Zeta Bust

Rain and wind from what remained of Hurricane Zeta created a bit of a bust today. We decided to head south towards DuPont State Forest and turned around after driving almost an hour because the fall leaves were gone. Just blah! Then tried to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a drive but was closed. Lots of water... swollen creeks and rivers plus downed trees in the area.   And the temperature dropped like crazy! 

So we just drove back towards the Smokey Mountains. Not near as vibrant as yesterday but did find an area with a great vista. I took a couple of pictures of what color was left on our drive. 

On a bright note- lots of rain makes for mountain run off and really pretty waterfalls. I totally enjoy watching Mark doing what he loves doing the most on our trips. 

We hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain (the Way of St James) and why I started this travel blog. When we got back we talked about where to hike next and discussed taking on portion of the Appellation Trail.  However, after hiking 10 feet Kate pointed to the sign that no dogs are allowed and we decided it was way to muddy anyway! 

Off to Nashville tomorrow! It will be our second visit. We did all the first pass touristy things to see and do last year.  Any recommendations for hidden gems that we should check out???!

Smokey Mountain National Park & Gatlinburg, TN

It was a super rainy day but if there is a silver lining, the Smokey Mountains lived up to their name origin. The Cherokee Indians called the clouds and fog that settles around the hills and valleys “Blue Smoke”. 

We took the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Smokey Mountain National Park. Even with rain, the vibrant fall colors filled the drive from Cherokee to Gatlinburg. I can only imagine how beautiful the view is with sunshine hitting the leaves. Maybe on a return visit...

 We stopped to tour a turbine powered stone grist mill built in 1886 to make flour and cornmeal. It is still operational, today. A 73 year old volunteer played a harmonica and described the process to visitors. 

We planned a picnic in the park but we ended up eating in the truck before heading to Gatlinburg because this was our lunch view! 

 

Some snapshots of the Smokey Mountain NP

The park service has a sense of humor - in the bathrooms. 

Gatlinburg is a cute town that has only one purpose... tourism! Every nook and cranny was decorated for fall. . 


We enjoyed a moonshine tasting and had to leave with several bottles.  

Driving back to the campground -  the same return route - a state highway vehicle had the road blocked and we couldn’t go through. Mark asked why and was told that they expect downed trees from hurricane Zeta  over the next 48 hours!  We might be in for a rough ride tomorrow! The news stations are predicting 4 inches of rain and 30 to 40 mph winds. Kate is going be a hot mess! 

Stunningly Beautiful Biltmore!

The Biltmore has been on my personal bucket list for a long time and Mark was a good sport as I oohed and aahed at the grandeur and antiques. Still owned by the Vanderbilt family and this place is keeping them wealthy! Massive amounts of tourists pour in every minute and each person forks over the price of a single day Disney World ticket!  But I am still glad that we visited to view this opulent private home. And ... we got a bonus because it was decorated for Christmas! 

George Vanderbilt, an heir to the Vanderbilt railroad fortune, decided to build his dream home in the Blue Ridge mountains of Asheville, and his Biltmore Estate has everything you would expect from a Gilded Age mansion. It look 6 years to build and was officially finished on Christmas Eve 1895. It had electricity and indoor plumbing from day one and 250 rooms. It sits on 8,000 acres. 

George died at age 51 from appendicitis complications. His only child, Cornelia was 13. His wife Edith assumed the duties managing the estate. 

The house was built for entertaining - one of my favorite things to do. Ladies changed their clothes up to 7 times each day. One outfit for breakfast, one for lunch, one for a walk in the gardens, one for afternoon tea, dinner, horseback riding, etc. i wouldn’t have the energy for it! 

 

The winter garden welcomes visitors when they enter. 

Especially designed for men - a billiards room, smoking room and library. Every wall and ceiling is exquisite! 

Formal dining room- yes please! 
Breakfast room
Living and sitting areas

Bedrooms - the beds seemed tiny. 

Nursery 

This house predates radio or television- so fun was created at home with an indoor bowling ally, exercise room and swimming pool. 






Changing rooms for pool. I think there where 10 of them.

Kitchen, pantry, flower assembly room, laundry room and walk in refrigerator. 

The conservatory housed exotic flowers and was maintained at 99% humidity. 

Fall bloom in the garden, 


These are loofah gourds growing. 

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 The hunting fields.The Biltmore has a winery?  Yes please!

We breezed through the arts district, downtown area and had lunch at the white duck. A young bartender at a distillery we were visiting recommended it and she didn’t steer us wrong! It was super yummy and a bit funky! 




Bucket item complete - check!