The Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC has been on my hit list for a number of years, now.  I had heard about the spectacular Christmas Candlelight Tour from friends and tv.  Being a Christmas aficionado, it has been on my "Bucket List".  Well, this was the year - Last weekend, Lenny and I drove from Lexington KY to NC to kick off our Christmas/40 year anniversary!  (How did that happen?)

We stayed in a great B&B (Cumberland Falls Inn) where we were hosted by Gary and Patti.  The foyer of the inn held a gorgeous tree, elevated to reveal Dickens Christmas Village pieces beneath.  I knew I was in the right place!

We toured the grounds of the Biltmore and marveled at the gardens and architecture.  George Vanderbilt officially opened Biltmore House in Christmas Eve, 1985.  It was to be their "get away" place! He toured all of Europe, bringing back designs, furniture, marble that were incorporated into his home, which was designed by Richard Morris Hunt.

The landscape architect was Frederick Law Olmsted, (designer of NYC Central Park) and was beautiful to behold.  Trails, ponds, bridges, and various gardens comprise the grounds.  I of course was disappointed because it was 66 degrees, not quite Christmas weather!

The vistas from the South Terrace were breathtaking making it hard to believe that one family could own so much!

That evening, classical performers, guitarists, and choral singers, were the background entertainment for the candlelit tour of the mansion.

I was much impressed with the swimming pool and bowling alley!

Sunday, we went to Dupont Forest and hiked the hooker trail and trail to "Triple Falls".  It was great being in those mountains!  Not sure if they were the Smokeys or Blue Ridge.  Either way, we enjoyed ourselves tremendously! It was a great weekend get-away!