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…
