Holly and Ivy tour kicks off today

Five of the oldest and most opulent homes in Des Moines are opening their doors to visitors this weekend on the Holly and Ivy Historic Home Tour. The walking tour features the Governor’s Mansion, Salisbury House and Hoyt Sherman Place every year, and two different private homes.Ann Pross is associate director of Salisbury House. She says the home tour draws architecture lovers, interior decorators and people who just want to get into the holiday mood from all over the region. The tour runs both today and tomorrow.Salisbury House is also hosting an unusual event on Sunday night, called Lord Acton’s Fireside Chat. Pross says people who attend the event will be able to enjoy the British charm of Richard Acton, a member of the House of Lords in England.Advance tickets are required for the 7 p-m Fireside Chat by calling Salisbury House at (515) 274-1777.