Biltmore Estate and area end of December/New Years

[pcgirl54]

Thinking of a 4 night stay to see area attractions but the main reason is to see Biltmore. I would also like to see Gatilinburg for a day. Anything else not to miss.
I have unexpected extra vacation time and have always wanted to visit. I know it's better in warmer weather as you can see more.

What could we do at this time of year ? We are not country music fans. Plan on using rewards points for the hotel.

Thanks so much.

[Deb from NC]

Go to Connemarra...Carl Sandburg's home in Flat Rock, NC. It's less than
an hour from Biltmore. We spent several hours there touring the
house and grounds and thoroughly enjoyed it. (It's a national historic
site). It's also a nice contrast to the opulence of Biltmore!

[jme]

Hey pcgirl & Deb!!! Well, Asheville is a definite MUST for anyone who is within a 10-12-hour drive to Asheville, N.C. The Biltmore Estate is , as you probably already know, THE largest private home in North America. When you see it, it WILL blow you away, and you will wonder WHY you never went before. We only live 3 hours from Asheville, so we've been there many times, and we NEVER miss visiting the Biltmore House. It's simply unique. You can walk thru it and just close your eyes and imagine hearing all the sounds "of the time" and smelling the wonderful smells in those kitchens and banquet halls, etc. Make SURE that you rent the little earphone walk-along tour guide recording, as it will tell you all kinds of things that you would otherwise totally miss or not notice.


The history of George Vanderbilt is fascinating, and I can just see in my mind his train arriving nearby, carrying a hundred guests, who would stay weeks at a time....arriving and then getting into many, many horse-and-buggies to ride over to the "house"...and then imagine them unloading....you will see the luggage room where the guests stored their baggage....IT's even a large room , strictly for the purpose of safely storing all the guests' luggage. In the Spring, the gardens are blooming with thousands of tulips...in the Summer, roses. And at Christmas, the whole house is decorated appropriately, just as the Vanderbilts did it...and they have records to show how they did it. Anyway, each year they open up "new" sections, newly restored, which have never before been seen by the public. So, there's always something to see new. Make SURE you have lunch at the restaurant there which USED to be the stables. It's got great food...mostly sandwiches.....nothing fancy....and it's just fun. It's not a normal stable-like atmosphere.....more like a real restaurant...and there are various shops also in there to look at souvenirs. GO IN!!! Get a few books on the house itself.....I've enjoyed those books myself for years....and they show all the rooms fully restored , etc. You'll tend to forget because of the magnitude of the house, but it's a great book to have in your home library. Actually the Bilmore House is more like a European Castle (and bigger than most of the European castles I have visited!!!! Certainly more sophisticated!) You will no doubt think the library is your favorite room! It's amazing. Also the Great Hall, or Dining Hall.


The "Behind-the-Scenes Tour" is also very good.....it's more expensive, but consider it. Ask and read about the differences. Anyway, the regular tour is wonderful, and you really don't miss a thing with it. BUT, use those private headphones! They go at your pace, so you just stop and start when you enter each room. I love the "Tower Bedrooms", used exclusively for the most important guests "at the time", and the view off the back of the loggia toward the small valley and river is just breathtaking. It's no wonder why George bought all the land in sight....literally...and in all directions. Don't forget to also visit the little "village" of shops and restaurants right outside the estate entrance. That's the area where the townspeople (those who worked on the estate) lived.


AND.....DO NOT MISS visiting the cross-town Grove Park Inn.....it takes a bout 15 minutes to get there, but it's one of the country's unique and most beautiful hotels. I won't say much, but you won't believe it!!That's where we always STAY. It's not cheap, but it's worth it. Dining there at the hotel is wonderful, and dinner in the Blue Ridge Dining Room is the best. It's casual-dressy casual, so no sweat! Actually, most of the guests and visitors at GPI just walk around in very casual shirts and jeans---it's TOTALLY a laid-back hotel.....not a typical hotel at all, by any stretch. You will be shocked at how casual and "simple" the atmosphere is. The Blue Ridge Dining Room's view out the huge picture-glass window into the valley is amazing, and at night, especially, you can see the distant city of Asheville all lit up....very pretty.


