Wine Down: North Carolina {Day 1}

Jared and I went on a little mini-vacation last week for the 4th of July. We stayed at a cabin that his family owns in northwest North Carolina. They have owned the cabin since he was an infant and it is definitely a little rustic, but full of character and good memories. I have only been to the cabin one other time and that was when Jared and I first started dating in 2006. It was so nice to be back in the mountains again, I had forgotten how much I really enjoyed this place. I will definitely not let another 7 years pass by before we go back.

Now, onto the trip recap...I am going to split this trip up into multiple posts because I obviously took a lot of pictures. I know, shocker. Jared refused to pose for any pictures for me, so all of the pictures from our trip are of me. Only me. Also, it rained the entire time we were there so you are going to have to look at a bunch of pictures of ugly, frizzy hair me. Sorry in advance. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Thursday, July 4

Jared and I actually left Florida on Wednesday afternoon and drove up to Asheville, about 1 hour from the cabin. On Thursday morning, we went to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville to celebrate the 4th.

Jared and I had both been to the Biltmore years ago when we were little and neither of us had been back since. I love visiting historical sites, especially big, pretty mansions. First, we went on a tour inside the house which was absolutely beautiful.

Unfortunately, it was raining on and off all day, but I was not about to let that stop me from dressing festive for the holiday. Just had to add rain boots :)

We spent the afternoon frolicking around the gardens and grounds of the estate.

I know Jared just loves it when I make him pull the car over so I can pose in front of something. He's such a wonderful husband.

We were eager to finish our house tour, escape the crowds and get on over to the winery. First, we went on a tour of the winery and learned all about how they make their wines on the property. After the tour, it was time for a tasting!

They make 25 different wines on the property at the Biltmore and at the tasting they invited us to try and many as we wanted. Wait, you are actually allowing people to sample 25 glasses of wine for free? That sounds like a challenge that I will gladly accept. Ok, so I didn't actually try all 25 of them. We decided to divide and conquer. We split the list in half, Jared tried the reds and I tried the whites. It was a glorious afternoon.

Of course, I now see that this "try 25 wines" promotion is just a way to get you drunk enough to buy all of their wine. Well, it totally worked. Well played Biltmore, well played.

We left Asheville and made our way up to the Smoky Mountains. Once we hit the mountain road that takes us up to the cabin, we ride with the windows down to take in that mountain air. Rain or shine. It's a family tradition.

We finally arrived at the cabin and I was so ready for a relaxing weekend with no distractions. Yes, the cabin has electricity and running water, but that is about it. No air conditioning. No television. No internet. No cell phone signal. Surrounded by nature, it is so quiet and wonderful.

I told you it was rustic. I may have forgotten how rustic. After a little sweeping, dusting and some Clorox, it was ready to be inhabited by this girl for the next 4 days.