Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Spring Break Getaway

Since visiting the Biltmore last spring, Jeff has been trying to get all of us back there for a family vacation. Spring Break worked out to be the perfect time, with the kids off school and Jeff home for a long weekend, we made the most of our three days in Asheville, North Carolina. Fortunately, it is not to long of a drive, right at about 2 1/2 hours and since grandma came with us, there was never a dull moment! The hotel we chose this time turned out to be perfect for us, plenty big enough and with an evening meal on Thursday and a hot breakfast Friday and Saturday. Thursday night, after dinner, unpacking and settling in, the kids enjoyed the indoor pool before falling into bed. On Friday morning, the weather turned cold and very windy. With highs only in the mid 50's we decided to visit the Western NC Nature Center. We had a fun morning of wandering through the trails and visiting the animals. I think the kids favorite were the otters, they were so cute! Later that day, we headed over to the Biltmore to tour the inside. The afternoon turned out to be much less busy than the morning, so we were able to really enjoy walking through all five floors and learning about the Vanderbilts rich history. On Saturday, we woke up to a beautiful morning that just got sunnier and warmer as the day went on. The girls loved dressing up and getting tons of pictures in the gardens. Since we had toured the house the day before, we stuck to all of the outdoor recreation at the Biltmore, spending lots of time at the new family friendly Antler Farm. When we were all exhausted and sunburned (although none more so than poor Nehemiah) we got in the car for the drive home, but not before upgrading our tickets to season passes! Now, of course, we have to plan another trip! WARNING-Many pictures follow.
Relaxing at the hotel.The Western NC Nature CenterThe Biltmore Estate and Gardens
Playing in the courtyard.
Taking a break.
On to Antler Farm, the once working dairy barn of Biltmore that they converted into a family oriented area, they had butter churning demonstrations and authentic old fashion games and equipment and even a petting zoo. Poor little guy, it took over a week to recover from this burn.Last but not least, some artsy shots. The last one was a happy accident by my very talented husband.

2 comments:

Celia Jimenez said...

Stephanie- the girls look GORGEOUS! Loved all the pictures in the garden. It could have been an English manor..so pretty! Glad y'all had a good time! Doesn't it just fly by!?

Melanie said...

What a WONDERFUL get-away! You guys are pros at traveling & finding all the best that places have to offer! You should write a travel guide (and I'm not joking!) The girls look gorgeous & the boys so handsome! LOVE all of the photos, but my faves are of the kids running around on the expansive lawn! And the very first one, Micah is just like Noah's mini-me! SO cute, thanks for sharing! Oh, & bless poor little Nehemiah's heart, poor baby, glad he is all healed up!