Sunday, May 1, 2011

Ceekay's visit to Biltmore

From the moment Ceekay arrived and ate dinner, it was a non-stop whirlwind of fun and excitement!
She left to go to Florida yesterday and I will miss her.
We feasted on a chicken dish that was so moist and flavorful. I'll try to share that in the future. (So easy to do!) I knew she would be tired of flying across the country all day, so we opted to eat in and let her acclimate.



The next day we relaxed in the morning and went shopping in the afternoon. On Thursday we left and went to Asheville, NC to see the Biltmore Estate!



It was the only request that Ceekay had for her stay here. We were glad to make it happen for her.



Biltmore is the largest privately owned home in America. It truly is amazing to see and tour.



Hubby and I have been there several times but it's always so interesting to see again.



In the last three yrs. they have opened several more rooms for viewing.



Caution: I have many pics...you may what a glass of ice tea for the journey. lol


Hubby walked way out on the grounds for this shot.







This is a view when you are in the house..looking out the front.






It's sits on 35,000 acres. It's a beautiful piece of land with great scenic views.





The architecture is amazing!









The gardens breathtaking!























It was on to the Vineyards in the late afternoon! When we saw this sign, it was hard not to think of Lucy and Ethel in the grape stomping scene. lol























We went for a tour to see the wine making process.





We went through this dark, cool, stone tunnel.





Storage of the wine.





The Vanderbilts were way ahead of their time in many arenas and lacked for nothing in the way of luxuries.





This is one of the cars on the estate that Mrs. Vanderbilt drove.





Check our this sign and the outfit that follows.




Right down to the bug netting on the hat.





Their are several private homes on the property that family members live. None reside in the house anymore. There is a farm, that supplies the restaurants on the property, the vineyards, and a village with shops. So much to see and do.



They also have beautiful horses and some cows roaming nearby.




I hope you weren't too bored. I'll be sharing more of the things we did this past week in future posts.



I've missed popping in on all of you and will look forward to visiting you this week.



Thanks for stopping in! Have a great week!



13 comments:

Sue said...

Oh what fun to share with your good friend. It has been years but I loved my visit to the Biltmore. The service areas were my favorite part.
xoxo,
Sue

Happy@Home said...

How nice that you and Ceekay had such a nice visit. The table you set for your chicken dinner is just beautiful. It's easy to see why you have so many guests. You make them feel very welcome and special.
I'll bet the grounds of the Biltmore were gorgeous. I always enjoy visiting there.

Dana~HomespunTreasures said...

Ms. Rose your pictures of the Biltmore are absolutely gorgeous!! I'm so glad you was able to share this with Ceekay. I've been to the Biltmore twice and the gardens are my favorite the are so beautiful. You've had a wonderful week with your best friend and you'll have memories for a life time.

Blessings,
Dana

The Decorative Dreamer said...

I love the Biltmore but have only been in the winter and with schools. I would love a Spring trip on my own. How nice you two shared this together. I bet it was a trip you two will remember for some time. Beautiful tablescape too!

Anonymous said...

Morning, Rose! I'm so glad you and Ceekay had such a wonderful time. Now, I never had a doubt in my mind you wouldn't! :) Your table is so beautiful and I'd love the recipe for your chicken.
I've never been to Biltmore but would love to see it someday.
Be a sweetie and thanks for poping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,

Shelia ;)

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Rose,
Looks like a wonderful time with Ceekay on her visit. You girls look lovely in the pic by the grape stomp. I loved that Lucy episode. LOL
The Biltmore is gorgeous. I have it on my list to visit one day too.
Loved you table setting and dessert. Yummy!!
So glad you had a nice visit and I know you are missing Ceekay this week.

Thank you for stopping by and have a great week. We have non stop rain here for the last 2 1/2 days. We needed it, but now it is flooding in places. Everything is so green and blooming. At least till it hits 105 in the next few months. LOL

Have a great week and Happy May.
Celestina Marie XO

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Gorgeous photos! What a wonderful time to visit Biltmore!

Lois Christensen said...

This is some place I've always wanted to visit as well! Loved all the pictures!!! I especially loved the post by Ceekay. Very nice hearing how the two of you met and sharing the pictures with us as well. Hope you are doing well!

Dawn said...

I wish we'd had a chance to visit the estate when we were down there a couple of years ago. We'll have to put it on the agenda for the next time.

There is nothing more special than long standing friendships. What a fun visit!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Beautiful photography! I'm sure Ceekay enjoyed the Biltmore so much, I did when we went there!

Katherine

Miss Janice said...

Love your photos of the Biltmore...I've never been there. I've also enjoyed reading about you and your friendship with Ceekay!

Kathy said...

That Chicken dish sure looked good...I would love the recipe!!

Kathy

Sue said...

Those grounds at the Biltmore are beautiful! How fun for you and Ceekay to get together and experience this home. I wish we weren't so pressed for time when we go down for furniture market, I'd really love to see this place! Hope someday I'll be able to enjoy a visit. You asked me about that paint I used on my finial. It is a spray paint that has flecks in it to give it texture. I need to take a pic of the finished product. I am just swamped with projects and work. No time for much blogging - I am so far behind reading! ~ Sue