The day before grandson David went back to college, we had a family excursion to the Biltmore estate. David and I particularly wanted to see the Chihuly exhibit. Dale Chihuly is an American artist who creates works of art with blown glass. Our first close view was at the entrance to the mansion, both outside and from the inside.
The winter garden held the only indoor exhibit, for which John and David posed.
My favorites from the Italian garden show David and John near the lily pads, a boat filled with glass creations, and a long view of the largest piece in that area.
Nathaniel and David agreed to stand with a display just outside the conservatory.
My favorite framed shot was in the walled garden.
On the opposite side of the walled garden was the display I voted most colorful.
After our long walk through the mansion and around the grounds, we went for a late lunch at the Moose Cafe. The meals there always start with a huge biscuit for each person, to which you can add sorghum molasses or their special apple butter. It is messy, but oh! so good! We chose chicken with dumplings, fried mountain trout, pork chops, and fried pollock. The young men fell asleep on the ride home, while I was glassy-eyed. They didn’t wake up when John and I stopped at the local produce stand to buy a huge heirloom Cherokee tomato for ‘mater sandwiches for supper. We ended with a juicy local watermelon, one of David’s favorites. We could have used showers after that messy meal.
Mehrling Muse 
Oh I am so glad you got to go. Chihuly is a master and I would love to see his work in persom.
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The daytime views were fantastic. I’ve seen a few photos of these works at night, and they were almost beyond belief.
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What an extraordinary exhibit and the absolute perfect setting for it! The Moose Cafe sounds like a perfect finale to a wonderful outing. 💗
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We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day (fairly cool) or more quality family time.
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I can’t say I am happy to read the words “end of summer” on the other hand I am fascinated by glass blowing. What a beautiful display!!!
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I think David had a good summer, but he is also eager to get back to college and finish his last semester. He and I were most impressed with the fanciful glass works.
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Beautiful pics! Sorry the time with David has disappeared so fast, though. Beautiful memories before a send-off. Lucky young man.
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We can’t complain. David was here three full months and should be back in four. Our day together was fantastic.
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Wow, how lovely!
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Love
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Thank you for sharing the Chihuly exhibit. I understand that a similar colorful tree by Chihuly exists in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the corporate headquarters of Meijer, the grocery store where I shop. I’ve never been there but I hear it is a spectacular exhibit. I’m sorry to hear David is going back to school but hopefully the time will pass quickly before he returns at Thanksgiving or Christmas break.
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They drove all night and should be at the college about now.
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By the time I’m reading this, John is either headed to Tennessee for a pre-weekend train event or back home.
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He is napping in NJ on the way home.
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He has a lot of stamina – I am nodding off here and only went to the grocery store this morning and parked myself at the computer all day. I have to get off here, not just the late hour, but it is starting to thunder out there – 36 hours of rainy and stormy weather.
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You’ve really had the storms this summer!
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Yes, it has been a unsettled Summer – but we were supposed to have bad weather today and nothing happened so far – I’m happy for that. But we got a few big downpours and sure needed them.
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Wow! When did they add that? I don’t remember seeing it when Russ and I went. It’s been awhile, but I didn’t think it had been that long ago. What a great trip!!!
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It’s a temporary exhibit, only here for several months.
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Oh, okay! Awesome. What a treat then. I got lost I the hallows of that house. My mind went there imagining their lives and those of the staff.
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We use our imaginations at Biltmore, too. It’s fun.
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This sounds like a truly wonderful day all the way around Anne. I had never heard of Chihuly before. That is amazing and I am really glad you have shared it so I could see it!
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Chihuly has exhibits around the country. Maybe someday you will see one in person.
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I will have to keep watch for that! Now at least I will know what it refers to.
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Oh the Biltmore mansion is on my bucket list! What a lovely activity to end the summer on.
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What a very vibrant display Anne. A perfect way to round out the Summer break.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
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xxx Summer Hugs xxx
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What a great excursion to end summer vacation. The blown glass art is terrific. I live in an area where this is still practiced on a daily basis. Thanks for sharing these wonderful pieces of art.
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Blown glass is magical. We saw men blowing glass in Venice and Corning.
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I gave my son a gift certificate to make his own paperweight at Wheaton Village, a glass-blowing establishment and museum near us.
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What a marvelous gift!
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He hasn’t scheduled a time to do it yet…I hope it is soon.
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I am so glad you got to see the exhibit! I saw it when it was at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and it was amazing! We went when it was late, late afternoon and then got to see it in the dark all lit up too. Such a treat!
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We would have to pay extra to see the Biltmore/Chihuly exhibit in the evening. I was very happy to have seen the pieces with the sun making them sparkle.
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That was an amazing exhibit!
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Great photos Anne. Our daughter Sarah and her significant other were there over the weekend also.
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I’m glad they were able to see the exhibit. Would y’all like to see it? The exhibit ends Oct 7. We could make arrangements!!
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Must pass. Have been to the Biltmore numerous times however. Thank you for the offer. September & October busy months for me doing house sitting and pet feeding. It’s my side work that pays for electronic toys. We shall take a few days and go to PA to see some Fall colors. Granddaughter Abby will fill in for my obligations. On one visit to the Biltmore we got caught in a violent rain storm in the lower Azalea garden. We could not traverse the steps to the main garden due to the water cascading like Niagara Falls. We were saved by grounds maintenance workers while huddled under a large Pine. We remember it vividly still.
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That is quite a memory!
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I had no idea that Chihuly was at the Biltmore. I’ve seen his work in various places and it is fascinating. Plus I’ve been to the Biltmore and it’s on my list to revisit. Hmmm… she says while hatching a plan.
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Please let me know when you are coming.
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This is just GORGEOUS! ❤
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The glass shimmered in the summer sun.
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Great way to spend a last day with David. Chihuly’s work is amazing! I got to see it at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and then later in Seattle where he has a whole museum—beautiful work.
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Chihuly’s art is stunning. I’m glad you’ve seen some in person.
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Incredibly beautiful works of art.
Can’t believe summer’s ending and he’s back at school!!! Where’d it go?!?!
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Summer evaporated
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Beautiful pix and love and sun, as usual.
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We have rain today, but the fun is still with us. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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