Royal buzz in U.K BUT we have our own "castle" too!

Ok. I'll admit it. I'm kinda caught up in the hoopla surrounding the Royal wedding of the century between William and Kate. Reporters and pundits have swooped upon London and are babbling in giddy non-stop marathons about the "Royals" and of course, slipping in noted attractions like Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Cathedral.

Well, they got me. The other day while I was sipping my morning Joe and surfing channels I landed on a morning news/talk show and bam! there it was... Buckingham Castle in all it's splendor.

The reporters shepherded the viewers for a mini tour of sound bites and quick shots of gilded this and that and the Royal "apartments." Yes, it is spectacular.

But did you know that right here in the USA we have a fabulous "castle" too?

Yep- in N.C. there's the Biltmore House, that includes the amazing former home of George and Edith Vanderbilt and the gorgeous gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (father of American landscape architecture.)

With acres of woods, walking trails, a winery, sustainable farm, and a "castle" filled with antiques, art and collections from the Vanderbilt travels abroad, this destination attraction gives Buckingham Palace a run for the money! Or should I say- ahem, "pound"?

Right now the famous Festival of Flowers is in full swing. Along with thousands of flowers, brilliant azaleas and flowering shrubs and trees, and woods that are home to ancient species, there's the centerpiece...the mansion that looks like Sleeping Beauty's castle.

Whether you're a lover of gardens and art or want to explore the sumptuous Biltmore House and feel like a prince or princess for a day, Biltmore Estate is a place to see.

The only little suggestion I have is adding a moat and drawbridge... and a few Knights in Shining armor would be a nice touch.) Just sayin'...
~Lynne
GMG
Buckingham Palace photo credit Wikipedia