Thursday, April 26, 2012

Underground at Biltmore Estate and Leaving Asheville...


     I had a few more pictures taken at the Biltmore Estate that I thought you might enjoy. I'm still frustrated that I couldn't take indoor shots, but at some point I will post some pictures of pictures from the book we bought. I just haven't had time to read it yet!


     This is the view (using my zoom setting) from the estate to the hill across from it. This is where the swing set of a very young Ms. Vanderbilt stood. We simply didn't have the energy after the gardens and the house to walk the hill!

 
     The path to the gardens begins with this covered area dripping with Wisteria. Do you see the orb in this photo? It is the only photo from the entire week that has that in it. So, do you believe that an orb means the area is haunted? If any place could be...this is it!


We thought this was so odd.
This very old cypress tree had formed a garden of roots.
It was interesting and a bit creepy.


So who can resist a hydrangea?
Don't you just love this color?


Of course the pink is pretty too!


Of course you would expect the Biltmore Gardens
to include a water element.

We didn't expect there to be such a gorgeous waterfall.



     One of my favorite parts of the Biltmore Estate was getting to the winery. The winery is located a short distance away from the actual home in an area called Antler Hill Village. This area contains the Biltmore farm as well as a few shops and restaurants. In order to get to the winery, we entered through tunnels that once housed the Biltmore Dairy. It was so interesting down there and very cool after an 85 degree day filled with lots of walking.





The actual winery is large and the tastings are free.
There is also a wonderful gift shop.


I found this lamp made from wine bottles interesting.
I'm not sure I want one, but it was clever!


     If you want to, you can stay at this beautiful resort on the grounds at Biltmore. It sits high on a hill just above Antler Hill Village. The Inn on Biltmore Estate beautifully blends into the landscape and is certainly stunning to see.


     After three nights in Asheville, we left early Tuesday morning to head for the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge TN area. Our drive took us through The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it was breathtaking. I've only been home a few days and I'm already ready to go back and take that drive again.



Next up-Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
Stay tuned!

18 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

We have been to the Biltmore twice and took the extended tour to see it all. Such a magnificent place.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Great job on the photos - thanks for sharing your trip. A beautiful part of our country.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Good Morning Sue Sweetie...
Oh what a gorgeous share. I love the phots of the Great Smokey Mountains. Have always dreamed of seeing them, you brought them to me and made it a reality through your eyes. Thank you dear friend.

Love the walk through the Biltmore. Have never been there but it sure is gorgeous. WOW is that orb beautiful amongst the Wisteria. Instead of haunted maybe it was someone you know joining you on this adventure? Had you thought about that sweet friend?

Loved the walk to the wine cellar. I think that would be a great place to go when you needed a little peace and quiet.

Thank you for taking me along dear friend. I so enjoyed my trip. Have a glorious day. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

dee dee said...

I've been to the Biltmore once and would love to go back sometime with my family! The first time I went was with friends! My Aunt lives in Greenville SC so we just might put it on our agenda next visit! Lovely pictures!
dee dee

Unknown said...

Yup! Very annoying you can't take pics of the Biltmore ... we went thru at Christmas one year also. Spectacular!! Love it down there tho. The Smokey's are breathtaking ... glad you are having a wonderful trip. Going south is awesome.

Have a beautiful weekend ~
TTFN ~
Marydon

nannykim said...

I love Ashville and have been to the Biltmore a few times. We were going to go to Ashville this summer, but just found out a relative is getting married and so we probably won't be able to go there this summer.

koralee said...

Oh how lovely...now I want to go..another place on my must visit list. Happy weekend.

Leigh Powell Hines said...

Lovely travels.

Madelyn said...

I live only 1 1/2 from Biltmore. If you ever go back check out The Inn on Montford. The owners are dear friends but the inn is absolutely to die for. Check out pinterest. Just sign in and in the search box put Inn on Montford. Right up the street there is a fly fishing shop for the guys and downtown is a couple of blocks past that. Asheville is one of the greatest places in the world.

Patrice said...

You're so close to us! I haven't made it to the Biltmore yet, but I'm eager to see what you think of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

PAT said...

I'd love to go back to Biltmore and stay at the Inn.

Gorgeous images, Sue!

Sue said...

