Michael Deininger-Bell: Asheville, North Carolina

Biltmore Estate, what to do in Asheville North Carolina, the vanderbilts, southern style, 1920's homes, Asheville, American Royal families, male fashion

An inspiring afternoon. I have been so blessed to have been given the opportunity to travel over the past couple of years and with these travels I've seen a share of grand estates. This was no exception. Every time that I take a step off whatever tour bus I embark, or every time I round the corner of some European ally and stop and stare at the incredible structures that royalty and the worldly elite once inhabited, my heart can't help but miss a beat. When you take a second and really attempt to imagine what it felt like to ride up to something as impressively grand as the Biltmore Estate, you can't help but feel overwhelmed. This kind of life seems unimaginable.

Within the first five minutes of gawking at this estate, I lost my ticket inside. Typical. Although I dreaded the walk back to the car, I had some quality time in the thick forests of the Biltmore grounds and then I reconsidered my complaints. With retrieved ticket in hand, and my camera ready for some action, I walked in the grand front doors. After saying hello to my lion greeters, I got to taking pictures. After three wonderful shots of the interior I was informed pictures were a no-go. An obstacle for sure.

No pictures means iPhone pictures right? Wrong. Got yelled at again post-hunting room-visit. Still managed to sneak some good ones. The Vanderbilts really knew how to party and with this...they knew how to dress. Taste can go a long way and this
American Royal family was certainly not short of it.

Every since I was little, I fantasized of glorious celebrations in my stately manor...much like in Great Gatsby and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. There is something about Southern royalty and class and taste that I can't get enough of. A southern gentleman by birth, I had no other option to be nothing less...by the hands of my grandparents. This being said, bowties, suits, and preppy attire is in my blood. This house was out of this WORLD with southern fashions.

The Vanderbilt's at home for the holidays circa 1992.

I feel like I should have a disclaimer...this is not a tire swing to Courtney's dismay. This is a Vanderbilt's view through window mesh and blinds pull string. What a view.