Day 7 - Die of Passion
DATE: Tuesday March 1st
TIME: 11:42pm EST
LOCATION: ASHEVILLE NC
Today was our Asheville exploration day. We woke up around 9:30am and got going around 10. Our first stop was the outdoor store across the street. I got stocked up on things I would need for tomorrow, Bear mace, bug spray, emergency equipment, etc. I also got my bag packed to hike. Once we finished up there we stopped by the Underarmor in the outlet mall and I grabbed some base layers. Then, it was off to the Biltmore.
So a quick TL:DR on this place. One of the Vanderbilt sons built this huge mansion in North Carolina, rather than putting his share of wealth into New York City. The result was the Biltmore, an absolutely huge property. These days, the place it essentially a resort. Lots of activities, a very nice hotel, shopping and dining, etc. Its really an experience. Our first stop was the Van Gogh Live exhibit that was being shown this quarter
Van Gogh live was is an interactive art exhibit in a slightly similar vein to Artech from the Washington trip. You enter this huge room covered with projections and screens. Accompanied by music the screens show the life story of Van Gogh. It really was something, make sure to check out the gallery below and the video archive for that. We sat there for around 45 min watching it, very cool. As an aside, while we waited to get into the Van Gogh exhibit, we took a stroll and met some very nice horses. Also photographed below. My favorite quote that was shown in this exhibit is listed below
“I would rather die of passion than of bordem”
Once we finished up with Van Gohg Live, we headed over to the Biltmore house. We started in the parking lot and took a small walking path up to the top of a hill. This hill overlooked the front courtyard of the house. This place is MASSIVE. After walking around there for a while we made out way down the hill to the house, took some pictures which were photoshopped into the house (Poorly, but its funny to look at) then we took the tour of the home. This place is somehow even larger on the inside. They had everything. From an indoor pool, bowling ally, billiards room, multiple dining rooms, and anything in between. I got a pic of pretty much every room, but the tour itself was really interesting. If you are ever in the area, take the tour and check it out. Its worth it. My favorite room was the Billiards room I think. Seemed very cozy. We spent a solid hour and a half on the tour, and just barely had time to grab a bite from their cafe. I managed to find a ton of gifts for people here, all in all and excellent stop
We didnt really know where to go after the Biltmore, so we just drove for a bit. We heard of a local aquarium, but when we reached the address it was just some random residential neighborhood. So no fish for us. We drove back and ended up in Biltmore Plaza and checked out some of the stores there. I got some binoculars which Im pretty excited about, along side some amazing popcorn. A company called Poppy makes it locally here in Asheville. They also ship. Do with that information what you will.
We headed back to the hotel and chilled for a bit after that, then went to dinner at one of the places Frannie has recommended. Wicked Weed Brewery. That place had a lot of atmosphere. I tried bar cheese on a pretzel for the first time, along side a nice cranberry jam. Both were tasty. The same cant be said about the beer flight I tried. Which shouldn’t be surprising since I hate the taste of alcohol. But I gave it a shot and thats what counts. Was actually my first time going out drinking… if you can call 4 sips of beer drinking. I had a good time though. After a short dip in the pool we went back to the room and finished up Haunting of Hill House.
All in all, good day. We got a lot done. Tomorrow is our first national park, The Smokey Mountains. Not sure exactly what we will be doing, hiking, driving, etc. I guess Ill find out.
Thats all for now, stay safe
Signing off
-H
