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My Dad was back in Asheville this past week and we explored the Biltmore Estate Gardens.
Biltmore Estate Gardens
I’ve lived in Asheville 11 years now and have only seen the Biltmore House once. I think my Dad (who lives in Orlando) has been more times than I have! I’ve run through the property three times for the Biltmore 5K/15K races, but I still consider the estate uncharted territory.
My Dad knew how I wanted to spend more time exploring so he bought me an annual pass on his visit so I could see the estate in all four seasons. Can you believe I’ve never seen the huge Christmas trees? Never mind I’m allergic to Christmas trees, but I still want to see it.
On this trip we only had a few hours after work, so we decided to skip the house and explore the gardens.
I was super curious about what plants would be blooming in July. Their big flower show is in early spring with tulips, but these roses are spectacular. I took some notes on how they were pruned to apply to my own rose plants.
There were all sorts of little critters flying around enjoying the beautiful buds.
In the back of the gardens they had some amazing summer blooms with an almost tropical feel.
These flowers were as big as my head! I love them and must add them to my yard somewhere.
There was an enchanting shaded arbor with grapes hanging down, providing shade. Most likely a nod to the vineyards on the estate.
It could not have been a more stunning July afternoon to explore.
Antler Hill Village
After wandering the gardens we drove to Antler Hill Village in search of the famous Biltmore sunflower fields.
For some reason, even though sunflowers are one of my favorites, I can’t grow a single one myself. I have a green thumb, but each time I plant a little sunflower seed they never make it to the full-grown, sunny plant.
Unfortunately, I think the deluge of rain we had over a solid week took their toll on these sunflowers too. I’m hoping they make a turn around. It looks like there might have been more planted in the next field.
Even with the elusive sunflower we enjoyed about thirty minutes in the shade watching live music in Antler Hill Village.
Farm Burger &
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
My Dad and I lost track of time and before no time we had to leave to meet the hubs downtown for dinner.
Downtown Asheville was buzzing! I am amazed at how busy and popular this small city has become. I’ve always known this a cool place, and it is nice that the rest of the world is catching on to what we already knew.
The three of us stopped for dinner at Farm Burger where the boys had a burger and I had a veggie burger. They make a pretty tasty Tempeh version of their popular sandwich.
After dinner we went to the pinnacle of all dessert places…. The French Broad Chocolate Lounge.
It’s as divine as it sounds, my friends.
We ordered a collection of treats to enjoy and they tasted just as good as they looked.
Such a great day with my Dad and I’m so glad he was back to Asheville to visit. I’m a lucky girl that he likes to travel so much and loves to these beautiful mountains.
Your turn?
Have you ever been to the Biltmore Estate?
What is your favorite chocolate treat?
My all time favorite is the Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory…. BE-still my chocolate lovin’ heart!!
KAREN PAPPAS says
We have been lucky to visit Asheville, NC and the beautiful Biltmore Estate a few times !!! Love it every time! The Christmas season is phenomenal! Not to be missed! The hotel on the estate is special also! Loved the pianist and other music offered! Can't wait for another visit! Spring would be super special!
Wayne Bailey says
come join our Meetup group. We are exploring the house and the gardens all the time with other like minded people.feel free to bring your dad too...
Lutrelle O'Cain says
Julie - The Biltmore House is one of my favorite places. Can't believe you had only been there once in 11 years. Hopefully now you will have the time to enjoy it. We visit it year round. Great food, wine, concerts and scenery. Our dogs love to visit as well. It's a great place to walk with them but hold on to their leash tight because you will run into a deer or some other wildlife at some point on the walk! Take Care!
Ellen says
Julie, I been to the Biltmore House Twice. The Hubby and I have tickets to visit again. We are planning on going the middle of August. So Glad that your dad got to visit. will miss seeing you on the news in the morning. You, Jay, and Holly made such a great team. I always got a good morning laugh. Good luck on your new adventures. Looking forward to reading your blog.
JulieWunder says
Thank you Ellen and thank you for reading my blog. I hope you get to go again soon.
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
I'm going to the Biltmore for my first time ever at the end of August! I'm so excited. I've heard (and seen pictures) of how beautiful everything is.
Where are your sunglasses from? I love them!
JulieWunder says
Steve Madden from Marshall's
Yay! You're coming to Asheville! Let me know if you want to try to get a coffee or lunch while you are here!
JulieWunder says
Or just need travel tips 🙂
janice squire says
Hi Julie, My husband and I are BIG fans of yours and we are sooo going to miss you on the morning news!!! We watch everyday! boohoo!!! Julie, we wish you the BEST in your upcoming endeavors. You are brave and smart to realize you were ready for a change. We love you and look forward to staying in touch. janice and tim
JulieWunder says
Thank you Janice and Tim! Your support means the world to me! Thanks for following my blog.
Danielle says
I'm a little behind on my emails. So funny reading this blog about the Biltmore House. I was there yesterday! I took over 300 pictures. I hadn't been in years. I have a friend coming in from CA in October to see the leaves and visit. He hasn't been here. I am already planning our days. Waterfalls for sure. Then I thought what a lovely surprise it would be to take him to the Biltmore House. I thought, gosh I need to go and learn it before I take him. I have a sweet friend that helped me out of tickets. (His is taken care of in Oct. already.) I have another sweet friend that has a pass. She met me and showed me all around. We did not do the house since I was used to seeing that in the past. So we walked the grounds, garden and beautiful pond. Wow, those water lilies. I love them! I got some amazing shots. I was so thrilled I upgraded to a season pass for just $49 (plus tax) extra. I am glad you went. I am so happy your daddy went also. I was a daddy's girl big time. He was in my thoughts all day yesterday as I walked along the beautiful estate. 😀
JulieWunder says
Hi Danielle, I'm so glad you got to go too! I could take a million pictures there.... I think I took 100 in a couple hours.
I think I love the gardens even more than the house as well! Hope your friends visit goes well.
Jan Jenkins says
Love your post today. I love Biltmore House and have been there a few times but want to go at Christmas. I also want to go to that chocolate lounge. It looks AMAZING!!!! I love anything chocolate. I will miss you on the news but so glad we can keep up with you on here. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks for the comment Jan! It's bittersweet to leave the news, but I am excited about the new opportunities working for myself will bring! Thank you so much for the support and reading my blog.
Ted says
Julie,was stunned today when I woke up late and seen that you are leaving news 13,What are your plans now?I seen in above post you will be working for yourself,What will you be doing?are u still going to be in the area?Best of luck in your future plans Julie sorry to see you go ,will miss that smile every morning.Good luck to you and your family.
JulieWunder says
Hi Ted! I am going to be doing freelance projects and turning this blog into a job. I will be staying in Asheville and I hope you will continue to follow Running in a Skirt,
Jaime says
We've had annual passes to Biltmore for the past several years (three or four years, I think.) I love visiting in the fall and in the spring!
JulieWunder says
We should meet to run there sometime!
Megan says
You're dress looks adorable!! Where is that from? The pictures are awakme from the weekend. Glad your dad got to visit 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thank you! I actually have a planned fashion post on that dress coming up. 🙂 It's from Macy's