Bohemian Rhapsody

This summer will mark ten years of marriage. TEN YEARS. In honor of this landmark we are embarking on a year of pre-planned dates. Each month we will choose an envelope containing a "mystery date" and then schedule a time for it. I will publish most of our escapades to hold us accountable for actually going on the dates!

Our first adventure (lucky for me) combined our monthly date and Jason's birthday. He was not allowed to complain as my birthday has been combined with our wedding anniversary several times, despite premarital assurances that he would never attempt such an atrocity. The kids were turned over to their oh-so-generous grandparents and we headed to Asheville to do what we do best as a couple: travel and eat.

Our hotel came highly recommended by many friends and we certainly saw many Greenville faces throughout the weekend. Located in Biltmore Village at the entrance to Biltmore Estate, The Grand Bohemian was perfectly situated for walking to dinner and shops.

Love the curtains to the driveway!



After being greeted by a stuffed warthog, roaring fire, various twiggy light fixtures and an art gallery, we were beginning to understand the "bohemian" name!

Velvet Headboard and Antler Chandelier

Shimmery curtains

Nail studded mirror
This was the best mirror ever - makes you look tall and skinny!

How do we always pick hotels with windows to the bathroom area?

Every room needs a marble bust.

The romance was really heating up, especially after dinner. We noticed the unsavory smell of smoke as we concluded our meal. The waitress informed us that it was not a cooking incident but rather appeared to be related to the furnace. Immediately after exiting the restaurant, multiple fire trucks appeared. Jason insisted on going back to check on the problem, but I think he really just wanted a discount on our food!

All the buildings in Biltmore Village have the same architecture from the church

to the Hardees.



A visit to Biltmore House was at the top of our activity list. Jason had never experienced its splendor and I certainly have a new appreciation for estate life after watching Downton Abbey!



Biltmore Estate was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century as a mountain retreat. Although still owned by the family, it now functions as a tourist attraction. The estate covers 8000 acres and houses a winery, dairy farm, spectacular gardens, and plenty of trails for horseback riding, walking or bicycling. Naturally we didn't engage in any physical activity more strenuous than lifting a wine glass!

Monument to Frank or ...



monument to Frank?



Dining room

Staircase in the Library



Bedroom of George Vanderbilt

Bedroom of Edith Vanderbilt

(Guess they didn't have to worry about their spouse stealing the covers!)

The house also featured an indoor swimming pool, bowling alley, workout area circa early 1900s, even elevators and an intercom system. But it was the downstairs that interested me the most. Unlike Downton Abbey each servant had a private bedroom. There were 3 kitchens - one for meat, one for pastries, and the main kitchen. I might have annoyed Jason just a bit by constantly comparing and contrasting the two houses...

Mrs. Patmore would fit in perfectly!

The Vanderbilts planted millions of trees and established one of the first foresty programs. Jason told me repeatedly that the landscape architect, Fredrick Olmstead, had also designed the park system in Louisville; a far superior claim than his other famous park, Central Park.  Jason may or may not have been needling me in retribution for my Downton Abbey fixation...

I know a baby who has a belly like this one!

We concluded our weekend with spa treatments, book reading, more delicious food, and sleep. Raising two young children is exhausting. But falling into bed every night beside your best friend and partner in your life's most important endeavor is incredibly satisfying. Having time to enjoy alone together is also satisfying and definitely refreshing!