This time of year for the price of admission, Helaine R. Williams writes, you can take a peek behind the curtains of finely restored historic homes and admire the work and tenacity of those who have braved the daunting task of fixing up a stately residence — and triumphed.

The occasion is the Quapaw Quarter Association’s 48th Spring Tour of Homes from May 12-13 in Little Rock.

The event has a lineup that includes five historic homes and the downtown cottage garden prominently featured in the book P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home. Ticket holders will also have access to the interiors of five restored and renovated homes dating to 1896.

See Saturday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for details.