Today we decided to visit the Biltmore Estate. I remember visiting the home as a child during the holidays and being impressed so I was excited to bring my own child to this "American castle".
Brandy Metzger
Biltmore
A Grand Entrance
After a short walk from the parking area, we saw the house through a clearing and my daughter was immediately impressed. She couldn't believe that anyone had actually ever lived in a grand residence such as this. I don't think she knew what to expect as we entered the home.
Upon entry, we got an audio tour wand for my daughter to listen to. This was a lifesaver as the house was very crowded and without something to focus her attention, I think my daughter would have become bored easily. My husband and I were impressed with the detail that went into decorating the home for the holidays.
The Biltmore Company
Biltmore tree
35-foot Fraser fir tree in the Banquet Hall of the Biltmore house
The Banquet Hall and Beyond
The banquet hall, which is the largest room in the house, boasts a 34 foot Frasier Fir beautifully adorned with decorations during the holidays. It is also the room that the Vanderbilts hosted their annual Christmas festivities, a tradition that continues to this day.
As we continued to tour the home, I was amazed at the variety of decorations used in the living areas and bedrooms throughout. In addition to the many themed Christmas trees, there were also holly and red berries, potted poinsettias and fresh cut flower arrangements.
My husband and I enjoyed noticing the small details that make the home such an extravagant building such as ornate hinges on doors and exquisite carvings in mantles. My favorite room in the home was the library. The painting on the ceiling of the room reminded me of being in the Sistine Chapel and the thousands of books shelved on the walnut stacks made the room seem warm and inviting. My daughter was impressed with the secret doors, the indoor swimming pool and the bowling alley.
Brandy Metzger
Grove tree
One of the many Christmas trees at the Grove Park Inn
Back at the Grove Park Inn
After spending a good portion of the day at the Biltmore Estate, we headed back to the Grove Park Inn. We enjoyed the afternoon playing tennis and exploring the hotel. We discovered that all of the Christmas trees had a unique and different theme. They make for fun games of "I-Spy".
We concluded our evening by dining in the Blue Ridge dining room where we ate from a seasonal buffet which included a wide variety of salads, meats, side dishes and desserts.
The Grove Park Inn proved to be a wonderful location to spend time together as a family to enjoy some holiday cheer.
