Our final stop on the Blue Ridge Tour with our buds Jim & Kristi was
Asheville NC.
While in Asheville one must see attraction is the Biltmore.
Built by George Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895 it is the largest private home in the US.
Encompassing about 180,000 square feet and 250 rooms, it's also one of the finest
remaining examples of a home from the Gilded age.
It was originally located on abot 125,000 acres - almost 200 square miles,
the estate now encompasses a "modest" 8,000 acres
Inside the main entry is the atrium.
The attention to detail in this room - like the rest of the home - was nothing
short of amazing.
The main dining room just off the atrium.
Dinner for you and 100 of your closest friends...
The atrium is just outside the archways on the left.
View from the dining room.
Outside on one of the expansive Verandahs we posed for photos, with the
Great Smoky Mountains providing a beautiful background.
Besides the massive Chateau Styled Home, George Vanderbilt hired the most
prominent Landscape Architects of the time to create gardens, farms, and natural
self sustaining forests. The Biltmore was one of the first of its kind in that regard.
After touring the house, the gardens, and winery we left with many stones still
unturned. There is much more to see, but there was smoked pork calling us.
We went for an early dinner at the 12 Bones Smokehouse.
All of us have had some good barbecue in the past but this place....
Well it was special.
So special as a matter of fact that we went again yesterday for an encore.
If you find yourself in Asheville, NC with a hankering for some good barbecue...
The 12 Bones Smokehouse is the place.
This morning we finally said good by to our traveling companions of the last month
and headed the rig westbound. It's been a great month with good friends but
new adventures beckon.
Plus - we'll see them again in a couple of months out in Quartzsite.
Tonight I write this blog from Western Tennessee in Natchez Trace State Park.
Tuesday we will be in Phoenix Az and on Weds we have a special
surprise to share...
Stay Tuned.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Biltmore! Been there many, many times and always enjoy and learn something new. George Vanderbilt was a wealthy man for sure (grandson of Corneilus Vanderbilt of Grand Central Station and shipping and railroad tycoon among other things). Although he lived a lavish life he brought so much to western North Carolina including schools, hospitals, railroad, dairy farming and the forest service plus much more. He was a great man who did a lot for the area. The house is amazing, especially for its time. So glad you stopped by. We will have to check out 12 Bones Smokehouse, not familiar with it but it must be good if you went back for a second time.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post....can't wait to go to the Biltmore myself someday. All your photos are great, as always. I especially like the one of you and Kate....such a good-looking couple!
ReplyDeleteNow I am curious about your up-coming Wednesday surprise. (There is actually a terrific children's book called The Wednesday Surprise.....google the title for more info.)
Waiting for Wednesday.....
Kemp loves the Biltmore! He's done all the secret tours & behind the scenes tours. It really is a gorgeous place. We stayed at the Biltmore hotel on our honeymoon 10 years ago. Such a beautiful area. Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteAmber