I had initially traveled to Asheville, NC because I heard it was a burgeoning area for young adults, with a great scene for music and arts. I shortly found this to be true after my arrival. One of my favorite spots was a speakeasy/dive bar called the Double Crown. It featured wonderful live music and people from all walks of life enjoying libations and a makeshift dancefloor. Surprisingly contrast to this scene I love, I was told while in town I needed to check out the Biltmore mansion.
"You have your own McDonalds?"
I was apparently oblivious to this estate being located in the area, but when I saw the exterior, I knew I had seen this home before. It was famously used in the classic kids movie, 'Richie Rich'. Although the real home didn't feature it's own golden arches, it was quite a spectacle.
Ovewhelmed would be an understatement. Built in the 1890s, the Châteauesque-mansion was over 175,000 sq feet of luxurious furnishings, tapestries, and décor-mostly still in accordance to the era in which they were installed. A cornucopia of splendor awaits each corner you turn. (and there were LOTS of corners)
Each room was more-extravagant than the previous, almost as if the builders were set to outperform one another for an additional bonus. It wouldn't surprise me if that were the case, as this home cost $6 million to build, which by todays standard would equate to $1.6 billion.
At one point I made my way into the Library; a 2-floor monument of over 10,000 books hoisted by dark, rich wooden shelves. The colossal room for literature, was bigger than the house I grew up in.
The house featured it's own Bowling alley, indoor pool, and gym; all now relics, but still in pristine condition.
I think my favorite rooms though were the billiard hall which sat right next to the cigar room. A place for 'the guys' to wind down, talk shop, and enjoy the finest tobaccos.
While walking from room to room, floor after floor, the sensation of classic, high-society consumed you. I was waiting to walk into a filled ballroom like in 'The Shining'.
BONUS: The tickets to visit the estate also came with a complimentary wine tasting at the vineyard on the property. The wine is delicious and gives you time to mingle with other visitors, as you won't want to chat once inside the home. Supreme entertainment indeed, all the fun had to eventually conclude. Until next time...I'm comin' home, baby.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Never leave home without the proper music to accompany. -like pairing wine w/ dinner- The playlist below was built specifically for this itinerary.
Juke Box Baby - Perry Como
Old Music Master - Hoagy Carmichael
Say I Wanna Know - Nick Waterhouse
Hobo Ho - Charles Mingus
I Get A Kick Out Of You - Jamie Cullum
Night Fever - Bossanatics
Breezin' Along With The Breeze / Live Alone And Like It - Billy Stritch
Anything Goes - Tony Bennett Lady Gaga
When The Sun Goes Down - Frank Sinatra
Chances Are - Johnny Mathis
The Folks Who Live On The Hill - Mel Torme
Candy - Nat King Cole
I Only Have Eyes For You - The Flamingos
Mirrors - Freddie Hubbard
Midnight, The Stars And You - Ray Noble
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