Did I tell you about the time that I went to Biltmore in late summer

If you've never been to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, you need to go. I've been 4 or 5 times now and I see or do something different every time. My most recent trip was with my college roommate, Marlee. We had been once in the past when we were in college and we went for Christmas.

That's me on the right and Marlee kneeling in front of me in December 2005.

This trip was the first opportuity I have had to go to Biltmore while it is still in bloom. Most people who are there for the first time go to visit the house first and foremost. 

While love the house, after a few trips I don't feel like it has to be the most important part of the trip. This time I got to enjoy the gardens.

See the dragonfly?

The science nerd in me loved the fact that we were there for the height of the koi pond season.

Among the fish were bullfrog tadpoles the size of golf balls.

We also explored the greenhouse.

We went to the farm, Antler Hill Village, and to the winery as well.

And we watched an awesome demonstration of metalworking by Biltmore's blacksmith.

The last exciting thing we got to do while at Biltmore was visit my sister while at work. She works at the Inn on Biltmore Estate and as no one can get there without a ticket, I am the first person to see her at work.

Doesn't she look all important?

Thanks for coming along on my trip. I hope you enjoyed!