When it comes to tourism, Eufaula’s present and future will be long tied to its past. And past and present come together with the 2014 Eufaula Pilgrimage, scheduled from April 3 – 6.

Besides hosting Alabama’s oldest tour of homes, the event has grown to appeal to many interests. Beautiful historic homes, built in the days when cotton was king, will be open to visitors for both daytime tours and evening candlelight tours. Visitors can also enjoy a performance by one of Alabama’s premier bluegrass bands; an open-air art show and sale, an antique car show, gardens; afternoon teas; a chance to hear from best-selling author James Farmer, not to mention Tales from the Tomb at the historic Fairview Cemetery.

Eufaula, located on the west bank of the Chattahoochee River in southeast Alabama, is among the most picturesque and historic towns in the South. 2014 marks the 49^th consecutive year the Eufaula Heritage Association has hosted the Pilgrimage, and some of the South’s grandest structures will be on display.

The Seth Lore-Irwinton Historic District, the largest historic district in east Alabama and one of the largest in the state, encompasses much of the oldest part of Eufaula. In 1834, Capt. Seth Lore and others founded what is today known as the downtown area. They named the four main avenues Livingston, Orange, Randolph and Eufaula. The first letter of each avenue together spelled the captain’s last name. Many of the historic homes and buildings in the district can be found along these streets.

Shorter Mansion

In addition to Shorter Mansion, where scenes from the movie Sweet Home Alabama were filmed, the district – listed in the National Registry of Historic Places – showcases more than 700 significant sites, including an extensive collection of domestic Italianate architecture and other homes and churches built between 1834 and 1915.

Maps for self-guided walking or driving tours of the district, as well as information on other attractions in the county, are available at the Eufaula Chamber of Commerce (333 E. Broad St.; 334-687-6664; map). The chamber is located in the James S. Clark Center, which was built in 1892 as a Central of Georgia freight train depot.

The Pilgrimage kicks off Thursday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. with a concert by the long-lived bluegrass trio Three on a String at the Eufaula City Auditorium. Three on a String performs all kinds of music from old standards, country, classical, bluegrass and folk.  Their three part harmony has a unique and pleasing blend, and while they vastly entertain with their musical prowess, they will also tickle your funny bone with a huge dose of comedy.  Tickets are required and can be purchased by calling 888-383-2852. The cost is $25.

Featured speaker, James Farmer, a native of Kathleen, Georgia, learned the joys of seasonal cooking and eating at the side of his grandmother whose Southern Heirloom recipes he revitalizes for contemporary tastes. A professional garden, floral and interior designer, cook, author and lifestyle expert, Farmer is a young fresh voice for his generation. Whether it’s planning a menu for a summer picnic, using everyday items for an extra special tabletop display, or making a skillet peach pie, Farmer masterfully guides his audience through the art of elegant garden living on a grand scale – or a modest budget. Farmer is the national spokesperson for The American Camellia Society, and is an editor-at-large for Southern Living Magazine. He has been featured on NBC TODAY, HGTV Gardens, Paula’s Home Cooking, Harper’s Bazaar, Good Housekeeping Magazine, Woman’s Day, Traditional Home, and The Local Palate.

Farmer will be featured at a Lecture and Luncheon on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at the Eufaula Country Club. Tickets are required and can be purchased by calling 888-383-2852. The cost is $35.

For a complete list of homes on the tour and events, visit eufaulapilgrimage.com or call the Eufaula Heritage Association at 888-383-2852.