Day 3 – Biltmore Estates

The morning of the May 15th and our third day of vacation was met with a little fog, but a weather forecast that promised partly cloudy skies, warm temps, but a few thunderstorms in the area. I can live with that. The Bread & Breakfast was quiet, except for the AC, and first thing in the morning we were starting to smell breakfast. We ate outside on the porch and were joined by a few other guests that were also staying the night. The staff served us fresh fruit including Cantaloupe, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Coffee, tea, or juices of your choice and then homemade French Toast and Bacon. They also served us some banana bread and blueberry muffin, all homemade. Very nice touch and all included with the room.

By 9’ish we headed out for our day at the Biltmore Estates. This was the wife’s day to tour, shop, and or do whatever. I guess 1 day out of 10 is not a bad deal for me. A little background on the Biltmore, built for a bachelor, built between 1889-95, 175,100 square feet, 250 rooms, originally 125,000 acres, now primarily 8000 acres but still 40,000 acres total remain. Sold 85,000 to the US Government to use as a park not to be developed. That park is called Pisgah National Forest.

Unfortunately no pictures or videos were allowed inside in order to preserve most of all the collectibles and art inside the house. What it must have cost in money, time, and labor to build this place is just unimaginable. I said it was built for a bachelor, but the owner did eventually marry and they had a daughter together. That daughter later married John Amherst Cecil. Now the only reason I mention this is, I have never heard use of, or heard reference to, my mother’s maiden name to anything. Cecil, well I’ll be damn. I might be a relative to a billionaire!!

Lori and I did a lot of looking, a lot of walking, and by 3 we were beat. That didn’t stop us lining up a Horse back ride that only got cancelled the last minute because the threat of rain and lighting. I think the later is the real reason. The rain never came. Oh well, we can ride horses almost anywhere.

Be warned that if you click the picture link below, between the two of us we took almost 80 pictures. To much to talk about but a lot we wanted to save and show for all.

Tomorrow it is back on the motorcycle for a scenic loop around Asheville on some more twisty’s , a little scenery, and one waterfall. 

Tomorrow it is also Lori and I’s,  29th anniversary. Lucky Girl !!