December 2021
We had just the best time on our delayed 25th anniversary trip.

Jonesboro, TN
First we went to Jonesboro, TN. This town was one of our first trips we visited as a married couple and we had a great time the first trip and a great time in the town this trip. It was so very cute. While there we went by the National Storytelling Shop. We saw a bunch of people with their pups in town for a pup Christmas costume parade and pups pics with Santa. We visited their little craft festival and purchases a cute felt rat with a sweater. He stays out all year and hangs out in various places in our home. We definitely love Jonesboro, TN and their festive feel. We also enjoyed their cute little bbq restaurant for lunch, and intended to come back at night to sample their moonshine sampler, alas, they closed that night at 8. So we walked over to a bar near the railroad tracks for a beverage. We loved that when the train came by and blew it’s whistle, everyone whooped and hollered and bellied up to bar. Then the bartenders gave everyone a free shot. A fun night and a fun town. Also, while we were there we went on a historical home progressive dinner tour. It was so neat. We started at the railroad depot with cocktails and appetizers. Everyone was social and neat to meet. They had an acoustic group. The man played the guitar, while the lady sang and interpreted in sign language. It was neat. They then took us in vans to a historic home for the soup which was a neat pumpkin soup. We loved their upstairs porch that overlooked the downtown with a cool modern white circle gas fire-pit, comfortable seating and Christmas movies projected on the home exterior wall; I could imagine spending many nights on that porch. Next we loaded up and went over to the local arts center for a set down entree dinner. The food was fine and the musical entertainment cute. I particularly thought it was nice the high school youth who helped serve for their volunteer work. They were pleasant and happy, which is always nice. Our last stop for the dessert home was really nice. This home was at the top of the main street that passed through town, which made for a neat atmosphere outside by their fire-pit which was lit. The home was cute and everyone was jovial at this point. They had a cappella carolers in matching beaded vests, that were so festive and fun to listen to sing. It was a really fun night. I really like Jonesboro, TN and could happily visit again.

Biltmore Estates
We drove down to the Biltmore and stayed at the Inn on the property. It was simply beautiful grounds. I can understand why the Rockefellers fell in love with the land and chose that area to build the estate. It was breath-taking. The Biltmore was simply amazing and I am so glad that we chose to see it. It was totally worth it. It was fun going to the winery and having a bottle of wine there, but it was crowded. We met some other nice couples and enjoyed sitting and visiting with them. The Inn was exceptional and we loved sitting out on the veranda, and in the sitting room and on the Adirondack chairs overlooking the valley and sipping on the wines created on site. And the most amazing gingerbread houses were at not only the Biltmore Estate, but the one at the Inn was the most spectacular gingerbread house I have ever seen, and I’m sure will ever see in my entire life. We also enjoyed seeing the botanical garden house on the estate, with so many varieties of flora and fauna. I have to say I’m so very appreciative that we were there during the off-season, as even at that time there were so many people. But they say it’s double or triple the crowds in the spring. Also, while we were there we had the opportunity to see the Van Gogh exhibit again. It is a really neat digital exhibit where they display his work on the walls put to ethereal music. It’s quite inspiring. And it was different than the Van Gogh exhibit we saw in Dallas. So it was neat to find out that each one is independent of the other. I have to say being at the Biltmore at the Christmas time with the candlelight tours and all the decorations; it was just magical. I couldn’t have asked for more. But, there was. We had a most delightful dinner at the Inn for our anniversary dinner. It was so very romantic in their dining room overlooking the mountains with exceptional service. We were educated an amuse-bouche, which is a bite size appetizer created by the chef to show off his/her talents at the beginning of the meal. The chef dazzled us with the mushroom bisque as the amuse-bouche served in a little espresso cup. And every morsel was delicious from the lobster bisque to the decedent dessert. If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Biltmore, definitely take time to have a beverage in the lobby of the Inn and make a reservation for dinner. You will not be disappointed. I could not have asked for a better anniversary trip. It was splendid.

Hendersonville, NC
After the Biltmore, we headed south for a day or two to Hendersonville, NC. There we took in a theater show with Christmas carols and dancing. It was very entertaining with some great performers. We also piddled around the town, which was cute. On our way back to the airport we stopped at the Billy Graham Library. We toured the home and then got to see part of the interactive tour. We were running short on time. We only had a few hours there and would have really loved more time. It was a neat stop and everyone was so very friendly. I even got to pet a camel. I highly recommend this stop, if you have time time. Again, the entire trip was fantastic. And of course, I had the perfect travel partner, my man Rudy, who I love very much.

Jonesboro, TN
Historic Eureka Inn
Jonesboro Repertory Theater
Chuckey Depot Museum
Christmas Progressive Dinner
Tennessee Hills Distillery

Biltmore Estates
Candlelight Christmas Evenings at The Biltmore
Legends of Art and Innovation – We saw the Van Gogh Exhibit
Wine Bar at The Winery at Antlers Village
Inn at Biltmore
Dining Room at the Inn at Biltmore
Library Lounge at the Inn at Biltmore
Asheville, NC
Henderson, NC
Jump off Rock
Flat Rock Playhouse
Billy Graham Library