Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets purchased prior to Dec. 4 are $25 for the Day Tour (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) or $30 for the evening Candlelight Tour (6-9 p.m.) The fastest way to receive your tickets in advance is to visit The Anchor and Anvil Coffee Shop at 7221 Church Avenue, Ben Avon, PA 15202 and purchase them in person.
You may also purchase tickets at our website for a $1.00 convenience fee. We do not mail out tickets; you will receive an email confirmation. The day of the tour you will check in at Anchor & Anvil from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the name of the person who ordered the tickets. If you are picking up your ticket after 3 p.m., check in at our Gourmet Goodies House at 151 Dickson Ave. under the name of the person who ordered the tickets. We are unable to accept any reservations by phone.
2. During what time periods am I allowed to tour the homes?
If you have purchased a Day Tour ticket, you must view the homes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you have purchased the evening Candlelight Tour ticket, you must view the homes between 6 and 9 p.m. Due to the popularity of the evening tour, a limited number of tickets will be sold for this timeframe to help control the flow of tour participants and prevent crowding.
3. How do I get there and where do I park?
Ben Avon is located west of Bellevue along Ohio River Boulevard, Route 65. Free parking is available on the street and in the Community Presbyterian Church parking lot at 7501 Church Avenue, Ben Avon, PA 15202. A map of the tour route is here. Homes can be toured in any order.
4. Can I purchase tickets at the door?
You may purchase tickets on the day of the tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Anchor & Anvil Coffee Bar or all day at our Gourmet Goodies House at 151 Dickson Ave. Tickets purchased on the day of the tour will be $30 for Day Tour tickets and $35 for Candlelight Tour tickets.
5. If I registered and paid in advance, what do I need to bring with me?
We no longer send out tickets. You should check in under the name of the person who purchased the tickets. If you are able to, please print out the email confirmation you received, but it is not required. If you did not receive an email receipt, there’s a possibility that your transaction was not completed correctly. Please email: tickets@theavonclub.org if you have questions about your reservation.
6. What precautions are you taking for COVID-19?
Avon Club follows the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines for the safety of our participants. In addition, we do require a mask for entry to any home and require a mask be worn properly over the nose and mouth — regardless of vaccination status — so please bring a mask.
Once inside a home, maximum capacities will be managed to ensure social distancing. A one way flow through the homes (in the front door, out the back door) will be implemented to prevent close contacts. High touch surfaces will be disinfected throughout the day, and hand sanitizer will be available at each home. Where appropriate, windows will be open to create ventilation.
By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge reading and understanding our COVID-19 Safety waiver.
7. Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not especially well suited for younger children (under 12) although obviously you know your children and what they would enjoy. The tour is self-guided and self-paced so you may use your judgment, however there are no reduced rates for children.
8. How long does the tour take?
You should allow about 3 hours for the tour. The walking path is about 1 mile in total throughout the neighborhood.
9. Can I take photos?
We request that you do not take photos of the interior of the homes; it disrupts the flow of visitors through the houses. Photos of the exterior are welcome.
10. Are the same houses on the tour this year as on the last tour?
The homes were not on the tour in 2019.
11. What if there is bad weather?
All tours will take place as scheduled and will not be canceled for weather related reasons.
12. Is there a place to grab a quick bite to eat before or after the tour?
Gourmet Goodies will be available for sale at two of the homes on the tour. Additionally, there are several local restaurants nearby: the Anchor & Anvil Coffee Bar, Cafe Notte, Chev & Rachel’s in Emsworth and a multitude of restaurants in Bellevue.
13. Is there a craft fair?
The Avonworth Annual Marching Band Craft Show will be open from 10 am to 3 pm at the Avonworth High School.
14. Are there restrooms available? Restrooms are available at the Ben Avon Borough Building. Local restaurants may also allow for use of their restrooms by patrons.