Trip North - Asheville- Biltmore Gardens

We finish the indoor tour and exit to find blue sky and sunshine just in time to do the Gardens

 The original acreage of Biltmore Estate was approximately 125,000 acres and included property later sold to the federal government to create Pisgah National Forest, one of the first national forests east of the Mississippi.  He owned all the land to the other side of the distant mountains.  He must have taken to heart the adage - "Don't by the house for the view unless you can buy the view too!"

The walled garden

 I love that they just didn't plant a tulip garden and hyacinth garden - they planted little bouquets!

 Unfortunately the roses weren't blooming

 The Conservatory

It even has a small train

The Azalea Garden was just getting started.  It will be peak in a week.

 Made it back to the top and I walked to the far end and up the stairs - awkward because they are made for horses.

and the View!

 A view of the Italian Gardens - they were working on the water gardens

 All good things must come to an end

  - we have just enough time to check out the Antler Hill Winery before leaving.  We will come back and next time will spend 2 days.  You can get a 2nd day for $25 or, if you purchase a behind the scenes tour for the next day - which is about the same price - entry is free.   I want to ride a bike around the property too!