"The mountains are calling and I must go" - John Muir
Day 4 ~ (Continued)
Chimney Rock State Park
We went to Chimney rock based on a relative's suggestion, so we really didn't know a lot about it going in. Once we heard that this is one of the locations where they had filmed 'The Last of the Mohincans' we just knew that we had to see it as the movie is big on gorgeous scenery!
Our first view of Chimney! Little did we know what we were in for....
Climbing lots and lots of stairs
Our view looking up at Chimney climbing up the many stairs.....
Breathtaking!
What a view!
Devil's Head...It's a fitting name, it was kind of creepy!
Beautiful paths to walk along
After enjoying the views we had a lot more walking ahead of us back down to Hickory Nut Falls, which was our very favorite!
Now the final trek down the mountain to the Four Seasons Trail. The whole day we had been surrounded by people but on the way down the mountain we never saw anyone.
Lots of steep down hill trails...
It was the hardest trail but its said to be the prettiest. I guess climbing a mountain before my thirtieth birthday is something to be able to claim, right?!
Chimney Rock village was a very quaint town! Lots of little gift shops and restaurants
~*~
Day 5 ~
The Biltmore House and Gardens
We got up pretty early in order to be there as soon as they opened their doors!
The windows along the great stairwell.
You aren't allowed to take pictures inside of the Biltmore. I'm not sure why but I'll just tell you a little about it. The house was modeled after a 16th Century French Chateau by architect Richard Morris and the grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who was famous for desiging New York's Central Park. The grounds and gardens are the size of seven Central Parks.
The house has 250 rooms with 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 firelaces. The basement even had a swimming pool, oh and there was a bowling alley inside! We paid a little extra for the audio tour which explained the history and importance in each of the rooms. It was well worth the extra few dollars!
The grounds were just beautiful! We toured the Woodland Trails, Spring Garden, Azalea Garden, The Boat House and the Bass Pond, which were all lovely.
A very quiet and relaxing spot near the waterfall.
The Walled Garden and the Rose Garden were like nothing I had ever seen before.
The Conservatory
So many gorgeous flowers. These were probably my favorite!
A lovely view of the house from the gardens. It looks like the castle out of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' ~ Just magical!
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The Farm at Antler Hill Village -
This is just one side of the massive barn. There was a movie being played in one part of the barn and all kinds of old-timey toys and games were set up all around for young children to play with. There was a lot for families to do with a blacksmith and a woodworking shop, and craft demonstrations.
A look inside the stables
Last but not least the petting zoo with the cutest goats and sheep that I have ever seen!
He was the the trouble maker!
Bert was pretty shy but he warmed up to me after awhile!