Biltmore House – Dirt Road Adventures

Hey friends! This week, we ventured off the dirt road for a quick getaway to the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC.

We visited Asheville one year ago and had the best time exploring vintage shops and dining at excellent restaurants.

We were actually on our way to more antique shops when we decided to go to Biltmore House for a tour, and I’m so glad we did.

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Why I Loved Biltmore House

Are you a fan of Downton Abby? Well, this is about as close as it gets to see a home like that in America.

I’ve always loved reading historical books, and I’ve seen Downton Abby twice and could watch it again.

We are only 3 hours away from this treasure; however, if you ever pass this way, don’t miss this historical landmark.

The house tour takes approx. 1 1/2 hours. The gardens are at least another hour, and you don’t want to miss the winery. I’ll share more about both the gardens and the winery next week.

I’ve been a couple of times, and my husband was there once before. However, it had been years, and it is still one of the most awe-inspiring adventures ever.

I’m sure you’ve seen this image before, but seeing it in person is amazing. Can you imagine that this was once someone’s home?

Who Owns Biltmore House in Asheville, NC

What’s even more impressive is that the descendants of George Vanderbilt still own it. The estate requires over 2,000 employees to maintain the property.

The tour allows you to glimpse what life was like in the early 1900s for those with more money than I can imagine. However, the Vanderbilts were a godsend to the people in the then rural western NC.

The construction of the castle created jobs like no one from the blue ridge mountains had ever dreamed of.

The household staff was paid salaries equal to those paid in New York City at the time. This was another impressive detail about the generosity of George Vanderbilt and his wife.

Another impressive detail was the 10,000 books displayed in the library, collected by Mr. Vanderbilt himself. He was an avid reader; there were another 12,000 books displayed around the castle and in storage.

Can you guess what my favorite part of the tour was? Awww! Look at all that vintage copper!!

The copper cookware is original to the kitchen, and I’m trying to figure out how to fit the pot holder into my kitchen. LOL

The estate grounds at Biltmore are just as impressive as the home. I’ll share more about the gardens next Sunday’s Dirt Road Adventures.

In Case You Missed It

Here is a look back at Dirt Road Adventures on the Blog. Fall is in full swing and there is a lot of inspiration happening here on the Dirt Road.

Even though we were traveling in Asheville, NC this past week, I still shared several fall-inspired blog posts and didn’t want you to miss them.

First, I shared my best seasonal storage organizing tips and How to Make Corn Stalk Topiaries for your fall decorating.

Next, How To Make Cured Cold Smoked Salmon and 11 Ways To Create Vintage Charm in a Modern Kitchen which is part of our Thrifting with the Gals series.

Finally, How To Make This Easy Fall Garland Craft and this yummy Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe.

Adventures off the Dirt Road

Why Didn’t I Think of That?

Each week, there are so many wonderful blog posts, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.

There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL

My friend CoCo shared 5 Steps to Creating A Fall Mantel. I love these soft colors she uses.

Have your leaves started falling yet? Neither have ours, but I’m saving this wonderful tip because I’ll need it in a few weeks. See Stacy’s Fall Clean-Up and Making Leaf Mold.

If you want to know how to update an ugly vase, check out Jennifer’s How to fake an Artesian Pottery Jug.

See this beautiful Fall Home Tour

It’s Pumpkin Time, and these 11 Pumpkin Decorating Ideas are great.

These cute DIY Silverware Pouches are great for fall tables.

And this lovely home tour.

Coming Soon…

Next week I’ll be sharing another Corn Stalk Tutorial in my series, plus get ready to vote for our Chowderfest cook-off. We will be sharing 6 different recipes and you get to pick your favorite.

In addition, our Supper Club tablescapes are coming your way on Thursday. See six tables decorated for fall and a casual chowder dinner. I’m sharing a Rustic Fall Tablescape with you.

Next week on Dirt Road Adventures, I’ll share some of the beautiful garden views while visiting Biltmore House in Asheville, NC.

Thanks for stopping by today, and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you this week.

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