the gift of music

Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.
--Martin Luther (1483-1546) German theologian.

The photos of the flute player statue were taken a few years ago (at different times of the year) in the gardens outside of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

"Biltmore Blooms" is underway from March 19-May 26. Save $50 off an annual pass if you order during the month of March. Click here to find out what's blooming now.

Click here, to see my previous Biltmore photos and posts.

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

Completed in 2007, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is loaded with interactive features to bring the nearly 75 year history of the parkway to life. Step into the 70 seat theater to watch a 24 minute high definition movie which tells the story about the parkway. There is also a 22-foot-long interactive map of the entire 469 mile parkway with shows the sights and sounds parkway visitors can expect to find. The $9.8 million dollar facility itself is noteworthy in that it has a 10,000 square foot 'green roof' comprised of drought resistant plants. The building was constructed utilizing the latest in environmentally friendly and energy efficient technologies. Click here and here for more information. Admission is free and it's open year round 9 to 5 (closed only Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Call (828) 298-5330 for more information.

The BRP Visitor Center is conveniently located at Mile 384 outside of Asheville, NC -- about a mile south of the US Route 70 entrance to the parkway (click here for map of area). If you're heading out that way, here are some other Parkway attractions in the area to consider (makes for a nice afternoon trip!)...

Mile 384 Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Mile 382 Folk Art Center
Miles 364-67 Craggy Gardens
Mile 355 Mount Mitchell

Craggy Gardens

With its majestic views and beautiful rhododendrons and other wildflowers (not to mention its proximity to Asheville -- 24 miles), Craggy Gardens is one of the most popular destinations along our stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are three stops there to make...

Mile #364.1 - Craggy Pinnacle Trail. A short hike from the Craggy Dome Parking Area leads to a rocky terrace offering 360 degree views of beautiful mountain vistas. The 0.7 mile trail itself which leads to the overlook is impressive as well -- the trail winds its way through tunnels of rhododendron (right) and is lined with various wildflowers, interesting lichens, mosses, ferns and other vegetation. This is a must-see destination!

Mile #364.6 - Craggy Garden Visitor Center. Here you can take in the views, buy a gift for your favorite blogger or take the Craggy Garden's Trail to the Craggy Gardens to see the rhododendron and other wildflowers. There is a trail loop here, or you can continue on the trail to the picnic area.

Mile #367.5 - the entrance to the Craggy Garden's Picnic Area. Drive this short, winding spur for a short distance and you'll arrive at a popular picnic area -- Here you can take the Craggy Gardens Trail (which is actually a section of the Mountains to Sea Trail) through the woods to a heath bald and then on to the Visitor Center.

Click here for an excellent interactive map and for more information.

Note 1: When we arrived on Saturday (June 20th), the rhododendrons were just past their peak, although a few remained. For next year, I'm thinking a little earlier would be a good time to visit. But whatever the season, the Craggy Garden Pinnacle trail is definitely worthwhile.

Note 2: Because of repairs being made to the parkway, there is limited parking at both the Visitor's Center and the Craggy Pinnacle Parking Area.

be it ever so humble

I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.
--Maya Angelou (1928-2014) American Poet

With its 175,000 square feet and 250 rooms, the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC remains America's largest private home. Geeeesh. It's gargantuan. One hundred of my houses could fit inside! :)

Palatial Home

After six years of construction, the Biltmore House opened to family and friends on Christmas Eve 1895. At that time, George Vanderbilt was only 33 -- and single (he married in 1898). His "country retreat" contains 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, 3 kitchens, an indoor swimming pool and bowling alley -- all (originally) situated on a 125,000 acre parcel of land in Asheville, NC (today it's 8,000 acres). It's really an unbelievable place -- and something I definitely recommend visiting. Depending on when you go, the ticket price can be high, but you can easily spend an entire day touring the house, the gardens, the winery and the trails. An annual pass makes sense if you live in the area. There are often special offers online and ticket prices are always cheaper if ordered online in advance. Click here to visit their website.

