Saturday, May 31, 2014

Tulip Time at the Biltmore Estate

Regardless of how many times we visit the Biltmore Estate, 
               there is always something new to see,
                              something new in bloom~~


In all the visits that we have made to the Biltmore -
(and we've been there a lot!)--
 this was our first opportunity
to see the tulips at their peak 
of full bloom. 
~~
follow me through this gate
into the beautiful
walled garden~

such a beautiful
mix and mingle of colors

 stunning pink blooms
in front of the grape arbor

standing inside the grape arbor --
looking out at the gardens~




(I wish I had worn shorts that day~
the morning was cool -- 
and then it got hot-
quick!)


looking down towards the
conservatory~








lost in her own world-
a perfect spot for
sketching















You can actually drive all around the perimeter
of the walled garden-
but the best way to truly appreciate
 the beauty,
is to walk the paths that meander 
through the beautiful
blooms~



These next few photos were taken in the late evening
at Antler Village,
the newest addition to the
Biltmore Estate~


The Inn at Biltmore
sits on top of the hill,
the view from up there is truly amazing~





A few photos from one of my favorite places on the estate~

 the Reflecting Pond

evening shadows~

(he didn't mind that I took his picture)

sometimes~
when the water is perfectly calm,
you can see beautiful reflections of
the house
~
(the water had a few too many ripples 
this evening~)

 a better reflection~
(when the wind died down)
~~

I'll be back in a few days with the second part of this post -- 
some beautiful photos of the Conservatory and more pictures taken around the estate~




Just keepin' it real~
I'm listening ~ to a great audio book-- Princess Elizabeth's Spy -- a delightful series. This is the second in the series that I have enjoyed.  Just perfect for when I'm sitting by the pool--(and knitting!)

I'm eating~ trying to take advantage of the fresh veggies that are just starting to become available. Summer is the easiest time for me when it comes to watching my weight -- I could live on fresh fruit and vegetables. My post on my own weight struggles to maintain my weight loss is coming up soon! Like in the next few weeks~

I'm doing~ working on some beautiful new designs for my ETSY shop this fall. Playing with colorful beads and some stunning embellishments~

I'm needing~ to feel some Caribbean breezes.  Sigh~

I'm watching~ have just finished the entire series of Upstairs, Downstairs -- the old version and the new.  Loved them both. Have also just finished watching Top of the Lake (a little odd, but I loved it!) Hubby and I are totally caught up on Scandal now (OMgosh!!) And --I have just finished watching the cutest 7 part series on Netflix - Last Tango in Halifax.  Loved it!  

I'm reading~ Just finished the Orphan Train --(I totally loved it.)
Now I'm reading All the Light We Can Not See -- I think this may be one of the best books I've read in a while~ 

I'm loving~ the warm beautiful days. I play in my flowers every morning, love mowing the grass (yes, I really do!), and am enjoying just being outside every chance I get.  Finally -- I feel that summer is here! I'm sorry that I've been gone from my blog for a bit -- but there has just been SO much to do around the house now that the weather is nice. I have SO much more energy in the sunshine!

~~
Thank you so much to each of you who visited my blog and left beautiful comments to enter my Spring Giveaway -- your words have truly touched my heart. I would give anything if I could return every comment --- telling you each how very much I appreciate your visits and support.

If you have somehow missed my Spring giveaway -- you can find it here    (You have until June 21 to enter.)

Sending much love and gratitude to you all~
xoxo,
Vicki  






31 comments:

Monica said...

Simply gorgeous. Its on my list of places to go.

Suzan said...

Love, Love, Love the Biltmore!! WE were there the first week of this past Dec. The candle light tour is lovely - just too many people. I got into the gargoyles. They seemed to get more grotesque the higher up you get! No flowers!!! Now I see when we need to go next!! JUST LOVELY!!

Tisha Dolton said...

I've always wanted to visit there. Lovely tulips. Maybe someday.

marda said...

Your pictures are just beautiful.. what a sight it must be in person.
I also have finished watching the first Upstairs/Downstairs and totally enjoyed it. I had already watched the "new" version on PBS and saddened that there was not going to more of the series. I LOVED "Last Tango in Halifax" and if you don't already know.. there is Series 2 coming to PBS in June.
Haven't read either of the two books you mention, but have them on a wish list.
Love all those new fresh veggies coming to us soon!!! We'll be a little bit later than you for local produce.

Jenny said...

Vicki, The estate is so beautiful. Were the Biltmores Dutch? I feel I'm in Holland and Europe looking at all the gardens. I enjoyed reading your post, busy lady.You are blessed! xo Jenny

Una said...

What a fantastic display of tulips. We always had these when I was growing up. Since then I have tried to grow my own. I am very successful with daffodils, but less successful with tulips.

Shirlee Fassell said...

