Biltmore Estate

My mom and I can't get enough of the Biltmore Estate! I am an annual pass holder, and this was mom's third trip. It is just stunning, and this time we spent a lot of time in the gardens. It's eye candy...

(the conservatory)

Grove Park Inn

While my mom was visiting, we spent an afternoon at the historic Grove Park Inn. GPI is an Asheville landmark and home to one of the top rated golf courses and spas in the country. Politicians, dignitaries, and the rich and famous always stay at GPI when they are in town. Mom and I walked all around the grounds and had lunch on the Sunset Terrace which offers great views of the Blue Ridge mountains and the city of Asheville. For lunch, mom had a chipotle meatloaf sandwich and I enjoyed a crab cake BLT. To top it all off, we shared a slice of hummingbird cake. It's a cross between a spice cake and banana bread, and it is a southern favorite. Hopefully next time we can schedule a visit to the spa!

(the view from Sunset Terrace)

(the entrance to the subterranean spa)

(mom in front of GPI)

(one of the two fireplaces in the lobby... they burn 12 foot logs!)

(beginning of fall colors in Asheville)

Asheville Tourists

A couple of weeks ago, my mom came to stay with me for a few days while Trev was out of town. We had a great visit, and we had a wonderful time being Asheville tourists. We took a trolley tour of the town and saw...

Great architechture of the Flatiron Building, the Basilica, and the art deco City Building...

Historic homes...

And the Grove Park Inn and the Biltmore Estate (pictures in following posts).