Mini-babymoon in Asheville

Every year, Brian attends the annual NCAFP conference in December at the beautiful Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. During the Christmas season, the inn comes alive with the international gingerbread contest, the warmth of Christmas lights, and roaring fires in both wood-burning fireplaces in the main lobby.

Since it was about 8 weeks before our due date, we thought we'd turn it into a mini-babymoon and enjoy the weekend getaway! What a treat. 

Around 32 weeks and feeling great!

Outside the Grove Park Inn

The winning gingerbread creation - isn't it incredible? 

Other honorable mentions in the gingerbread contest

I loved this one - the Griswold family home! "Is Rusty still in the Navy, Clark?" 

My family watches this movie at least once every Christmas and can quote it line-by-line now!

My Christmas gift from Brian - a candlelight tour at the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the United States at 178,000 square feet! This is the entrance to the grounds of the entire 45,000-acre estate.

I went back again the next day while Brian was at his conference to tour the gardens too. 

Inside the Biltmore greenhouse

 

The huge stone fireplaces at either end of the main lobby inside the Grove Park Inn are iconic. Each fireplace is lined with wooden rocking chairs - it's the best spot in the hotel to snuggle and relax!