Here's a link for some history: https://www.biltmore.com/visit/biltm...estate-history

Looks like it stayed in the Cecil family.

You are tempting me, Gretchen!

Great TR!

Another Seagrove fan here.

Would Asheville have succeeded as it has without Biltmore? So many related activities. I'm starting to get nostalgic for it alrea

Asheville has always been popular even as a small sleepy little town in the cool mountains. The Grove Park may drive the economy as much as anything. It is now a popular retirement area. And lots of other little mountain towns nearby as well as the Blue Ridge. I can't quite remember when the Biltmore began its renaissance but it's relatively recent--30 years?

Factoid--Cecil is pronounced with a short "e". ;o)

Thanks, starrs.

Gretchen, there is a Cecil County here in Md. but its 'e' is long. I am certain it's named after the same family though. Vandy's daughter's sons kept it going. But she and her Cecil DH opened the mansion in 1930---according to the info I googled.

Not sure why you would think the Maryland family is the same.

I know the Cecils have owned the mansion for all those years but believe me, in the 70s and 80s it was NOT the going concern it is now. It was shabby and uninteresting.
They started the vineyard and opened some restaurant. And got a good PR person.

According to google, my Cecil County is named after Cecilius Calvert, Gretchen, so not the same family. I just thought there would be more small world things when the U.S. population was smaller.

Meant to comment about your BIL building the zoo, Gretchen. Very neat. How was the area chosen?

Do you ever watch the tv show about the Bronx Zoo? Protecting species and providing enclosures that mimic the animals' natural habitats are worthy goals.

Cecil obviously comes throungh the female side.
As for the zoo, I guess it was the legislature. DBIL was a general contractor and built the first two times through.

TDudette--My husband and I stood at the highest point on the Blue Ridge a few days after you (on April 6th). We were in Asheville only one day and spent most of the time at the Biltmore estate touring the mansion and gardens and doing a wine tasting. (We were appalled by the admission price for that)
I am glad you had a good visit.

Great trip report TD. I love Asheville and Biltmore. First visited it in the late 80's-I loved it then even if it was "shabby and uninteresting". LOL.

Tupelo Honey is a great place to eat. It is a small chain but its roots are in Asheville. I have never had a bad meal there.

I am going to have to plan a visit again soon and add the Seagrove area. It sounds very interesting.

Biltmore is incredible. Sorry we were not there on the same day, Vttraveler.

Thanks, charsuzan! Much has changed.

Tdudette—I just remembered that I had wanted to tell you that I found your mountain photo in #13 particularly gorgeous; there’s almost a pinkish hue in that photo. Thanks for posting such an inspirational trip report. :)

Thank you, Daniel.... high praise since your photos are so nice. Of course, Ms. Nature had a big hand in it!

Good report on shopping and food. Thanks!