Another stop on the way to the Merlefest was the Biltmore Castle in Asheville. It was fabulous. Built by the Vanderbilt family on about 8000 acres, the estate is very reminiscent of castles I had visited in the Loire Valley in France. We toured the castle and gardens during their Festival of Flowers. The formal gardens were loaded with blooming tulips and we had a lovely walk through the garden paths of blooming azaleas to the bass lake. Of course, it is a huge letdown to return home to my 5 acres of weeds and no gardening staff! At first, I couldn't comprehend what we would do for a whole day at this estate. I had thought the entry fee was quite expensive ($59.00/adult) so I was determined to get my money's worth and spend alot of time there. By time we toured the castle, we were ready for a break and found a spot to sit and grab a snack at the cafe. The rest of the day (it was beautiful, sunny and warm) we spent walking around the grounds, sitting here and there among the flowers and shrubs. It was actually a very relaxing pace and we felt like we were on vacation. I had been afraid that my husband would have been very bored but he enjoyed the time there, also, and said he would like to go back sometime.
just one view of the formal gardens…
and the beautiful colors in the spring garden…
Just returned from a great trip to Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC. It's a 4-day music festival in honor and memory of Merle Watson, son of the legendary Doc Watson. We saw so much great music that I am in overload mode. I have lots of photos to post, so I guess that I will start at the beginning…this was the first road trip we have taken in quite a while. We spent the first night visiting down in the Detroit area, figuring that with an early start we could get to Asheville late in the afternoon to attend the Irish session at Jack of the Wood, Asheville's Irish pub. I couldn't possibly imagine that I would have loved the drive as much as I did. I was amazed at these beautiful blooming trees all along the freeway. I later found out that they were the Southern Redbud. The Irish session was lots of fun. The music was good and the crowd was really friendly. We stayed at the Carolina B&B. It was within walking distance of downtown in a beautiful old neighborhood.
Jack in the Wood pub - downtown Asheville
Carolina B&B located in Asheville's historic Montfort district
Well, spring must be here! Ranger has been for his first swim of the season. This is definately a water dog. I don't imagine the water is much above 40 degrees…but he loves it. His ears haven't perked up as much all winter till he heard the word "Beach" and he was ready to go! He is crazy for snow, but that seems like a very tame crazy when it is compared to his love of the beach.
