Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Biltmore House and Gardens
Day One - 16 September 2021 - The Drive
The trip started early in the morning from Nashville, taking Interstate 40 eastward to Asheville, North Carolina. Along the way, the usual stopping place, the Caney Fork Rest Area, provided a chance to recharge our batteries, loosen our legs and lighten our loads. Then it was on to Cookeville for lunch at a restaurant. After a satisfying meal, the road called again, leading to Knoxville for gas before continuing the journey.
The drive from Knoxville to Asheville down Interstate 40 is absolutely breathtaking as you meander through the mountains. A stop at the North Carolina Welcome Center offered another chance to stretch our legs. My car was relieved for the rest, as it had many more miles and elevation to go before reaching the final destination - the Bent Creek Lodge.
Day Two - 17 September - Blue Ridge Parkway to the Craggy Gardens and onwards to Mount Mitchell
An amazing breakfast prepared by the staff at the Inn fueled the start of our journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway. At first, the wrong direction seemed right, but after realizing that Apple Maps was correct, a turnaround sent us towards Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Many overlooks along the drive offered photo opportunities of the breathtaking mountains and valleys below.
On the way to Mount Mitchell, the road passed through Craggy Gardens before finally reaching the summit. The view from the top was stunning, offering a 360-degree panoramic view. Obligatory selfies and pictures of the surrounding mountains and trees were a must. The clouds were rolling in and out, and luck was on our side to experience them kissing the summit. After a while, the descent began. It seemed much shorter than the climb up. Before leaving, a stop at the visitor center and gift shop resulted in obligatory mugs and stickers. I even used the highest port-a-potty!
On the way back to Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a stop at the Craggy Gardens visitor center resulted in another obligatory mug purchase. The hiking trails were off the table since recent rain had made the rocks slippery. Upon returning to the lodge, a brief rest preceded a late lunch/early dinner.
Day Three - 18 September - The Biltmore House
The third day brought reservations to tour the Biltmore House. Walking to the house, the iconic stairway at the end of the lawn came into view and left us awestruck. An obligatory selfie and more pictures of the house from the viewpoint were necessary.
Being early for the appointment meant time to explore the koi ponds at the side of the house between the lawn and the azalea gardens. Closer to the appointment time, it was back to the entrance for the house tour. Entering the house, the grandeur of what George Vanderbilt had built was instantly amazing. About an hour and twenty minutes went into touring the house, with ample time to take photos of each room.
After touring the house, the old Carriage House beckoned with its cafes, an ice cream shop, and gift shops. A milkshake for me, and a fourth cup of coffee for my friend. The usual overpriced items were on display, but a book about the Biltmore House and Gardens, along with yet another sticker and a refrigerator magnet, made it into my bag. After a brief break for our legs, it was on to the Azalea Gardens and Conservatory.
The Azalea Gardens were amazing and the Conservatory blew our minds away with all the plants and flowers inside. At the time we visited, they had a model train snaking its way through the conservatory, which was an experience in and of itself.
After the conservatory, it was back to the car for the winding five mile drive through the estate over to Antler Village. A small sandwich at the Kitchen Café inside the lobby of the Village hotel hit the spot. The Creamery afterward provided yet another ice cream. It was a nice stop before the five mile winding drive out of the estate.
Day Four - 19 September - The drive back home
After a lovely weekend in Asheville driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway and visiting the Biltmore House, the journey back to Nashville began. The route retraced Interstate 40 with a stop at the Tennessee Welcome Center after crossing from North Carolina into Tennessee. Next came the Crossville rest area before continuing on to Cookeville. A pit stop to refuel the car preceded the drive through wind and rain back to rainy Nashville. The rain on the way back instead of on the way there was a blessing. This marked the end of an unforgettable trip complete with a beautiful drive there and back.
Using points from my Capital One Venture card, I managed to offset some travel-related expenses, which significantly reduced the overall cost of the trip.