Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Biltmore Estates - A Feast for the Eyes


This is for "Watery Wednesday #172"  If you have a moment, click over as there are sights to marvel at and enjoy from all around the world.  This charming slice of the world I feature is Biltmore Estates nestled in the mountains of Asheville, NC.  These photos are from late May, 2011.  It is exciting to think this weather is just around the corner...


The time of day is KEY in capturing the reflection of the Biltmore Mansion,  and that key time is late afternoon.  This is late morning and I was taking a bike ride from the Biltmore Inn to the Mansion to explore the flower gardens and walking paths.  The photo below is not crisp, it is a bit blurry, but it does portray the serenity that is abundant here.  There are many grassy spots around this lake (watch out for goose poop!) and people set up chairs and picnic along its edge.


and of course, I went back in the late afternoon (see below).  The water had a lot of movement, so I was unable to get a smooth mirror image, but I guess that means I have to go back someday and try again:


The bikes one is able to rent to ride the numerous trails are very comfortable.  My girls took the more strenuous trails and I opted for the scenic route.  The river you see below is the French Broad River and  the next morning we rented kayaks and paddled our way along this shallow river.  Please come back next week as I plan to continue sharing this leisurely day spent with my camera.


16 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

i have seen this estate featured by another blogger. really is gorgeous.

Kerry O'Connor said...

Just stopped in to admire the view. I love your banner, and the Real Toads link is great! Such an original idea.

Nancy said...

Margaret, this blog is another jewel....Since I live in the piedmont region of North Carolina, I am very familiar with Asheville and the Biltmore Estates and you are right that this is such a place of beauty and grace..

Unknown said...

I've seen this home on a documentary. I'd love to visit it one day!

les peintures de Viviane said...

Beautiful photos Margaret ! Beautiful reflections that I love and that would make beautiful subjects for paintings! bravo !

2sweetnsaxy said...

Great shots! The reflection of th mansion in the water is beautiful. My camera and I would love to visit here.

Fireblossom said...

I love biking. I would have been like you, choosing the scenic, not the strenuous, though!

geetlee said...

Wow, the mansion looks splendid, i love the shot with the beautiful light falling on it and the clear reflection in the water.

Tammy said...

Beautiful...The reflection was worth going back for.

Laurie Kolp said...

Ahh- I LOVE cardinals, Margaret... this one is beautiful. You are such an inspiration.

Faye said...

First, I really admire your February header--the cardinal is KY's state bird. And the Biltmore is a southern treasure. Have visited but never saw it from the water. Thanks for making the effort to show us how the estate looks at different times of the day--great reflections.

Susie Clevenger said...

Beautiful shots..I would love to see Biltmore Estates...I really need to get my camera out and take more pictures..I have just been snapping shots with my phone.

carol l mckenna said...

Awesome photography ~ Great job! ~ thanks for coming by my blog ~ namaste, carol (A Creative Harbor)

mary said...

beautiful shots, love the duckling, thanks for sharing...

Dom said...

The endurance ride at Biltmore is on my bucket list.

Ginnie Hart said...

I love that place. You're making me want to show it to Astrid one day. Hmmm. It's not that far away from Atlanta!