For years I've heard of the Biltmore Estate, but never had the occasion to visit, even though my cabin is just a few hours away. And besides who would pay the $42 a person admission?
Well... it was worth every penny of the Rally registration fee.
I was certainly unprepared for the size and grandeur of the Estate. Eight thousand acres, trimmed down from the original 100,00+ acres. It's hard for me to imagine that any one person could have the type of weath needed to create such a place.
The Biltmore Mansion: I took about 5 hours taking the tour and walking the gardens. (no photos permitted inside the mansion).
Gardens and Greenhouse:
The Inn at the Biltmore (hotel on the estate, not the mansion):
The Outdoor Center, although only a small house, was the place for guests to sign up for hiking, bicycling, kayaking, and flyfishing excursions. In addition, it was the location of the Land Rover Driving School:
The original stables, now a museum for antique farm implements:
The current stables:
The Winery: I took the Tour and sampled the wine in the tasting room.
Fermenting Tanks:
Aging Barrels:
And.... I purchased my first bottle of wine that didn't have a screw-on top!
...a very satisfying outing.
jb
