Taking the High Road to High Point...

A Travel Guide to High Point Market

April is one of my favorite times of the year not only because warmer weather is on the horizon and everything is in bloom, but it is also the time to see what is new and fresh in interiors at High Point!  I am completely bummed that I will be unable to make the trip up this April, so I am going to create my own guide for High Point Market right through Quill Notes.

Not only is market full of inspiration in itself, but if you are able to take a few days to make the trip up to High Point, there are a few other things that you simply must do while in the area and along the way.

Day 1 :: Biltmore Estate

A visit to the Biltmore, nestled in the mountains of Ashville, NC, is an absolute must when taking the high road to High Point.  This stunning estate will easily take a day to visit, but its grandiose architecture with rooms draped in luxurious silks & velvets and enough antiques to suit royalty, will make it well worth your time. 

Biltmore Estate Grand Entrance

You will notice all of my photos are of the exterior of the estate, which is no less impressive than the interior, due to the fact that photography was prohibited once inside the estate.

Biltmore Estate Fascade

The stunning and ornate architecture - 4 stories worth + the basement -  literally takes your breath away.

Italian Garden

Garden Sculpture in the Italian Garden

View from the South Terrace

I certainly wouldn't mind waking up to this view every morning.  

South Terrace Tea House

South Terrace

View of the Biltmore Estate from the South Terrace

Green Man Fountain in the Pergola beneath the South Terrace

My Mother + Travel Partner - Looking out the South Terrace

Wisteria covered Pergola beneath the South Terrace

Wisteria covered Pergola beneath South Terrace

Who wouldn't love a wisteria covered terrace? The attractive purple blooms draping in graceful clusters from a full, hardy vine is certainly a sight to see while relaxing in ones garden.  However, seeker beware as wisteria can overtake and become out of control if note pruned properly.

Quill Notes Tip ::  Create a pergola with its specific purpose being to display this hardy vine.  Make sure to research the best species to grow in your area and most of all how to prune and train it to grow how you'd like without becoming destructive to other structures or plants in your garden.

Looking through Walled Garden onto blooming Tulips

Conservatory

The arched windows of the conservatory are absolutely stunning.  It's like looking through a looking glass into a space bursting with life.

Conservatory window detail

Inside the Conservatory

In love with these Rococo style chairs + that grate!  

View of the Biltmore Estate from Conservatory

View from South side of Etsate

Biltmore Estate + Pergola beneath South Terrace

Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate Architectural Detail

It still amazes and intrigues me at the ornate architectural details found at every corner of this grand estate.

Front Lawn

Biltmore Estate Architectural Detail

Love the stone pattern + layering of wood, stone and iron.

Architectural Detail of Horse Stables

View of Biltmore Estate from Horse Stables

The Biltmore Estate

Fountain/Terrace  Detail across front front of Biltmore Estate

As you leave the main grounds, you cannot miss the tour of the winery.  Their champagne is absolutely divine as is their other selections of wine from sweet blush to dry red.

Hometown Favorite, Belle Chevre, Found at the Winery Gift Shop

As my mother and I were going on our way and leaving our tour of the Biltmore, we made a little discovery - BELLE CHEVRE!!!  This delicious goat cheese is made right in the heart of Elkmont, Alabama and right outside of my hometown, Athens, Alabama.  If you haven't already discovered this lovely treat, you MUST try it soon!  

Available for purchase here

Roadtrip Picnic

Everyone knows if you are going on a road trip, it's the #1 rule to have fabulous snacks for the ride!

Road Trip Muchies:
Belle Chevre Goat Cheese Spread here
Effies Crispy Corncakes here
Starbuck's Coffee

Stay tuned for Day 2 as I continue my Travel Guide to High Point!