I didn’t mention yesterday that once we got to the motel and got settled, Kathy and I went out to the patio and played trivia games. She had a ‘First Ladies’ game and a Bible trivia. I held my own but she’s much better at games. We both learned a lot about our First Ladies! It was fun! THEN we went for ice cream.
Biltmore or Bust!
Beautiful day – and the drive to Biltmore was amazing. Bamboo, flowering trees, plants, and vistas lined the three mile drive up to the estate. The plan included getting to a parking lot and boarding a shuttle that takes guests to the estate. My first sight of the mansion was thrilling!
The fountain was not on when we got there, but came on shortly after. We had a while to wait for our tour time, so we went into the Sables and settled in. Paul found a table in the shade to wait it out. Kathy and I walked through all the gift shops. There were so many things to see. We found Biltmore pencils – Kathy loves pencils! Also found books and mugs and magnets and tee shirts and chocolate and just about anything you can think of.
Our tour time was 10:45am – and they were very strict about not letting anyone in line before the appointed time. We heard that 3,000 visitors were expected at the estate Tuesday. It was actually fun standing in line, looking up at the amazing turrets and windows and stonework. Wow. Thankfully it was not too hot to stand in the open sun to wait.
Once inside we were given speakers that looked like TV remotes. There were station numbers at every space and you pushed the corresponding number. It was an easy, comfortable way to learn about the home and the people. Not quite as fun as personal tour guides but we could go at our own pace, as relaxed as we felt like. So much to see and so much to learn. History!!
First Floor: (If you watched the Hallmark BILTMORE CHRISTMAS movie this is the staircase that Lucy escaped on)
Second Floor:
Third Floor:
Fourth Floor:
Basement:
When we finished inside the house, Paul met us at the terrace – and that’s when he got his picture taken with the eye-rolling lion. He sat on the bench by the bus stops and chatted up with people coming and going. He shared that he had bought ice cream at the Biltmore Dairy Bar and pronounced it perfect!
He waited there while Kathy and I took pictures and relaxed on shady benches to take a break. Then we walked down through the wisteria pergola to the gardens. There were – again – tulips everywhere! There was a conservatory greenhouse full of beautiful plants and blooming flowers, and once section had a young lady playing playing live music and singing for the guests.
We stopped to take a picture in front of an exceptionally huge, bright azalea, and noticed a small ‘crowd’ up the pathway. We discovered that there was an unwelcome guest slithering around the grounds!
After we were done exploring the gardens, we all three boarded a bus and went back to the parking lot. The drive down the mountain was dotted with beauty – but my favorite was the azalea gardens. Every color and every size you can imagine! I loved them the best!
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Tomorrow we will finish up the afternoon and evening, but I’ll just keep dreaming of the Biltmore, especially the outside of the mansion and the bright gardens! Even now, a week later, I stop and let my mind wander to the house and grounds and just smile!!
My blessing for today was another day to be outside. I pulled and dug weeds in three different spaces – the stones on the hill are the WORST! So glad that’s done.
PEANUTS Thought for the day:
TOMORROW April 24th is:
Administrative Professional / Secretary Day; Denim Day; Fashion Revolution Day; International Guide Dog Day; National Sheriff Day; National Pet Care for All Day; National Pigs in a Blanket Day; National Skipping Day; National Kids on the Block Day; Scream Day; World Stationery Day.
I voted today! Not many running in this election. Yesterday’s fake holiday was National Play in the Mud Day. I wore Denim today, and I’ve spent my LIFE being a secretary in some form or another. I will try not to scream… God bless.
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