note, though his identity remains a mystery.  Photos | Lincoln Landmark

Everything from high style elegance to whimsy will be on the tour.

April 26. Twelve historic landmarks, most of which are rarely open to the public, will welcome guests during the Lincoln Landmark Home and Garden Tour on Friday and Saturday, April 28 and 29.

The land between the Catawba and French Broad rivers holds significance structure with stories to tell.

Tickets are $40, good for both days 10 am – 5 pm. There will be a wine auction and cocktail reception at Pleasant Retreat on Friday until 9 pm; tickets are $10 per person. Tickets available at lincolnlandmarks.com.

The Home & Garden Weekend 2023, a first ever tour of its kind in this region, will feature sites in Lincoln and Mecklenburg cornets from 1790s forward. The architectural story is one of graceful Federal style  followed by Greek Revival, Victorian and the 20th century.

Vesuvius is a popular event venue.

The oldest estate is Vesuvius. Since 1792, Vesuvius has overlooked Ballard Creek, where Gen. Joseph Graham built one of the first iron furnaces in 1790. The site is open Friday only, 10 am – 1 pm.

Joseph Graham’s grandson, William A. Graham, built a spectacular barn in the 1890s.

Other sites on the tour include:

– Machpelah Presbyterian circa 1848.

– Holly Bend circa 1801 in Mecklenburg County; grounds only.

– Cedar Grove circa 1833, a Greek Revival in Huntersville.

– The Hugh Torance Store, Huntersville.

– Lincolnton’s Pleasant Retreat Academy, circa 1817, which houses the headquarters of Lincoln Landmarks as well as the Western Regional Office of Preservation North Carolina.

Peacock Hills, circa 1894, built by Daniel Rhine on a rise overlooking the South Fork River, founded by Rhine and his brother-in-law J.A. Abernethy.

The tour includes an old barn.