Gorgeous!! So often you tour these magnificent homes and miss the peak of the gardens.
P.S. If you haven't already watched it I think "Call the Midwife" is on Netflixs. Its wonderful!!

Charlotte said...

I live only four hours away but have never visited the Biltmore estate! I have asked my hubby to go with me but he is not interested! Maybe I can get my sister to go with me. Beautiful photos.

Dorthe said...

This must be a huge place Vicki, a huge and very beautiful area, both the gardens, and the castle or estate! so lovely tulips all over.
I also loved watching the : Upstairs/Downstairs ,Vicki, a wonderful serie!
Hope all is well, in your end of the univerce dear ?
Hugs from Dorthe

Karen Valentine said...

Oh my goodness Vicki, I cannot think of a nicer way to spend the day!! What a beautiful place!! Your photos were fabulous too. :) Loved it all!!!
xo,
Karen

liniecat said...

You can almost understand how the Dutch way back in history went doolally over tulips, to the point of using the bulbs as and instead of, money!
It looks a wonderful place to visit, and a feast of colour!

Mosaic Magpie said...

The tulips are beautiful, it is a shame they don't last longer. One of my favorite places to visit as well and I always enjoy visiting their garden shop to bring home a few treasures. Reading the Orphan Train and enjoying it as well.
xo,
Deb

Karen H said...

Thank you so much for the tour of the Biltmore Estate. What a treat for the eyes it is!

lynn cockrell said...

Vicki, you took some gorgeous pictures at the Biltmore. I have only been there once, but I was struck by the beauty and magnitude of the place. There was a lot of walking to be done, but it was worth the effort, for sure! Have a great week ahead!

yaya said...

Breath taking! I bet it smelled fabulous too. My #2 son and his family lived on the border of North and South Carolina and went to Biltmore often and really loved it. They even had their company Christmas party there. I'll have to clue them in on your post! I know they miss that area now that they live in Oregon! Have a good time with your own gardens and enjoy the week!

LaceLady said...

oh this is just absolutely fabulous ~ of all the places I have on my "want to see" this is right up at the top! thanks for yet another arm-chair travel delight! wonderfully blessing-full!

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Vicki, thanks for the tour of Tulip time at Biltmore. Such a truly beautiful place. All the tulips are Ina gorgeous array of colors. Amazing site to behold. Hugs Judy

Marlynne said...

Although Red and Yellow are my favorite colors I was quite taken with the purple and pink combinations

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning Vicki, thank you for all the photos so we can see too-just so beautiful-I love all their color combinations

Sue Kosec said...

Vicki, thank you so much for sharing God's beautiful creations. It's always such a treat to view The Biltmore through your eyes. Cannot wait for Part II.
SuZeQ

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

So beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

deb said...

Looks like an absolutely gorgeous spot ~ beautiful photos of your visit.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

It's always so much fun to tag along with you on your many adventures. The tulips are truly breath taking.

((hugs))

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, Vicki! How just beautiful! SO lovely! xo Jen

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

Hello dear Vicki
I love to see pictures of Biltmore - what an amazing garden.
I've always had a dream to see the fields of tulips in Holland in Spring. You're lucky to have your own version right here.
A lot of thought must go into planning the colour combinations!

I'm looking forward to your "weight control" post, so I can pick up a few more tips from you! It's a never ending battle for me too!

Your book sounds interesting, I will order "Mr Churchill's Secretary" first as I'm reading his biography at the mo - it's fascinating.

Enjoy the warm breezes of Summer and all that goes with it. Store up lots of Vitamin D to carry you through for the rest of the year!

A lovely post
Hugs
Shane

Jim said...

Vicki, this estate is simply BEAUTIFUL! And your photos have done it justice! Nice work.
I would love to spend a few hours there meandering through the pathways.
Looking forward to the next set from the Biltmore.

Julie Marie said...

Oh my gosh Vicki, those gardens are breathtaking!... how fun it must have been to stroll among all of the tulips... and gaze into that gorgeous reflecting pond... I love the photo of the girl lost in her own world, sketching... that's what I plan on doing alot of, then painting them with my watercolors... hope you had a wonderful time there... so much to see... thank you for taking me along... much love sweet lady, you always look so pretty in the photos... xoxo Julie Marie

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

What an amazing garden! Fabulous photos! I always enjoy your travel photos.
Have a wonderful summer!
Andrea

Cache-Mire said...

The tulips take my breath away! I really need to put this place on my bucket list. Maybe next spring...
Do you stay there? Just gorgeous!
Hugs, Terri

Tanya said...

Argh - you're killin' me with eye-popping, heart-stopping beauty this morning. SO jealous! Thanks for the tour - your photos ROCK...ALWAYS! Happy Sunday, my friend! XOXO

Eugenia Maru http://lulurulitos.blogspot.com said...

Mi flor favorita es el tulipan. Me seducen sus lindos colores y su fragilidad.
Saludos
Maru