Two three-hour bus tours will be offered on Saturday, April 14, 2012 as part of the Dogwood Arts Festival and to showcase spring and the rich heritage of these six historic homes within the Greater Knoxville area.

The morning and afternoon tours feature a step-on tour guide who will discuss points of interest and history as well as highlight historic landmarks in and around Knoxville.

The tours stop at each historic home for approximately 50 minutes, allowing guests to tour the homes, grounds, and gardens.

The morning tour, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., begins at Blount Mansion, which is located at 200 W. Hill Avenue. This tour includes visits to Marble Springs Historic Farmstead and Crescent Bend House & Gardens.

The afternoon tour, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., begins at James White's Fort which is located at 205 E. Hill Avenue. This tour includes visits to Mabry-Hazen House and Ramsey House Plantation.

Free parking is available at both Blount Mansion for the morning tour and James White's Fort for the afternoon tour.

A one hour lunch break is scheduled between the morning and afternoon tours for guests who may wish to attend both tours.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. The cost is $20 (plus fees) per person per tour.

Proceeds from the tour will be dedicated to a fund for marketing and promoting the Historic Homes of Knoxville. To make reservations, please call 865-523-7521 or visit www.KnoxTIX.com.

For additional information on the Historic Homes of Knoxville, visit www.hhknoxville.org. This tour is generously sponsored by Knoxville Tours.