We had a fun and festive Thursday in spite of the gray skies and drizzle. Friends had some complimentary tickets to Biltmore House and invited us to use them.
They actually had four complimentary tickets so another couple of friends came too, and since their car held us all we didn't even have to drive.
Did I spend an entire day out of the house doing something fun with family coming to town tomorrow and just a week to go before Christmas?
Yes I did. Carpe diem!
Also day date episode eleven if you're keeping count.
I've been to Biltmore a number of times, but not since 2019 and never at Christmas. Biltmore is known as America's largest home, and was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800's. I've always heard it's extra beautiful this time of year and it's true. Wow.
Every room has a beautifully decorated tree-
Most light fixtures are adorned with some sort of gorgeous ribbon or embellishment-
Bannisters are wrapped-
And fireplace mantels are draped in garland-
I cannot imagine the amount of work that goes into getting the house ready for Christmas.
It takes me weeks to get my own tree up and finished, and Biltmore is over the top in terms of decoration. This Noah's Ark tree was adorable-
Animals hanging two by two...
The trees fit the rooms they're in and the decor is appropriate for the period furnishings.
Christmas dinner anyone?
You need to reserve tickets this time of year and entry is timed. We went into the house at noon and spent almost two hours walking through.
After we'd seen all there was to see (or all that's open to the public anyway...apparently the house has 250 rooms so we didn't come close to seeing it all) we drove about thirty minutes up the road to Sierra Nevada for a late lunch. Hubs and I shared a burger and their famous duck fat fries which were yummy.
We got lucky with traffic and in spite of the dark, rainy, fog made it home about 6:30. It was a fun, full day and while I could have been at home ticking off those last to-dos, celebrating the season with friends is always on my list too.
Check.
How fun to get free tickets (isn´t visiting it pretty pricey- maybe I´m confusing it with another place?) and a ride with friends. WOW!! Talk about maximalist- I love it. All those huge trees beautifully trimmed- amazing! I do wonder how early they start and do they continue to have tours when they are in the midst of decorating? It must take weeks. Very impressive! I know there´s a lot to do this time of year but taking a break to do something fun (and festive) is always a good idea. Thanks for sharing these photos. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful and another day date in the books! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you did just what you should have done! I have been to Biltmore once but now I have a new goal to go at Christmas! Wow!
ReplyDeleteI love that you did this and said yes to such a fun treat! I went to the Biltmore at Christmas back in 2003, so it has been a while. The place is huge and I think it would be hard to see it all.
ReplyDeleteOh so beautiful! It reminds me of going to see the Newport Mansions decorated for Christmas but on a much, much larger scale.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just have to say yes! What a beautiful house but must have taken an army of staff to get all those trees and decorations in place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun thing to do! Loved all the pictures! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! What a special date day with friends. It really is lovely all decorated for Christmas. I just found out this is on my oldest sisters bucket list. I'm sure you are all wrapped up in early Christmas happenings today, enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteThe Biltmore is definitely amazing at any time of year. I would love to go at Christmastime to see it all decked out. Wow! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to the Biltmore so I really appreciate the tour!!!
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