biltmore.

I didn't really have a "Things to do Before 30 List".

Ok, maybe a little bucket list.

I use to have a "life plan" back in the day that I would want to be married with two kids by the time I was 30. Funny how God works that one out and knows just what you need, when you need it.

So, no, there's no real big plans or must do's that were on my list to accomplish before I turn the big 3-0. I love this little life of mine, am so content and proud of everything I have accomplished so far, and can't wait to see what the next decade holds. Seriously, I'm excited really!

But if I had to think of one "TO DO" before 30, it may or may not have been something as simple as a visit to Asheville and tour the Biltmore House.

I've been to the Blue Ridge mountains a trillion times since I was a kid (one of our favorite spots) and I'm sure I've been through Asheville? or visited when younger? but I have never taken that exit and toured the town (or the Biltmore) in my adult life and it seemed like a pretty darn good "early birthday/much needed getaway with the hubs" for me!

So we left this little bundle of joy with Mimi & Papa and headed up Hwy 25 this past Saturday after Chad finished up with work...

Back before Christmas, I tried to book us a room at The Grove Park Inn, since my sister and brother in law went for their one year anniversary in December and I had also had several friends and customers tell me how fabulous it was. Well, for the particular night we wanted to go - it was completely booked. Some sort of event. So I immediately went for The Grand Bohemian and for location and proximity to the Biltmore, knew it would probably work out even better.

and let me just say, it. is. amazing!

Chad, of course, loved the anters and wildlife everywhere. This quaint boutique hotel has the feel of an old hunting club. A four sided fireplace, plush leather and velvet tufted chairs and ottomans await you in the lobby. There's fabulous art adorning the walls and it's all so cozy.

Here's a pic of our bathroom. Chad seriously wanted to figure out how to recreate this light fixture.

artwork in our room...

We had dinner reservations at the restaurant in the hotel, Red Stag Grill, "featuring contemporary European comfort food in a rustic hunting lodge meets modern-chic sensibility setting"

Here's Chad scouring the well lit menu :)

The crab cakes as an appetizer were some of the absolute best I've ever had. Chad had elk tenderloin and I had the filet. Definitely recommend dining here. We can't wait to go back!

Not to be outdone with a photo op...

(if you know him you know how comical this is, because he HATES pics)

The next day it was a little rainy that morning and I was scared about freezing rain, but the rain went away and there was only overcast so it ended up being a nice day. The temps were in the 50s too, so not near as cold as I was expecting.

We made our way over to the Biltmore grounds and had a fabulous lunch at Deerpark Restaurant. (Can you tell we are all about some good food?)

The Christmas décor is still up at Biltmore until the 11th. This is another reason I wanted to this past weekend, yet it was not near as crowded as they said it had been. Really a great weekend to go!

We began touring the house and holy smokes, I was blown away.

The massiveness. The attention to detail. ALL of the CHRISTMAS DECOR. Wowzers.

It was unreal. Just can not imagine living in something so grand back in that time and all the amenities they had? Insane. I kept saying it was all so "magical" and Chad was all like "Yep. That's a dang big house". Typical male.

It really does look like a painting in the background.

We had such a nice time touring, doing a little shopping, and soaking it all in.

Thankful the hubs treated me to this nice little getaway, even if it was only for one night. Our schedules were so insane over the holidays, and we never even got a 5 Year Anniversary trip - so again, this was much needed and much enjoyed. We had such a nice time!

Until next time Biltmore...

Also, I hate to end this happy post on a sad note but...

I have a huge PRAYER REQUEST for a fellow Dixie High School student/friend (she was two years ahead of me in school) who lost her mother AND her one year old daughter in a car accident yesterday. Can. not. fathom. My heart just sank for them when I heard the news. This family definitely needs a lot of prayer. Please please lift them up in the days ahead. So much tragedy and sad news lately. May God be with us all in the new year...