My bucket list includes a trip to the Biltmore, Sue. That is one strange scene with the weird tree roots! Not attractive, at all.... The mountains and the rest of the grounds are a different story- gorgeous! :-)

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

I have never been there, "YET"... Of course "THESE GORGEOUS PICTURES" and your description has it on the top of my TRAVEL WISH LIST! It looks like a dream to stroll the grounds.
Thank you for such a beautiful post...
Have a wonderful weekend,
Hugs,
Donna

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Morning Sue,
Thanks so much for taking us on your trip.........lol I loved all the photos, it is truly a gorgeous place.
That wisteria walkway is amazing and about it smells the same. The fragrance of wisteria is so divine.
I bet the inside of the house is amazing. Guess they want to see their books so that is why they don't allow photography inside, course, at Disney they don't allow flash photography because it fades or destroy things somehow.
So that might be the real reason to preserve the beauty of everything.

Looks like they had some really wonderful foods too.

Years ago when are children were younger we used to go to the smokeys and the Gatlinburg and pigeon forge, we loved it, it is just so beautiful there, and lots of fun things to do. Have you ever been to Helen, Ga.?? It is like this lil bavarian town nestled in the mountains. Very cool,
and the have some beautiful Falls you can hike to as well.

We went to Asheville one summer to see the Biltmore estate because way back in my hubbies family someone used to be a Gardner for the Biltmore estate. My son would love
a job like that!! My late Father-
in-law used to talk about it so while were were up that way we were gonna go but once we were in our hotel and started checking on it and seeing the price to go and how long it took, we knew it would be a waste of money and time as our young children were not gonna be happy there for a real long time.
So we didn't go unfortunately.

That wine cellar did look interesting, and so did that tree,
yea, it looks like it should be in
the yard at the "Adams Family House". lol

The scenery is just gorgeous, and so happy you shared it with us, and so happy you had such a great time.
It is fun to take a trip and see lots of new and different things.
We love the mountains and used to go every year to get out of the Florida heat, and swoon over the beauty and wish we lived there, and then have to remind ourselves, that
the grass is not always as green as it looks...........lol

Thanks for coming by and yes, It is
hard eating these dark chocolate
bars.........so hard!!! lol

You take care, and glad your back
as I missed hearing from you.
But so glad you and hubby had a nice time. Yea, that must be hard
having your daughter so far away.
You are probably having withdrawal symptoms about now, that is how I get. When my son lived in Gainesville, but especially when he was in Kentucky years back, when he would call and leave a message on the answer phone, I would keep it for months and play it everyday just to hear his voice!! lol
It actually did help some.........

We Moms love our children........

You take care hon,
Blessings, Nellie

Maria said...

Hi Sue! Wow your trip to Asheville looks amazing! Just catching up now with your recent posts!
The wine lamp is pretty unique! The flowers and landscape are gorgeous! Your restaurant food post below this one made me so hungry! I haven't had lunch because I've been painting away... Now I really want that roasted zucchini dish with the warm potato salad... and below that... for dessert, your mom's "almost heavenly" strawberry tart!
I'm sure it IS heavenly!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, Sue!
God bless, always,
Maria

Decor To Adore said...

Oh the wisteria is amazing!

Thank you for your kind comments. You are such a blessing to me.

I will be having a Mother's Day giveaway this next Friday with glimpses of whats up for grabs all this week. :)

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Sue
Well you've been on an adventure!! Looks like such a lovely place.. so much to see and take in and beautiful vast landscapes!.. Gorgeous

I love that quirky old tree.. how unusual.. i've never seen that before.. must check it out...

Thanks for stopping in.. I've been such a slacker of late!!.. Have a great week.. ciao xxx Julie

Terri Smith said...

Oh Sue, Your Photographs Were Sensational! That Orb and The Roots Lining The Ground Under That Tree, Really Got Me! The Biltmore Is A Beautiful Estate..Only Visited Once But Could Barely Imagine Actually Getting To Live In Such Grand Style. I'm Originally From Tennessee and Seeing Those Breathtaking TN Mountains Lifted My Soul So Much This Morning. Thank You For Such A Wonderful Share! And Thank You For You Encouraging Words Of Advice At My Place Earlier. Your Visits Mean Much To Me. xo Terri