Our trip to Asheville just wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the United States, built by the Vanderbilts in the late 1800s. Adelaide was most excited about this stop on our tour, not only because she's writing a story with the estate as the setting and had lots of questions and research she wanted to do. But also, because my parents joined up with us again. I know it's been invaluable for this middle child of five to have my full and undivided attention for a whole entire week. But then to get a few days with her grandparents and their full attention too? Where she is one of fourteen grandchildren normally? You can see why she'd be in heaven, and she certainly was. Glowing, I'd have to say, after this week.
The house was, well, impressive. I found myself of course drawn to the textiles and often looking up at the ceilings, so textured as they were. But the gardens were what I was most excited about seeing, and they did not disappoint. The observatory was magical, the grounds and gardens (designed by Frederick Law Olmstead) just stunning. We spent our afternoon wandering some trails and being met at the end by the magical picnic fairies that we call our friends the Englishes. Another picnic was had, on the edge of the pond, on a beautiful spring day. I can't imagine a more fitting end to this trip!
Today, Adelaide and I meander our way back to the airport and tonight we'll sleep in our own beds. Tomorrow, we won't wake up to quite a full spring as we've been enjoying here, but I hear warmer weather is headed to Maine. And before we know it, we'll be out there just like we are here.
Thank you to all of you who stopped by the Fair this weekend to say hello, and those of you who came to our Brewery visit too! And all the new friends we've made along the way. And of course, our old friends who have spoiled us so beautifully and shared their fabulous city with us. I have often heard my hometown of Portland, Maine compared to Asheville and I now see why. There is so much we share in common, and this entire trip has felt a little bit like home-away-from-home. I'm so grateful for our time here.
Have a lovely weekend, friends!