Why to visit the Biltmore Estate during the Holidays

It wasn't a tradition we intended to make, but it is quickly becoming one of my favorite mother-daughter traditions. For the past few years we have found ourselves inAsheville, North Carolina during the month of December, and the number one thing on our bucket list: Biltmore Estate. 

Year after year, we return to this American castle with amazement and wonder. There is something exquisitely magical about this enchanting estate. I think it starts off with gingerbread-like entrance gate that shines bright like the North Star  Then there's the miles of windy drive you have to traverse to sneak a peek at the grandeur estate. The scenery is spectacular; wide open fields, pines that tickle the sky, trickling streams and wildflowers are the first to welcome you to the Biltmore Estate. After lingering minutes you finally see it: the tip tops of the towers and peaks that mimic the Blue Ridge Mountains behind it. There in all her glory is the stunning Biltmore Estate. 

I've been to the Biltmore at least a dozen times, in all different seasons, and I tell you I have yet to get bored with this beautiful place. Though I love the sweet tulips of spring and the vibrant colors bursting forth in fall, winter has to be my favorite. Two lions stand front and center to great you adorned with beautiful wreaths and gigantic red bows. As you enter the billowing doors, you can't help but be transported to a time gone by; a time where things were slower, simpler, less technology and more thought. A time where someone wrote hand written letters and the news came daily in the form of paper.

The entire house is adorned with Christmas decorations everywhere you look, from fresh garland to perfectly wrapped presents, it is the picture perfect Christmas. With over 50 immaculately decorated trees it may be hard to pick your favorite however what is definitely meant to be the most memorable is the 35 ft. Frasier Fir that stands tall and mighty in the dinning room for all to see. It's a spectacular display of holiday merriment that will leave you breathless at its glory.

Want to spend a perfectly blissful afternoon at the Biltmore? Here is my perfect day-trip itinerary for Biltmore Estate at Christmas:


1. Conservatory and outside areas

Arrive to the Estate early and spend the morning walking around the gardens, conservatory, and outside stable area. While the gardens are barren during the winter, the fresh air and mild Carolian winter days are always pleasant. There are paths and greenery to walk around as well as the beautiful conservatory with the most beautiful winter flowers.

2. Christmas tea at the Biltmore Inn

One of our favorite traditions is having a delightful Christmas tea at the Biltmore Inn. Just a short drive on the property will bring you the Biltmore Inn. Inside the entire hotel is decked to the nines in holiday merriment and a crackling fire and gigantic tree greet guests. Make your reservations in advance, as they always fill up! Bonus: They offer gluten free options for high tea.

















3. Visit the inside of the House
You'll have to choose to do the house tour during daylight or candlelight. Both are beautiful for different reasons. I find that the daylight tour tends to be a bit less crowded personally. Either way, you won't be disappointed by the splendor of the home. Take your time and take it all in. 

What else is there to do at the Biltmore during Christmas, might you ask? Here are my top (5) suggestions on how to have the perfect Biltmore Christmas experience:

1. Take the Candlelight Christmas tour of the House. For more information about this magical event, click here.

2. Take a Candlelight Christmas Tour of the Winery. To book your tour, click here.

3. Take a carriage ride of the grounds. Click here for more information.

4. Do some Christmas shopping in the village shops

5. Have dinner at the Stable Cafe for a wonderful experience. Click here for more information on the dining options at Biltmore.

I hope that you get to enjoy the Biltmore as much as I do over the years. It's an experience that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. 

Facing the Mountain

Standing at the foot of a mountain is daunting. The incline is steep and treacherous, the rocks posing a possible threat to security and safety. The mass that is in front of me appears so ominous and dark; it feels so terrifying and discouraging- how will I ever overcome this mountain?

Yet looking behind me I see the long journey I have trekked to get to this point and although what lies ahead of me is scary, going back down the same worn and rugged path is depressing as well. I have two ways to go- I can either try to walk around the mountain or I can climb the mountain little by little. 

I am definitely scared that I will fail; that I won't be able to make it up the mountain- that it will kill me trying. The mountain seems so big to tackle, what if I can't make it? The journey will be long and potentially emotionally and physically exhausting. Another fear that grips me is the fear of the top. Getting to the top of the mountain is an exhilarating moment; it's a moment where you can see the accumulation of your dedication and hard work pay off for the epiphany and glory of defeating the beast of a mountain. Yet, what fear that holds me captive is what is on the other side of the mountain? What if I get to the top of this mountain only to find that the mountain just continues, or worse, there is a bigger mountain ahead? The fear of the unknown is sometimes scarier than the fear of the known. 

I've made the decision to climb the mountain, no matter how small the steps may be. As I climb this gigantic black mass in my life, I need to take each step as a victory and a step in the direction towards the top. When I get to the top, I'll deal with the top and what I may see; it may be another scary mountain of darkness or it may be the prettiest sunrise I've ever encountered. Only God knows. 

The Thankful Project: November 28th

The Thankful Project: November 28th: Christmas Trees

Today my family drove up to Boone, North Carolina to cut down a fresh Christmas tree.

I'm so glad to live in a world that has Christmas trees. The idea of a Christmas tree may be a bit odd: cut down a perfectly good tree from the woods, stick it inside your house and decorate it with ornaments and tinsel and lights; however it just makes me happy. There is something so magical and warm about a Christmas tree. I love sitting home in the evenings with nothing but the Christmas tree and the fireplace to light the room. I have many memories of watching Christmas movies by tree and firelight with my family over the years. 

This year was the first year my whole family has cut down a tree in a while. Usually we're a touch busy to drive the several hour drive to the mountain but this year my middle brother wanted to go, so we did. It was unseasonably warm today so we were hot and sweaty by the time we got to the top of the mountain (because of course we want the tree from the very tippy top of the hill). The three is a cute tree though. My mom always has a soft-spot for the more skinny "Charlie Brown" trees as she calls them. A perfect tree in my moms eyes is tall, skinny, with a good shape but empty spots in the branches to hang large ornaments. Her trees always turn out beautiful.

So today we went up the mountain alone but came back with three Fraiser Firs strapped to our rooftop, so let the Christmas season commence!