Also, sit in the GREAT HALL and have a hot chocolate (or something stronger!) and listen to the piano player! The fireplace at each end of the great hall is large enough to walk into, and uses 6-foot logs. There are rocking chairs all around the fireplace....and the view off the veranda is to die for, especially at sunset....the sun sets over the mountaintop, and is a daily event! The Winery at Biltmore House is just mediocre, so visit Grove Park Inn before you spend time at the winery! BTW, the GPI is an old stone hotel from WAY back, where many movie stars,presidents, and other dignitaries stayed....like Roosevelt, Houdini....a very wide range of famous people, and all their pictures are there on the wall along a couple of corridors....take the time to find them. And walk from one end of the hotel to the other...(lobby level)....i.e., from the Sammons wing to the Vanderbilt wing....those were added in the 50's to the old stone main hotel building, and the view is worth the walk.....a full-glass view the whole way around...and the Blue Ridge Dining Room is at the end of the Vanderbilt Wing anyway. Even breakfast there is a feast of a buffet! See www.groveparkinn.com.


Now, as for Gatlinburg, there's not a whole lot to SEE, per se, except for shop after shop after shop.....and most are craft shops and t-shirt shops and souvenir shops. (Yes,we go there EVERY YEAR in October for the foliage!). We actually stay in Pigeon Forge , which is a town about 10 minutes away from Gatlinburg. It's not the "shop row" that Gatlinburg is, but it does have the best Christmas shop we've ever seen, and also several huge outlet malls.....probably more in P.F. than anyplace else in the country. The VERY, very best (don't waste your time at another) is the Five Oaks Outlet Mall, located at the far end of Pigeon Forge near Sevierville (a nearby community town----all are close by---like 3 minutes, and driving along, they run into each other). But that outlet mall is worth going to...probably 20 acres....and it's very nice and upscale.A few great restaurants there, like The Chop House, a wonderful steak house, and after shopping, you'll WANT to sit down in there and relax a bit...they have fantastic food, BUT you MUST put your name in about 2 hours before you wish to dine----no reservations, just "prior seating" type reservation. No one waits there...they just continue shopping until their time arrives, then right in.....Actually Gatlinburg and P.F. are not "country" in our opinion......we're not big "country" fans either....and we never see many "big-hair" people, if you know what I mean. Mostly, there are just nice, down-to-earth Tennessee people...plus the tourists who come back every year. You wouldn't believe how much the area is booming! 5-star 2 to 12-BR Cabins, hotels, condos, timeshares, etc. are being built all the time.


If you "Google" Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge and click on accommodations, you'll run across hundreds of just cabin rental companies. We've settled on the brand new luxury cabins with 5 BR's and game rooms (like with pool table), multiple jacuzzis, TV's in every room, multiple fireplaces, etc.,etc. , because we love for our two kids (20 & 17 now) to take friends with them, and also my mother-in-law, every year, so we make a big fuss about that trip. It just may be our favorite one, even tho it's not timeshare-related. We just love the Fall season there....it's beyond wonderful. Forget Dollywood! Forget the many comedy shows or country-music shows!.....just enjoy the scenery and the food and the shopping for deals!!!! Remember: Gatlinburg= craft shops; Pigeon Forge = outlet malls. I know, "Pigeon Forge" doen't really have a nice ring to it----it sounds "country" , or gross, or both, but it's not what you think. It's definitely more upscale than Gatlinburg.....PLUS, Gatlinburg is barely walkable or driveable due to the crowds elbow-to-elbow, or bumper-to-bumper, 24/7. You have to pay to park in Gatlinburg in some parking lot, then walk blocks and blocks to see the shops....there is NO parking in front of ANY shops. Now, it's fun....as there are a few candy shops and fudge shops....but it's a one-day ordeal, and frankly, I'd rather be in Pigeon Forge!!!!!!! Especially at Five Oaks Outlet Mall. Then Chop House for dinner. (Prime rib, great baked potatoes, lobster tails, homemade yeast rolls, great steaks and seafood...whatever. And big booths-----a couple of semi-circular ones-----we love those!!!! (Wanna see our P.F. log cabins where we stay now????....see www.thepreserveresort.com. Click on the "5-BR" ones. Amazing!!!


So, yes, I'm going broke very fast, but we're also making memories! My son, 20, had a Fall break at school which coincided with our Fall trip, so he brought a friend, and they played pool, used the jacuzzis and literally saw the bright stars (the mountain sky is sooooo clear at night), slept in, ate a LOT, and generally had a fantastic Fall break.....and the temps got down into the 30's, so we had a perfect 5-night vacation! We all cried when we had to pack up.....just cannot wait to get back! It's ben a 12-year ongoing tradition now. My daughter loves it too! Her friend BEGS to go with us!!!!!

