Ashville North Carolina and the Vanderbilts

 I wanted to branch out and do something new while we were in Tennessee. I found some beautiful gardens online that said they were only a few hours away in North Carolina. We took the drive out there to see what this place was like. What I did not know was that the gardens were located on the Vanderbilt estate they built looking out at the smoky mountains.

Of course if I'm involved in site seeing ideas I will always go for a castle. This was just a happy accident that we happened to land at a castle. Call it a mansion, call it a castle, it's incredibly over the top and oozing of wealth. And the grounds were lovely. It is quite a place to visit.

In the basement they have a bowling ally, pool, work out room, plus all the rooms for the servants, kitchens, and inner workings of the palace. Along with a few other giant entertaining rooms. To be so filthy rich and have more money than you know what to do with. 

Dollywood Flower Show

 A trip to Tennessee is not complete without a stop at Dollywood. I can't exactly say why I love going to Dollywood, but I do. I think because it's a happy place, and I like being around happy places these days.

We were there during their annual spring flower show and it was pretty amazing. I have no idea how much work goes into these amazing flower sculptures, but they are magnificent. Just another reason why you should go to Dollywood.

Tennessee

 In May we did another quick trip over to Tennessee and the Smokey Mountains. We go there often, because it's so beautiful. And it is the closest place within driving distance to a place that has actual mountains and waterfalls and nature. 

We stopped in at a few of our usual haunts and enjoyed the gorgeous spring weather. It rained most of the time while we were there, but then again that's why it's so green. This trip we did finally get to see a black bear, and 3 of her cubs. Not something you usually get to see, but it was fun to watch them in the field in the rain.

We celebrated our find by getting some ice cream. Any excuse for an ice cream.