Welcome to the Biltmore EstateThe Biltmore was the very reason that Asheville was chosen as my Thanksgiving destination spot. The Biltmore was built by the Vanderbilt family and is currently the largest home in the United States. It is still managed by the descendants of George Vanderbilt the Cecil family. It used to sit on 125,000 acres of land but now boasts only 8,000 acres. It is massive with 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, a bowling ally, indoor swimming pool, a whole quarter for servants, a two-story library, hidden passage doors, and even a pastry kitchen. We were able to experience Christmas at the Biltmore. Every room was decorated for Christmas. It was magical!!!
Christmas at the Biltmore
There is also a working farm and winery on the estate. We visited the farm and drank hot cider, learned to churn butter, listened to some mountain music, visited with Santa, and played with ol' time toys. At the winery, we learned how wine is produced and fermented and how to choose the right kind. We waited in line for a wine tasting. When the employee learned that we did not drink alcohol, she opened the red rope and let us go ahead of the group. We made our toasts using concentrated grape juice.
Mary and I made family heirloom brooches....they were fantastic
Churnin' butter * Dan and Jay play with ol' time toys * I hope Santa brings me what I want...I have been a good girl
Toast to the Biltmore * Mary and I in the wine cellar * Brian fits right in with the Vanderbilts
We were all impressed by the amazing craftsmanship and classic beauty of the Biltmore. We also had a lot of fun learning about the estate and the Vanderbilt/ Cecil families. We met a friendly tour guide that gave us the ins and outs of what to look for. Mary tried to claim she was a member of the Cecil family but said the name wrong. The tour guide laughed. Later that day she saw us and called out for Mary as Ms. Cecil. Many people around us took notice and whispered amongst each other. As we left, Mary and Kyle told the lady at the front door that she would take it. The front door lady told Kyle to meet him in front of the house with the money. I have been impressed with the people of Asheville. They are very friendly, helpful, laid back, and laughed easily. Asheville and the Biltmore was such a treat!!!
Jay, Brian, Kyle, Mary, Dan, and I all dressed the part of preppy, rich socialites
Public Service Announcement #58: If you'd like to visit the Biltmore Estate click here http://www.ehow.com/how_2064709_plan-trip-biltmore-estate.html
2 comments:
Not even one specific reference to Cornelius Vanderbilt? What a disappointment.
When you are speaking about wealthy industrial giants and/or philanthropists there are two: Cornelius Vanderbilt and H.E. Pennypacker.
The Biltmore is truly one of the coolest places I've been! Glad you guys had such a good time :)
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