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

A toast fit for every season!

Now that Spring's arrived it's the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy cool events. A particular favorite with many are wine festivals and visits to wineries.

For those of you who have yet to experience the sheer pleasure and allure surrounding wine and wine-making, I highly recommend a visit this spring to an event near you.

Here in PA , the Chaddsford Winery is Pennsylvania's largest and most acclaimed winery. The tasting rooms and barrel aging cellars and superb wines are a treat to experience, along with the rolling green hills of Chester County, PA.

For those of you who plan to visit the gracious south and especially North Carolina, definitely head to Biltmore's Winery in Asheville, N.C. It's America's most visited winery with over 1 million visitors enjoying the fruit of the vines. Biltmore's award-winning Estate Wines with original artwork on their labels, along with tours of the winery, wine-tasting and more is well-worth the visit! Sip and savor white, red, rose and sparkling wines and linger over new introductions.

Best yet, for the second year, Biltmore is holding a wine label design contest for their Commemorative Christmas wine. Submit your original design, photo or piece of artwork by the May 1st deadline for a chance to win terrific prizes!

Just think... you can make history and enjoy some amazing wines in Biltmore Estate's enchanted gardens this spring.

Cheers!

~Lynne

GMG