OK,last suggestion: Nashville, Tenn. Yes, I know you said "no country" stuff , but believe me, it's not. Stay at the Opryland Hotel, THE largest (non-Las Vegas Casino) hotel in the world...no kidding. We've been going there for 7 straight years for Thanksgiving (to get AWAY from family....does that convey anything?) But we also have a complete blast, and yes, there's another HUGE outlet mall right next door....even MORE upscale...so, since it's almost like a city there (there's a river running thru it, in one of the several atria) , we don't even have to leave the hotel, altho we do. We have a Thanksgiving feast in the grand ballroom, with ice sculptures taller than me, and they serve thousands. There's a change-out periodically of a stringed quartet, a harp player, and a piano player...what a sight! What a meal. The dessert table alone is 50 feet long.


And you can visit the nearby home of Andrew Jackson, called the Hermitage, which is fun.......and also the Belle Meade Plantation, a famous estate from which 99% of all Kentucky Derby winners (for the past 50 years) have been bred. You can tour the famous home, dine at the cafe (great soups, sandwiches, specialty entrees, and desserts)....plus walk the estate.....also we love just walking around some of the famous buildings in Nashville......places where stars frequented, like pancake houses,still in operation. Great breakfasts! Also love walking around the Vanderbilt University campus.....sooooo beautiful......looks a lot like Harvard.


There are tons of places to see around Nashville. One small town called Franklin looks like a Dickens Village, and they go all out to decorate for the holidays, so we love to walk that little town and visit all the great little shops. All the lampposts are decorated, and everyone is so friendly. and there are some very nice little cafes for coffee or tea. If I'm beginning to sound a wee bit narcissistic,it's probably true. I learned from my Dad (who was an ObGyn who worked ALL the time his whole life, with little time off and no vacations) that I am NOT GOING to miss smelling those roses. That's why I got a few timeshares in the first place------i.e., to force myself to take time off and "go" and "do". My wife doesn't seem to mind!


So, there's always a carrot out there dangling somewhere. It keeps me going! I just hate my kids are growing up because I don't like to go anywhere without them. Well, better shut up, or I'll get kicked off of TUG. Sorry to be so long-winded, but the Asheville/Gatlinburg comment of yours got me going. And if you're visiting those places, you'd better do it right! Best of luck, and hope you (& others) enjoy those destinations.....we certainly do....and a very Merry Christmas to all. Marty (jme) THE END

[pcgirl54]

Marty,
Great post,thanks so much for all the details.I can't wait to go now for sure. You have always advised myself and others for Hilton Head hints and now Asheville. I have wanted to go here for so so so long and it just never fits in because we like warmer weather and the beach. I was concerned about a winter storm making road travel difficult and only being able to see some things as opposed to milder spring/fall weather.
We had some extra vacation time and decided to treat ourselves to a trip rather then buy presents. At first it was going to be San Antonio but since I am traveling nearby on business in a few months we decided on Biltmore. I have watched Rachel Ray talk about places to eat there as well as shows on the Travel Channel.
I know what you mean about the kids. Our sons traveled with us right up until the final college years. I miss them being with us a lot and seeing the look on their face when they have fun. I know they will travel with us again down the road as they age. I read years ago if you buy property on a lake or near the beach they will always visit and bring their families. They all love Hilton Head and that's the place we plan to live down the road.

Deb,thank you for posting. I am going to research this as well. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and New Year.

[Deb from NC]

I know you will have a wonderful time, Asheville is one of my favorite
places. And Marty is totally right in regard to the Grove Park Inn...it
is fabulous...don't miss it!
Happy Holidays!
Deb

[shagnut]

Now I want to go!! Deb & I need to go together, we only live next to each other and have never met!!! What's up with that? have fun on your trip!! shaggy

[pcgirl54]

Day 1-We walked around downtown Asheville for an afternoon,browsed through all the little stores and art places and ate at the 1896 Cafe which had wonderful food.
Stayed at Marriott Fairfield in Fletcher/S Asheville right across from the airport. DO NOT eat at J & S Cafeteria across from the hotel,food is bland but really inexpensive and the place is packed all meals. Right down the road next to Target and Marshalls is a new Carrabbas and they are building a Cracker Barrel and Lone Star this year. First time to Carrabbas and we enjoyed it a lot.

