Harry and I went to NC for Spring Break for some much-needed rest and time with friends. A few highlights…

Why is it that no vacation is complete without a long day of walking and physical exertion? The Biltmore Estate is like a gazillion acres and the actual “house” (read mansion) is 4 acres under-roof. Apparently, no one knows exactly how much it cost to build because Mr. Vanderbilt didn’t save any records, because he felt like building his home was a private matter.

Hard to imagine growing up here!

These were at random points around the estate, which included gardens, a self-sustaining farm, AND a winery–not to mention the thoughtful gift shops spread throughout.

If I can figure out how to rotate this, I will. (I’ll blame Harry for why I can’t rotate it.  I was told that  “the software just had to be updated.”) This should be a photo of Harry mimicking the welcoming lion at the front door of the Biltmore House. As talented as my husband is, he hasn’t quite mastered the art of standing sideways. But you can imagine…

No mansion is complete without an enormous turtle fountain, in my opinion.

Guess what we found in Cary, North Carolina!!! (Or, should I say, James and Alyson found for us! Thanks!)

The talented professor and his lovely wife, the instructional designer and budding gardener extraordinaire.

On a somewhat random note, I’m going to suggest that this is the most unique bathtub in Knoxville. Hopefully, you can see it. The floor is flush with the tub–a little bit of a challenge to get in. We found the tub on our way to NC at a cute little B&B near UT.

One of many obligatory long-arm photographic moments–nothing like traveling as a couple! Notice the sweaters we’re wearing–not exactly the spring break dream weather we’d hoped for, BUT how would we have enjoyed the fireplace without it?

Ridiculous gas prices close to The Biltmore…although, ridiculous is such an evolving word these days.

My first introduction to beautiful baby Owen and a sweet reunion with my dear friend Ali. (I won’t mention friends whose babies I haven’t even gotten to hold yet…especially ones that were born the same week, Amy Giles! )

And last, but not least, a very interesting car that we passed every time we left the B&B in the Montford Historic District.