Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. ~Stanley Horowitz

On a morning hike, I found this little spot with some beautiful outdoor furniture. 

The beautiful Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC is a massive edifice built in 1913 by just 400 men.  It was completed in just one year. 

Some little pumpkins with tape faces greeted me on this morning adventure...clever.

This little structure sits at the entrance and shows the intricate stone detail, as well as, the clay shingles. 

These lovely windows are often open to let in the wonderful mountain fresh air.  I can barely process the stacking of these stones to build the Inn.  The stones are so massive.

These fern fronds caught my eye.  Aren't they odd, but lovely?

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After a little hike, we spent the rest of the afternoon at the spa.  We tried to soak in every minute of this special treat! 

A large cart sits at the front entrance waiting to provide fire wood to the massive fireplace.

These lonely rockers will be full as the sun sets and folks gather around the fireplace for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

A beautiful view of the mountains and of Asheville can be seen from the veranda.

The hotel is wonderfully built and furnished in the American Arts and Crafts style.  This book shelf is a fine example.

I came across this little cottage in the woods.  Doesn't it look like 'Hansel and Gretel' will walk out any minute?

I found this trail and followed it...the thought crossed my mind to leave a trail of crackers!

I came upon some meandering creeks...

...and some turkeys!  It was a good thing they knew that I was shootin' with a camera!  They weren't afraid at all; hungry, I guess.  I think they wish that I had left a trail of crackers!

Another path brought me...

...to this spot with some incredible outdoor art.  This dahlia had a price tag of $25,000.  WOW.  You can see how imposing it is compared to the house in the background.

The grounds of the Biltmore House are magnificent.  This is a lovely rural pasture.  We didn't allow for enough time to play in this 8,000 acre backyard!  We were late for dinner.

Out of the rural pastures and rolling hills appears the grand Inn at Biltmore Estate.  As impressive as it is, it is nothing compared to its neighbor, the Biltmore House.  The Biltmore Estate, completed in 1895 is the largest privately owned residence in the United States.  The home, the grounds and the lovely gardens are something to marvel!

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The Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt's vacation home was modeled after three chateaux built in 16th-century France.  His grandchildren still live in the area. 

The next day, I put on my hiking shoes again, but this time to scour the antique malls!  The Tobacco Barn is one of my favorites!  From talking to the locals, I found other great flea markets and even a few great yard sales!

I took a break and sat outside at Chelsea's Tea House.  This is my favorite little place in the world...well, one of them!  I ate here both days and had the same meal...tarragon chicken salad, dill pasta salad, fruit salad and butternut squash quiche.  It is another 'must see' if you visit Asheville and you love tea!  I purchased their apricot tea leaves to bring home (I don't drink coffee!)

 My husband, Rob has a meeting in Asheville once a year. What a timely escape!  We took the children to their grandparents and slipped away for a moutain retreat.  Poor Rob had to sit in meetings most of the trip, so I enjoyed the quiet walks and strolls through town all by myself!  These moments are far and few between, so I relished every minute! 

Note:  All photos are mine, except for the two marked with 'source.'  I wasn't allowed to take the camera into the spa and it started to rain when we toured the Biltmore Estate! 

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