Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Sweet Song of the South

The more I visit the south, the more I love it. I made the trek this year over the busiest weekend for travel and went to see my Lettie in Greensboro, NC. Aside from me being one of her early Christmas presents, I made the request that this time when I came that we go to the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. Nola (Lettie's mama) promptly got online, bought our tickets, and reserved our time for Friday - the day after Thanksgiving - for the 9:00 a.m. tour. I know what you're thinking - 9:00 a.m. - perfect time - not too early and not too late. Well - let me mention that there is a 2 1/2 hour drive tacked onto that which meant we were out the door and on the road by 5:30 a.m. Followed by a 6:30 a.m. breakfast stop at Bojangles, we were back on the road and to our destination in plenty of time. Although the morning hour was tough - kudos to Nola for booking us that early. We beat the crowds, took our time w/ the audio tour, and explored every nook of the Biltmore House open to the public.

For those who have not been to the Biltmore House - it should definately be on your top 100 of places to go and things to see in your lifetime. I was very impressed with the structure itself, let alone the grounds and even the history of the Vanderbilt family. Since we were there after the Thanksgiving holiday, the house is decorated in all of its Christmas charm. I love Christmas anyway and this home draped about with lavish Christmas trim only made it more spectacular.

Nola, Lettie, & Me at The Biltmore House


Just some of the amazing floral arrangements in the gardens





The architectural detail of the home is completely astounding

Lettie in front of The Biltmore House in the early morn


No - these are not dog turds - these are the amazing southern delicacy known as hush puppies. I get them every time I go to the south for a visit along with their barbecue.
This is Lettie demonstrating the best way to eat a hush puppie - with your mouth wide open