Most people that have heard of Asheville know of it because of the Biltmore which is a huge tourist attraction (I think they said it attracts more than a million visitors each year). It is the largest privately-owned home in the US - built by the Vanderbilt family in 1889 (although construction wasn't completed until 1895). We decided that if we were really going to get the Biltmore experience, we should stay on the grounds one night so we stayed at the Inn at Biltmore which was amazing.
Staying at the Inn allowed us to walk to the Biltmore Winery where we took a tour and participated in a wine tasting. We had some delicious wine (and bought a case to take home with us!)
We also spent a lot of time touring the beautiful Biltmore grounds. When the Biltmore was originally built, the grounds included ~125,000 acres. The landscaping was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, creator of Central Park in NYC. Over time, the Vanderbilts ended up selling off much of the land so it "only" encompasses about 8,000 acres today. But it is still beautifully landscaped and the grounds are quite a sight to see.
We also had a chance to see the Biltmore at night - which was amazing (though cold!). We went on a "Candelight Christmas" evening tour, touring the house when it was all decked out for the holidays and had carolers performing inside. The house is amazing with 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement alone houses a swimming pool, gymnasium, bowling alley, servants' quarters, kitchens, and more. Totally amazing when you think about it being built in the 1800s!
It was a really neat experience to see it at night, all lit up for the holidays!
Besides touring the Biltmore, shopping, hanging out in downtown Asheville, and eating LOTS of food (Asheville is known as a "local food" haven, delicious food all over the place and lots of organic, locally sourced, vegetarian cuisine so, of course, I was happy!). We also went to the Grove Park Inn where an annual Gingerbread competition takes place (apparently very well known and even covered by the Food Network!)
Here are just a few of the Gingerbread houses that were on display. I have no idea how long it takes to make these things - way more than I have the patience for, I can promise you that!
And finally, we celebrated New Year's at the Orange Peel - a small venue in downtown Asheville that has been recognized by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the top music venues in the US. We saw a great show - State Radio opened and Toubab Krewe was the main act - and welcomed 2010 with a fun night out!
Happy 2010 to all - wishing everyone the best in the year to come!
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