After a very loud, restless, and at times scary night, we packed our wet tent into the car. I have never camped in such heavy rain. It was intense and exciting. However, when the lightening started I began to worry. All is well now and we survived. It was also fun to watch Tes put up a tent for the first time.
We began the day with a “hike” in the Smoky Mountains. Due to the weather we decided to not back track and due an elevation hike for fear there would be no visibility. Instead we had a nice 3mile walk in the woods and played on a fun log foot bridge.
After our walk and quick change we made our way out of the park and through some very interesting small towns. A small stop to put in air in the tires took place and then we were on our way to be princesses.
Instead of paying 60 dollars each to tour the Biltmore Estate we decided to take advantage of a promotion the Inn was having and treat ourselves to the full Vanderbilt, Biltmore experience. With this we got a night in the new Inn in a mountain view room, use of the Inn shuttle equipped with very informative drivers, and entrance to the actual house.
Oh my goodness. In all my years of touring houses, mansions, and plantations I have never experienced a location such as this. I honestly do not think there is anything like it in the United States. There may be some comparable in Europe but nothing Tes nor I have seen. The gardens are all beautifully well kept, the self guided tour was sufficient, and the stables turned shops are great to see. Words cannot adequately describe this house. Although expensive one must go see it for themselves.
The only negative would be the price. 60 dollars is a little extreme for en entrance fee. You must then purchase the audio tour for another 15 dollars. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful so I do not think the audio tour is a necessity. I understand upkeep and renovation fees are large but it still seems steep. There quote is something very strange about profit. With that being said, and my personal feelings about the money issue, if I were in Asheville again I would probably go back.
We then hopped aboard our personal Inn shuttle and headed to the Antler Village. This would be the shopping and dining area not located at the Estate House but on the property. The area was beautiful set up and we were able to enjoy very good live music. We went on a complimentary wine tour and took full advantage of the wine samplings and Biltmore food product sampling. If that were not enough we then headed to dinner.
At dinner we enjoyed a good dinner with some unique English appetizers thanks to Tes’s mom. Dinner was followed by ice-cream from the Creamery, some phone calls home and to friends, and then a fluffy bed. The entire history of this estate is unique and mind-blowing. Things were definitely different then.
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