Asheville, NC

Greetings from Asheville, North Carolina!

We spent six days in this lovely area. The day after we arrived we took a long drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some beautiful views.

and small tunnels.

Another day we visited Carl Sandburg's house, where he spent the last years of his life, now a national historic site. 

His wife used to raise goats and there is still a  goat farm with descendants of the Sandburg family goats. I don't think I had ever seen a goat before.

Wish I could have gotten closer to see these babies.

Mom and dad spent time in Asheville (known as Beer City USA). Dad was interested in visiting as many breweries as he could. Mom tried to make him pedal for his beer

but he didn't go for that idea.

They left me at home while they spent the day at Biltmore, America's largest home, built in 1895 as a retreat for George Vanderbilt and his family.

It was opened to the public for tours during the Depression to bring money in to preserve the estate . Today, Biltmore remains a family business run by his grandson and great grandchildren. It was truly a spectacular home. Each room was beautifully furnished and so grand it was hard to believe.

The gardens were equally as grand.

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The azaleas were in full bloom.

Next stop, Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Adios,
Yuki