Day 2-Had a great time,Biltmore was just wonderful and we arrived 8AM before the holiday crowds. Do spend the extra 7.00pp and rent the headsets. It took us 2.5hrs to see 60 rooms open to the public,6 hours in all. Holiday decorations just make it even more beautiful .I cannot imagine touring without them.
DO eat at The Stable next to the main house and get there early,there are no reservations and they are open 11AM -4PM. The atmosphere and food are wonderful and the prices are reasonable. It is the old 5 story horse barn redone and if you get there early you can ask to be seated in the stall with booths. There are also sandwich places,coffee and a bakery in the courtyard. We did not think it was worth touring the Farm Building to see old tractors ,4 sheep and 1 horse. Lines for the Winery were at least 1.5 hours long so we skipped it. You can taste wine and buy bottles in the gift shop next to The Stable and main house. I am glad we did that first since we skipped the Winery. Walked around the town of Biltmore Village outside the gates of the estate. It's the town where workers lived and now is converted to small shops.
Day 3-Drove through the Blue Ridge to get to Gatlinburg and had to turn around after an aggravating 12-18 miles at Cold Mountain 6000 ft because the road was closed and you could not see 1 inch in front of you beginning at 3500 ft. There was no snow or ice so 22 more crooked miles to Waynesville to get to US 40 to go to Gatlinburg which unknown to us had the Xtreme Baptist teen conference with 6000 people that weekend. Parked for an hour for 10.00 and got great ice cream at Kelwins then on our way to Pigeon Forge while passing 5 miles of traffic headed to Gatlinburg. Bus after bus of 13-16yr olds everywhere.
Pigeon Forge reminded us of Myrtle Beach and we thought both areas were very clean and there were so many families together. That was so nice to see,clean cut ,polite teens celebrating their faith and having fun. Friendly people no matter where we went. It was a real pleasure.
Needless to say we stood out like a sore thumb when we spoke coming from New England so many people asked us where we were from and we enjoyed meeting them. Ate at The Apple Barn on Apple Valley Road and I must say it was the most delicious buttery fried chicken I have ever had in my entire life plus the complimentary delicious apple fritters with apple butter and apple julep with every meal. We then bought fried apple turnovers in the bakery. Went to the shops at The Mill and visited that gigantic Christmas Village on the main drag. All of this was great and I wish we had more time to see things but we had a 2 hour drive back to Asheville. Rt 40 is the best way to skip the traffic.

Day 4-spent with SIL/BIL who relocated to the area. Ate breakfast in Blue Ridge Dining room at Grove Park Inn and I must say the place is incredible. Views are awesome,rockers everywhere and the massive fireplace in the lobby is incredible. Do not bother with a la carte because the buffet is 16.95 including tea,coffee or juice so it is less costly in the long run. We walked the halls to see all the Gingerbread House entries for all age groups,walked around the Spa 8 levels below the lobby.Went to see Lake Lure and the shops at Chimney Rock. It was very rainy and foggy so we could not see Chimney Rock at all.


Marty, sadly we did not have time to see the Five Oaks Outlet or eat at Chop House because we lost over 4-6 hours with the mountain road closure, the traffic in Gatlinburg and the long wait to eat due to the Baptist convention crowds so we ate lunch at 4pm. I really can see why people like Pigeon Forge,so much to do for families,from dinner shows,rides,shopping and eatries. I would go back there and skip Gatlinburg altogether. Thanks for the advice you were right on target as usual and I am so glad you told us about The Stable at Biltmore,Blue Ridge dining room at Grove Park and The Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge.

I was told that Gatlinburg has one of the largest fireworks displays at New Years that rival Las Vegas and that Knoxville has something similar around Memorial Day. I cannot confirm if this is true.

[url]http://www.groveparkinn.com
[url]http://www.christmasplace.com
]http://www.applebarncidermill.com


Happy New Year from The Pelletiers from Bawstan

[shagnut]

Glad you enjoyed your trip!! I've never been to the Grove Park Inn but it is on my list of must do's. Glad you like the Applewood/Apple Barn restaurant. Did you get you some apple butter? I bought a lot of my xmas presents there. shaggy

[sfwilshire]

Originally Posted by pcgirl54

I was told that Gatlinburg has one of the largest fireworks displays at New Years that rival Las Vegas and that Knoxville has something similar around Memorial Day.

Boomsday in Knoxville is Labor Day weekend. Usually the fireworks are on Sunday night now, which is much better than when they did them on the actual holiday and we all had to get up for work the next morning. It really is a fantastic show.

I've never been to the ones in Gatlinburg. My neighbors were going to check it out this year but it poured down the rain all day so they stayed home.

Sheila

[jme]

Glad you had such a wondeful time. You can bet I won't steer you wrong!!! Asheville is wonderful, and the Biltmore House is a must-see for anyone close to the southeast! Actually it's worth flying to see, too, but I meant if anyone is ever fairly close, they MUST go. I'm glad you got the headsets to tour the Biltmore House as I suggested----having done the tour many times, I enjoy it best with those-----you learn SO MUCH MORE, and the anecdotal facts are so intriguing. Truly, I am SO EXCITED that you saw and did some things that are so near and dear to my family's heart!!! Your letter made my day. I can't wait to get back to the Grove Park Inn....(and Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are a ton of fun too, but you have to know where to go)......Happy New Year! Marty (jme)