12-18-17  The Biltmore with Faith:

Since Faith was between jobs at the time, she was off today.  So I suggested she and I go to The Biltmore.  We have yearly passes and she hadn't seen the Christmas decorations, so we made it a date.
First, though, lunch!  We decided to eat in Asheville instead of The Biltmore this time.  Faith found an interesting looking micro brewery (Hillman Brewery), so we decided to give it a try.  It was a good decision.  We each had a taster tray.  My favs were the IPA and the ESB.

Faith's selection.

Cute little bar in an old garage building.

 The food was quite good, too. 

 We shared a pretzel brat and a couple falafels, plus we each had a kale salad.  It was very good!  My first falafel, too!  For some reason, I though it was a sandwich.  The kids informed me it's a chick pea based fried thing---two of my favorite things!

 Faith pointed out our classification---Ladies on the End.  We thought it was funny.

 Outside, there were the remnants of a snowman.  Last week (while we were still in Florida), as far South as Atlanta got quite a bit of snow! 

 And on to the Biltmore.

 It was a really pretty day today---even up in the 60s.

 Walking up to the entrance of the House.

 Love all the details in the facade.

 Heading in.

 Now we know where everyone from Dollywood went!  They were all here today!!!!  I thought with it being a Monday it wouldn't be so crowded---wrong!  There were even school groups plowing their way by us.

 but it was pretty seeing all the Christmas decorations again.  Angie and I had been here about a month ago.

 still LOVE this ceiling and crown molding!

 gorgoyle

 looking up from the grand stairwell.

 still some snow on the exterior

 one of the many bedrooms

 another guest bedroom

 Love the bassinet.

 LOVE this door!

 Crowds!!!!

 Love the poinsettia Christmas tree

 interesting table decor.

 wonder why they don't make ceilings like this anymore?!

 LOVE these painted beams, too!

 from the back patio

 into the library.

 the tapestry hallway.  This area was closed off when Angie and I were here. They were filming a Christmas commercial then.

 fancy fireplaces in the tapestry room

 cute nativity set.

gotta do the obligatory picture looking up the grand stairway!

 another stairway at the other side of the hosue.  Not as grand, but still pretty neat.

I hope FAith enjoyed the day as much as I did!