Older homes are typically loaded with character, and some people love nothing better than to stroll through a neighborhood and check out the architecture. For them, there is the Steilacoom Historical Home Tour. The outing, which is hosted by the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association and hasn't happened in almost 40 years, features six privately owned historic homes dating from 1858 through 1895, including five built when Washington was still a territory. Several of the homes are within close walking distance, and all are within the Steilacoom Historic District, which has 30 structures recognized by the National Register of Historic Sites. The tour includes Rolling Hill, built in 1858 by merchant Philip Keach, with its well-tended garden overlooking Puget Sound. For those who only tour homes owned by military - one of the homes is owned and has just been renovated by Joshua Geiger, who bought the home while he was still deployed in Afghanistan, and another is rented by Corey Ritter, who is currently deployed in Afghanistan. There's no better way for the old-house lover to spend an afternoon. It's good to be home. 

STEILACOOM TOUR OF HISTORIC HOMES, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., town of Steilacoom, $15 for SHMA members, $20 for general public, 253.584.4133