I've wanted to visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC since we were stationed back in Lejeune (2004-2007). Because Michael was deployed so much during that timeframe, we were never able to go! We booked our tickets and had my mom come along to experience some of America's history with us! The Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned estate in the U.S. and was built back in 1889 by George Vanderbuilt.
It was a 5 hour trek, so we stopped for some Cracker Barrel on our way :)
We woke up early (shocker, Caleb wouldn't sleep in the pack-n-play) so Caleb, Michael and I went in to Antler Hill Village to look around before our tours.
Peek a boo! I'm not a pill when we're traveling!
Michael did some wine tasting from the vino grown on the estate.
So Caleb and I enjoyed some grape juice :)
Sticking his whole face in it:
Afterwards we all went on a carriage ride through the grounds! It was fantastic and the lady providing the tour gave great background and insight into the family's life.
The stables:
Daddy and Caleb.
Caleb with me and my mom.
We were able to get out of the carriage in a lookout where you could see the estate (in the summer you wouldn't be able to see it because of all the foliage).
Yaya and Caleb:
Caleb got to pet the horses:
Heading back into the stables:
Collecting rocks with Yaya:
Heading to the estate for our dinner reservation and candlelight tour.
Looking around in the gardens before dinner:
The back of the estate. The whole house took 6 years to build and covers four acres of floor space, has 35 bedroom, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces! My favorite spots were the underground pool, workout room and bowling alley! There was live music throughout the house and the garden room in the front of the house was astounding with all of the woodwork and windows!
The whole estate was decorated lavishly for Christmas and it was breathtaking (especially when it was all lit up at night)!
The front entrance.
A gift ship in the restaurant area:
"Someone" wasn't on their best behavior (hmmm ... a good nights sleep and a nap would have helped), and he was only happy if he was playing the spoon game with Yaya or eating dessert. Ugh.
The spoon game was super cute though :)
Eating chocolate chip cookie:
... and milk (with his chocolate-covered face).
Michael was checking the messages from the Marine Corps intently - we found out during dinner that he was selected for Major (WHOOP!!!)!
Photos weren't allowed in the house, but I snuck this one looking down from the top of the balcony on the spiral staircase:
A panoramic view of the estate at night:
The HUGE trees all lit up in the driveway to the house.
Big Buddy was *just* tall enough to help push the button on the elevator at the hotel. It was a quick trip - but absolutely worth it!!
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