The 2026 Fall Artisan Home Tour is Here! Eloise's Tips to Make the Most of Your Day
I’ve been an intern with Carriage Realty for the past two summers, and one of my favorite internship traditions has become the Artisan Home Tour. If you love homes, architecture, interior design—or just collecting ideas for your own home—it’s definitely worth checking out!
Every home has its own personality. You’ll see creative floor plans, beautiful finishes, incredible outdoor spaces, and thoughtful little details you might never have considered until you see them in person. It’s also a great way to discover some of the talented local builders, architects, designers, and companies behind these amazing homes.
You can explore the homes, builders, tour information, and more on the official Artisan Home Tour website.
After touring the past two summers, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
Wear Easy-On, Easy-Off Shoes
Shoes aren’t worn inside the homes, so skip anything with complicated laces or buckles. My tips:
1. My favorites are Birkenstock clogs or sandals - they are comfortable and easy to slip on and off, yet stylish.
2. Booties and small bags are provided at the homes. Keep your booties and reuse them throughout the day, unless they become damaged.
3. Lightweight shoes are MUCH easier to carry around by the third or fourth stop!
Plan Your Route Before You Leave
The Tour is relaxed, but the homes can be spread throughout the Twin Cities, so a little planning ahead can save a lot of unnecessary driving. My tips:
1. Look through the Artisan homes and map before you leave.
2. Pick your “must-see” homes.
3. Group homes by area instead of zig-zagging across the metro.
4. Start with the homes farthest from home and work your way back.
Since Carriage Realty is based in the East Metro, we usually head west first and work our way back. Don’t forget your tickets! They’re available online, so it’s easiest to purchase your Artisan Home Tour tickets ahead of time.
Stock the Car
A few simple things can make the day much more enjoyable. My tips:
1. Bring water or sparkling drinks.
2. Pack easy snacks like fruit bars, popcorn, nuts, or chips.
3. Leave food and drinks in the car before entering the homes.
4. Plan a lunch and bathroom stop somewhere along your route. You’ll thank yourself later!
⭐️ Eloise’s Builder Pick ⭐️
After seeing a LOT of gorgeous homes, I definitely have a favorite: Hartman Homes. Their homes have an incredible combination of craftsmanship, interesting architecture, warmth, and those little “wow” details that make touring so much fun. Although, I might be a little biased—they built my family's home!
Hartman Homes’ 2026 Summer Artisan Home was No. 13 in Stillwater, a stunning home overlooking the St. Croix River bluffs. It featured everything from a floating steel staircase and vaulted great room to a sunken conversation area and beautiful covered outdoor spaces.
You can check out Hartman Homes and their work here.
One Last Tip: Don’t Rush!
Look beyond the elaborate kitchens and beautiful primary suites. Some of my favorite ideas are found in smaller details.
Pay attention to the millwork, lighting, storage solutions, landscaping, hidden pantries, tile selections, built-ins, and clever floor plans. Talk with the people working at each home, ask questions, and give yourself time to really look around.
Part of the fun is noticing an idea you never knew you needed until suddenly you’re thinking, Okay…how do I get this into my house?
The Fall Artisan Home Tour runs October 9–25, so grab your comfortable shoes, plan your route, and go get inspired! Don’t miss it!