Asheville NC at a glance

19 June, 2006

Yes, the Biltmore Estates is what Asheville NC all about why we came down there to pay visit on one of our vacations.. The centered focus of the estates is Biltmore house that has 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley, priceless art and antiques. No question why the house is said as the largest house in the United States of America. Flowers on the outside of the house were so spectacular and full of vibrant color. According to the history, the house was built in the early l900's by the George Vanderbilt Family. It has been open for the public to have around-estate tour for quite a long time, 75 years if I am not wrong. The interesting one is the family treated the maids or servants just like part of family whose their own bedrooms, dining room and living room which I am sure were pretty exclusive for such servants in past century.

Asheville is a quiet town completely surrounded by mountains. The downtown itself is not that quiet but it's okey to me just to get there once, especially if you are a chocolate lover you should drop by the Chocolate Fetish store where you can get the best-famous-homemade chocolate of the town. As usual, finding parking spot was always our problem on our way exploring the downtown everywhere (which is common I would say). Two things of the city that impressed me a lot are unique buildings and street artists. And another thing is many cafes everywhere that reminds me of cafes in Jakarta, my hometown. Those three particular things I could observe from this city have convinced me why most people name Asheville as the Paris of the south.

The scenic view outside downtown reminds me of mountainous area (Puncak and Bandung) in west java of Indonesia, my home country. Yes, I felt like at home. One attraction we enjoyed pretty much is Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This ever-old-train took us for scenic train journeys across fertile valleys, through tunnels and across river gorges in the Great Smoky Mountains.

I personally thought the vacation was one of my best. For those of you who like to get away from the crowded city, this is the best place for you to get tranquility, quietness and calmness. Not recommend to those of you who like to brand-shopping till you drop (with several huge shopping bags all over the hands) because Asheville as Paris of the south is more about arts, not fashion world. Overall, Asheville in west part of North Carolina is a nice place to visit