About the photos...I always like the effect a wide angle lens has on architecture. It not only can squeeze more real estate into the frame, it also distorts the perspective in interesting ways -- making walls lean dramatically into the center -- and exaggerating the size of objects closest to the camera.

Garden Encounters

I think that if ever a mortal heard the voice of God it would be in a garden at the cool of the day.
--F. Frankfort Moore (1855-1931) British novelist

When most people think of the Biltmore Estate they think of the monumental (gargantuan) 250 room house. But the main reason to visit this time of year is to see the extensive gardens. This was the scene last Friday in the walled garden. You can the see that thousands of tulips are getting ready to put on their annual show. The Festival of Flowers runs from April 5th thru May 18th. Click here to see the current bloom report.

Wait in hope.

Today is Holy Saturday, the final day of Lent, on which the body of Jesus lay in a borrowed tomb. The Apostle's Creed says that He descended into hell. For the disciples, Holy Saturday was a day of deep mourning and tremendous uncertainty. In faith today we gather outside the tomb where Jesus' body lay to pray, to reflect and to wait in hope.

The photos are of the First Baptist Church in Asheville, NC. This is the most unique Baptist church I've ever seen -- and one of the most easily recognized places of worship in our region. Completed in 1927, this church is considered one of Asheville's greatest architectural treasures, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is actually the fifth house of worship for this congregation which was originally organized all the way back in 1829. Click the link above for directions and the worship schedule.

The Grove Park Inn

My first visit to the Grove Park Inn was with my parents twelve years ago -- we were tourists from Illinois lost in the hills surrounding Asheville, NC on a snowy day and came across this magnificent landmark. I have returned dozens of times in the years since. "Built for the ages" the resort opened in 1913 and has hosted eight US presidents and numerous dignitaries (I love looking at the photos that line the hallways of famous visitors over the past 94 years). I've never stayed there but I often take friends and family there after a day of touring Asheville to relax around its mammoth stone fireplaces or take in a sunset and the city views from its back porch (see yesterday's post). Click here and here for more history. Click here for directions.

Altitude affects attitude

 

Asheville, NC is such an odd city -- what I mean is that it's really an odd mix of things: It's Southern -- and yet it also seems Californian. It's earthy and rugged, and yet cosmopolitan and refined. It's a tourist town, but not overdone or gimmicky. It's an old town, but still very hip. You'll see a mix of people as you walk down the (patchoiuli-scented) sidewalks -- business people, street performers, tourists and college kids. Asheville is a great place to take visitors who love to shop and eat -- who love art galleries and antiques, brew pubs and live music, the Biltmore and the Blue Ridge. Here are my favorite places in Asheville (so far)...

1. Biltmore Estate (see Thursday's post)
2. Grove Park Inn (see tomorrow's post)
3. Salsa's (Mexican Caribbean restaurant downtown by the square). Honorable mentions...The Mellow Mushroom, Doc Chey's Noodle House, and the Barbecue Inn. It's really unfair to even begin to mention restaurants, there are dozens of great locally-owned establishments.
4. 16 Patton and the Blue Spiral (art galleries -- again there are many others)
5. Grove Arcade and Kress Emporium (Both housing many interesting shops)
6. St. Lawrence Basilica (beautiful Catholic Church with amazing architecture)
7. Mast General Store -- something for everyone.

If you've got a favorite place to visit in Asheville, post a comment and let us know! Here and here are the best guides to Asheville I've found.

Christmas at the Biltmore Estate

We had gorgeous weather yesterday for visiting to Asheville, NC, and taking in all the sights of this wonderful city. The 8,000 acre Biltmore Estate is absolutely amazing -- the real draw this time of year are the Christmas decorations in "America's largest privately-owned home." It seems that they decorated every square foot of this 175,000 square foot behemoth for the holidays. The Christmas celebration will continue through January 1st with more than 100 Christmas trees (including a 35 foot Fraser Fir in the Banquet Hall), thousands of wreaths and poinsettias and miles of garland. It's a tad pricey (buy your ticket beforehand online and save money), but you can literally spend all day at the estate (there are gardens, conservatory, winery, hiking, and more). If you're from the area, you might consider an annual pass which basically pays for itself if you plan a return visit. They don't allow photography inside the house, but I found plenty on the grounds to keep my busy.

