We loved our amazing tour of North Carolina, which was made complete with a stop at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Asheville. We learned so much history by listening to “The Last Castle” by Denise Kiernan. Her book is a riveting, intimate and sweeping true story focused on the Biltmore Estate and the Vanderbilt family. George Vanderbilt and his wife Edith Dresser Vanderbilt were kind hearted and certainly made an impact on NC history and conservation.
Cottons fields, abandoned farmhouses, beautiful scenery and tons of historical markers dotted our path. We made a stop at the Stagville State Historic site – one of the largest plantation complexes of the south that enslaved more than 900 people. The focus of the tour was to allow the visitor to see the plantation from the slaves point of view. Knowledgeable guides made this an impactful journey.
Biking, hiking, and laughing with friends (thanks Glenn and Valentina for an amazing week of touring) added to our love of this beautiful state.
When you tour NC, don’t miss the Outer Banks. We were surprised by the extensive erosion – an entire road with all the houses were recaptured by the sea – it remains a most incredible seaside destination.
Last stop on the Outer Banks was Ocracoke (where Blackbeard met his death – beheaded on the island). This vehicle is German, but it is not military! The owners, Karen and her hubby are from Cologne, Germany and traveling the world in this monster. She shared that after traveling to over 24 countries, often ones that were “not advised” by the German government, she has found that “people are the same all over the world, and there is nothing to fear.” With 5 miles/gallon and a 250 gal tank, they are certainly leaving a big footprint.
Love these posts, Connie,
And Carolyn T. told me last night that your family in Texas was in the newspaper industry! Wow!
It makes sense…. you are an amazing blogger!!!!!
Thanks Julie….its fun, but takes lots of time because we rarely have wifi!! 🙂 Glad you looked at it.
Absolutely stunning pictures! Thank you for posting Connie. Particularly moving was the photos of the Slave Quarters, and the inhabited home. Hard to believe that symbol of history still stands, and that home, might as well have been my grandmothers.
Grateful for all that I have, but I stand on the backs of hundreds of thousand slaves. I will forever be grateful.
Catching up on your blogging and travels. We have been to Asheville, NC, not in the Fall, though. I liked the winery at the Biltmore and an estate-wide Chihully exhibit was going in. It was one amazing visual after another all around the estate and inside. Very cool. Thanks for recommending the book. Did the book mention the forestry work and preservation? Beautiful photos, too.
Travel safe my friend.
Mimi