Autumnal Steps

This could have been one of the 'fall hazards' along the Glen Burney trail in Blowing Rock, North Carolina which was alluded to in yesterday's post.  There's nothing like hiking your way through Mother Nature's beauty!  We might have one more fall vacation post tomorrow...then back to Sarasota.  Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Autumnal Adventure

 

The fall color tour of North Carolina continues.  I thought this sign was rather apropo for this time of year.  I spotted it along the Glen Burney trail, a pleasant 2-mile hike in downtown Blowing Rock, which winds through the woods en route to a couple of waterfalls.  The leaves were gorgeous and I managed to safely escape any and all 'fall hazards'.  Happy Saturday!

Biltmore Estate

Welcome to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina!  Located on 8,000 square acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's considered the largest privately owned residence in the United States. I could list all the mind boggling statistics such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, game rooms, libraries, and of course, the 70,000 gallon swimming pool....but, let me just say...it's lavish and enormous!  When George Vanderbilt built this place in 1895, he put the 'conspicuous' in conspicuous consumption.  Biltmore has remained in the family all these years, although it opened to the public for tours during the Great Depression as an economic generator for the Asheville community.  Over the years, it has become a very successful tourism destination.  Believe it or not, the estate employees approximately 1,700 people.  Besides the mansion, there's a lot to explore on the grounds including a variety of stunning gardens.  You can learn more about the Biltmore Estate here.   Definitely a worthwhile visit!

Mother Nature's Show

The timing for my visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains last week was perfect. Although the leaves were just past peak, they still were gorgeous -- plus, I avoided a severe winter storm which arrived courtesy of Hurricane Sandy a few days after I left.  This shot was taken along the Blue Ridge Parkway just outside of Blowing Rock.  I love the lone red tree just off center to the right.  Mother Nature was putting on quite a show!