Smoky Mountains and the Biltmore Estate

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Drove down to Wayneville, NC for a week in the Smoky Mountains. We rented a cabin in the hills overlooking Maggie Valley which is about 45 minutes west of Ashville. Had quite a bit of rain but fortunately we had clear day for long ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The fall colors are coming out and were in full swing on the Blue Ridge Parkway some of which was over 6000 ft. Also, took a ride over to Cherokee which is Indian Reversation. It had the obligatory casino and also the obligatory cigarette smoke! Run for your life!!

We also spent a day at the Biltmore Estate which was built by the Vanderbilts around 1900. Besides this 250 room mansion, he also owned thousands of acres in this area. I would say this rivals Hearst Castle and Versailles in pure awe factor. This was pure fantasy land! They also have a winery where tasting is included. You could taste as many as 20 different wines. We tried about a dozen and they were all pretty good.

Next we head to the Nashville area for Tennessee whiskey distilleries and country music.

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Photos

locals
Fortunately we never met them!