Merrehope and its annual Trees of Christmas holiday tour is among 20 nominees for the Best Holiday Historic Home Tour in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the contest announced on Monday.

“When Merrehope was contacted about being a USA Today 10Best Holiday Historic Home Tour nominee, we were thrilled,” said Donna Owen, who handles Merrehope’s promotions for Meridian Restorations Foundation Inc. “I would really like for Merrehope to make the Top 10 and be published on a national platform.”

Nominated as one of the 20 best by an expert panel, Merrehope is in good company among the nominees, which include Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina; Brucemore in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Crane House and Historic YWCA in Montclair, New Jersey; Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan; Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio in Oak Park, Illinois; George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, Virginia; Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee; and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia.

“We are truly honored that Merrehope is among the 20 nominees that include the Biltmore, Monticello, Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Graceland and 15 others that are equally as impressive,” Owen said. “The top 10 will be heavily promoted across the nation and bring even more visitors to Trees of Christmas.”

She said community residents are encouraged to scan the QR code or visit 10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-holiday-historic-home-tour-2024 to vote as often as possible and help ensure Merrehope makes the top 10.

Voting, which began Monday, will continue through 10:59 a.m., Mon., Dec. 2.  The top 10 winning tours will be announced on Friday, Dec. 6, and will be featured nationally throughout 10Best travel media sites and USA Today Travel Media Group outlet, as well as traditional media.

Merrehope’s annual Trees of Christmas holiday tour, Merre & Bright, will kick off with an opening gala on Sunday, Nov. 24, and run through Tuesday, Dec. 31.