Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Biltmore House and Gardens
Day One - 16 September 2021 - The Drive
The trip started from Nashville early in the morning, taking Interstate 40 eastward to Asheville, North Carolina. Along the way, a break at my usual stopping place, the Caney Fork Rest Area, helped re-charge the batteries, loosen the legs, and lighten the load. Then it was on to Cookeville for lunch at a restaurant. After a satisfying meal, the road called again, with a stop in 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. On the way, a stop at the North Carolina Welcome Center offered another chance to stretch the 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 the journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway. At first, a wrong turn led away from the destination, but after realizing that Apple Maps was correct, it was time to turn around and head towards Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. During the drive, many overlooks called for stops to take photos of the breathtaking mountains and valleys below.
On the way to Mount Mitchell, the route 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 other pictures of the surrounding mountains and trees were a must. The clouds were rolling in and out, and I was lucky enough to experience them kissing the summit. After a while, it was time to head back down. The descent seemed much shorter than the climb up. Before leaving, a stop at the visitor center and gift shop resulted in an obligatory mug and sticker purchase. I even used the highest port-a-potty!
On the way back to Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a stop at the visitor center in Craggy Gardens led to another obligatory mug purchase. The hiking trails were skipped since it had rained recently, making the rocks slippery. Upon returning to the lodge, a brief rest preceded heading out for a late lunch/early dinner.
Day Three - 18 September - The Biltmore House
On the third day, reservations for a tour of the Biltmore House awaited. Walking to the house, the iconic stairway at the end of the lawn in front of the house was awe-inspiring. An obligatory selfie and more pictures of the house from the viewpoint were a must.
Since the appointment was still a ways off, exploring the koi ponds at the side of the house between the lawn and the azalea gardens filled the time. 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 were spent touring the house, with ample time to take photos of each room.
After touring the house, the old Carriage House beckoned, where some cafes, an ice cream shop, and gift shops awaited. A milkshake hit the spot. The gift shops sold the usual overpriced items, but I ended up buying a book about the Biltmore House and Gardens, along with yet another sticker and a refrigerator magnet. After a brief break for the legs, it was over to the Azalea Gardens and Conservatory.
The Azalea Gardens were amazing and the Conservatory was mind-blowing with all the plants and flowers inside. At the time of the visit, a model train was 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, where a small sandwich at the Kitchen Café located inside the lobby of the Village hotel hit the spot. A stop at the Creamery afterward meant yet another ice cream. It was a nice break before continuing on the five mile winding drive out of the estate.
Day Four - 19 September - The drive back home
After enjoying a lovely weekend in Asheville driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway and visiting the Biltmore House, it was time to head back to Nashville. The route retraced along 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 for a pit stop to refuel the car before driving through wind and rain back to rainy Nashville. I was grateful for the rain on the way back instead of on the way there. 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.