In No Particular Order - Asheville North Carolina at Christmas

For my birthday during the holidays, Ken and I snuck away for a few days to Asheville, North Carolina.  Asheville is a funky artsy foodie town that we love to visit. 

One of our intentions during this trip was to pay our first visits to The Biltmore House and The Grove Park Inn, as somehow these destinations have managed to elude us in the past.  We accomplished both in high style, and we discovered a few unexpected surprises along the way too.

The photos will take it from here...



The Flat Iron Sculpture on Wall Street,
and near Early Girl Eatery. and
other downtown attractions.

 

This drive-by photo couldn't possibly capture
Christopher Mello's enchanting garden in West Asheville.



The Spa at The Grove Park Inn
is definitely on my radar for a future visit.

Photos don't capture the sheer majesty of the twin stone
fireplaces in the lobby of the Grove Park Inn.
(The nappers in the rockers tickled me too!)
We enjoyed a delicious brunch with a top notch view here.



The Grove Park Inn is known internationally
for its holiday gingerbread contest and exhibit.
This one wasn't even among the official winners!
Christmas Keepsake, Dare Johnson, Suffolk, VA

 

A close up of a piece created by
The Irish Team, Winston Salem, NC



Keeping a watchful eye over the entrance to
The Biltmore House.

We tend to be in the moment, and
except for a few selfies, we forget
to take pictures together when traveling. 
This one's a keeper. 



Mayfel's Restaurant warmed this vegetarian's heart with
a homemade Sloppy Jane with sweet potato fries.
(Diverse vegetarian options at home are few and far between.)
Ken continued his love affair with Gumbo,
and the beignets made a perfect ending
to the meal and trip for both of us. :-)