Grove Arcade

Edwin Wiley Grove, the visionary who created the Grove Park Inn, also conceived a new retail establishment for Asheville, NC which he hoped would be "the most elegant building in America." The Grove Arcade is certainly a unique shopping destination with its marble floors, skylights, spiral staircases, arches, gargoyles, and Gothic ornamentation. It served as a retail outlet from its completion in 1929 until 1942 when the federal government took over to house government offices displaced by the war effort. It was not until 2002 that the Grove Arcade was returned to its former glory and intended purpose -- offering a most elegant setting for a wide variety of restaurants and shops. For more on the Arcade's history, click here and here.

Hours and Directions: The Grove Arcade is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. -6 p.m. and noon - 5 p.m. on Sundays. Restaurant hours may vary depending on the establishment. For directions, click here.

These Thousand Hills

These thousand hills roll ever on
In footprints of a Mighty God
They bring me to my knees in praise
Amazing love, amazing grace
--Third Day, "These Thousand Hills" from the album "Offerings" (2000)

A view from the Hominy Valley Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 404 (south of Asheville, NC). [click to enlarge]

Good Friday

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

The Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville is an architectural wonder. It is said that the dome is the largest freestanding elliptical dome in North America. It's located across from the Civic Center on Haywood Drive, a short walk from the popular Grove Arcade. I definitely encourage you to quietly slip inside during your next visit to Asheville. Click the link above and then select "A look inside" for a 360 degree tour of the church. Click here for more historic infomation about the church.

Festival of Flowers

The Biltmore Estate's Festival of Flowers begins this Saturday -- but you should try to get away early because of the threat of freezing temps this weekend. Last weekend one of the Biltmore gardeners suggested that they expect the tulip blooms to reach their peak on Wednesday or Thursday. The picture above is a view of the gardens from this past Saturday (just a few days too early!). The Festival of Flowers runs from April 7th through May 20th.

Biltmore Gardens

 
 No matter what time of year it is, there are always flowers blooming at the Biltmore Estate. In the Conservatory there you will find some of the most amazing plants and flowers you've ever seen. Even if you're not really into this sort of thing, I'd still recommend you peek in during your visit to the Biltmore Estate (see yesterday's post). I think you'll be surprised by the diversity and by the unreal beauty of the plants on display. The plants in the gardens outside the Conservatory are getting ready to put on quite a show this spring and summer. Over 50,000 tulips will bloom in April, followed by 1,000 azaleas and 2,300 roses in May. Click here for the "bloom schedule." While the 250 room Biltmore House is certainly spectacular, the gardens and the Conservatory cause a completely different sense of awe and wonder.

Biltmore Estate

Went to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC today. The Biltmore is an icon of Asheville and a huge tourist draw -- and rightfully so. It is gargantuan. Ticket prices are expensive but you can easily spend an entire day at Biltmore. There is much more to do than just tour the house. The least expensive time to go is January and February. If you live in the area and think you'll visit at least twice, then a season pass is the way to go. The house itself can take a couple hours to tour. I definately recommend renting the headphones which adds a great deal of interesting stories and detail to the tour. Intricate details are found everywhere both on the inside and the outside of the house.

Asheville Blues

It was snowy, gray and cold in northeast Tennessee all day today -- but over the mountains in Asheville it was a different world -- which, regardless of the weather, is usually the case! Asheville always feels like a different world. While it is a tourist mecca, Asheville retains its unique, eclectic character. I think most people only know Asheville for the Biltmore Estate, but it is also a terrific place to eat out, visit antique shops and art galleries, and enjoy the interesting architecture and people of Asheville. Above is a reflection of the historic Jackson Building.