The Grove Park Inn was built by Edwin Wiley Grove, owner of a pharmaceutical company manufacturing Bromo-Quinine. He arrived in Asheville in 1900 and wanted to erect a magnificent lodge of classic construction on the large tract of land he had bought on Sunset Mountain. His concept called for a building with the natural rough stone of the mountains surrounding the lodge. Since no local architect could grasp his concept, Grove entrusted his son-in-law, Fred L. Seely, who had no formal architecture training to design the building. The Inn opened on July 1, 1913 and is as beautiful today as it was then.

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We not only went to see the Inn but also to view the gingerbread houses from the 24th annual Gingerbread House Competition. It was amazing to see the caliber, quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise that went into these creations.

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There were four categories for judging "child, youth, teen and adult" with the top three from each category winning a cash prize. Those winners were then judged for the grand prize. The winner was called Dream House, a magical and gravity-defying gingerbread castle that towered over its platform and featured Gothic spires and arches.

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George Vanderbilt officially opened the Biltmore House in 1898 after six-years of construction. He built this magnificent estate on 8000-acres as an escape from everyday life. The home, which has always been home to the Vanderbilts and Cecils (George's daughters married name), is today still operated as a family business by fourth and fifth generations. Along with more thean 2,000 employees, they continue to preserve this national treasure.

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The entrance hall welcomes guests into the house and leads them to the first view of the winter garden, a glass roofed area. As it was almost Christmas, the center fountain with the Karl Bitter sculpture Boy Stealing Geese was abloom with poinsettias.

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This magnificent room has a seven-story high ceiling, Flemish tapestries from the mid-1500's on the walls, a 1916 Skinner pipe organ and was the setting for many Vanderbilt dinner parties. As you can see, the room is adorned with beautiful Christmas trees to mark the season.

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The library, which houses some 10,000 books (half of George's collection), reflects his passion for books. The chess set and games table were once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte.

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There were 3-4 different kitchens, but it was here in the main kitchen that the majority of the prep work and cooking occurred under direction of the Biltmore's chef who held one of the most important staff positions in the house. They had their own gingerbread house on display here, I wonder if it would have won a prize in the competition?

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After we had our fill of the Biltmore and the grounds, we took a drive around a part of the estate. This view of the back of the house made me say STOP as it was too pretty a photo to pass up. I'm so lucky that Larry is willing to help me get the shots I want.

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