We visited the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, NC this past week. It is a magnificent! The building and the landscape architecture was very evident. The time of year did not diminish the tour nor the story behind what brought it about. It would be best to visit between Spring and Fall to view it in all its splendor.
The first picture does not tell the whole story, but it does give perspective. Biltmore could be dubbed "The Downton Abbey" of America.
The next picture give an overview of the building architecture. This is above the front entrance.
The third picture give a hint of the landscape architecture. Vines were planted at the base of many columns.
The last picture reveals the ingenuity throughout the facility. This is in the stable, which is now the Stable Cafe. The mechanism is of the gears and fittings used to open the large round top casement windows above the stalls. Ingenious ingenuity!
We visited downtown Asheville as well, which is a "destination." Many restaurants, shops of all varieties, galleries, and all within walking distance.
Our highlights were having ice cream sodas at a converted FW Woolworth store which in now a gallery, BUT the fountain was preserved and has a great reputation for good lunch food. Later, someone had a craving for some Gourmet Potato Chips. For dinner, it was The Tupelo Honey Cafe.
We sat at the 'Chef's Counter' and watched the staff prepare the food. It was so interesting and fascinating to watch them work to bring an order together.
Happy New Year!
