There is nothing better than a girls trip with your friends. Just a week ago, I returned from a quick girls trip to Asheville and Cherokee, North Carolina and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Sometimes we just need a quick getaway instead of a long vacation to get us out of a funk.

We started out visiting Asheville and ended up staying in this super cute VRBO house we rented for 2 nights. I normally like to stay in a hotel because you have everything at your fingertips, but this house was fully stocked for our trip.

The whole house had been updated with top of the line, modern equipment. The refrigerator was fully stocked with condiments, the owner had bagels waiting on us and was fully stocked with enough coffee and tea to last a month. What we loved most about the house was its location to downtown. The home was located 3 minutes up the hill from downtown but was surrounded by trees, so you felt like you were camping in the wilderness. Our first day, a black bear just walked past us and went on his way like no big deal.

Saturday morning we woke up for our visit to the Biltmore Estate, which was our primary reason for the trip. Friends and family had been telling me for years to go for a visit and I’m happy I finally decided to go.

There are no words for the beauty of this estate. The detail to the architecture is mind blowing. If you make the trip be prepared for a lot of walking because it’s a trek for sure.

Here are a few facts about the Biltmore Estate if you decide to visit

• The Biltmore Estate was built between 1889 and 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt II. Many people have heard of the Vanderbilt family who made their money in railroads and shipping.
• The house itself covers 178,926 square feet, which makes it the largest privately-owned house in the United States. The estate has 43 bathrooms, multiple kitchens, an indoor poor and 250 rooms. The property has a bowling alley but no air conditioner until last year. Wow, those North Carolina summers must have made it hot inside.
• You must check out Biltmore Winery which is known as one of the most-visited wineries in the United States. With your ticket you get to do a free tasting then decide on a wine to take home in the shop located right beside the tasting room.

Saturday night we decided to hang out at Capella on 9 with a friend of mine who had just moved from Los Angeles to Asheville. It’s a roof top bar with great music located at the AC Hotel Asheville Downtown. Check it out, it’s a fun time.

LOCATION
AC Hotel Asheville Downtown
10 Broadway, 9th Floor
Asheville, NC 28801

Next stop on our trip was a visit to Harrahs Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina. Yes we like to hit the casinos on our getaways. We had to stop beside the road to see all of the elk just hanging out and eating. We also saw a Moose crossing the road. My first time seeing a moose in person. 

This is a trip you need to take for the beauty between Asheville and Cherokee. The mountains are so beautiful, so make sure to stop at the top and take photos. Here are a few photos I captured along the way. It truly makes you appreciate how gorgeous the country we live in is.

We decided to stick around the area for one more night in Pigeon Forge,
Tennessee. We ended up staying the night at the Margaritaville Inn, which is located just a short distance from dining, the festivities and entertainment.

Since it was so late when we arrived to the area,  we opted to just have dinner at the Margaritaville Restaurant, which is a fun place to dine if you have never been. We loved the Caribbean theme, and great music playing in the background which was inspired by Jimmy Buffet. The amount of food they bring you is enormous and was really delicious. A lot time these chains are kind of bland but we really enjoyed the meal. 

Margaritaville Hours and Locations:
130 The Island Drive, Suite 6101
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 210-8530
Sunday – Thursday 11am – 11pm
Friday – Saturday 11am – 12am

If you have other suggestions in any of the cities we visited, drop us a comment. Until next time….. XOXO

Blog by Krista