Biltmore House and Gardens Archives

Dan and Diane Rogers earned degrees in engineering back during their college days, but he migrated into a sales position, and she became a stay-at-home mom and honed her skills in the kitchen. Eventually, she took a job as a Girl Friday/bookkeeper for a CPA friend. Little did they realize that they were being perfectly groomed to eventually reinvent themselves as owners of a B & B in Asheville, N.C. Dan’s sales job took an unexpected turn, and they found themselves trying to figure out what to do next — and were still young enough and healthy enough to pursue something completely different. Pinecrest B & B was for sale. They snatched it up, began the steep learning curve, and now have a very successful business that is a vibrant part of the Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association.

Pinecrest B & B, nestled in an Asheville neighborhood.

Steve and I met Dan and Diane the afternoon after spending hours at the Biltmore Home and Gardens. The Biltmore was amazing, especially with the displays of Chihuly glass, but we were worn completely out. I rang the bell and was greeted by their smiling faces. What a relief! They showed Steve and me to our beautiful room, gave us a quick tour of the common areas, offered to answer any questions we had, and then left us to rest and recuperate.

Welcoming foyer/entranceway.

Dining room for breakfast.

Sitting area in the sunroom.

A welcome bag was in the room with some of the most delicious popcorn I’ve ever eaten. Diane could go into the popcorn business and be a huge success, but there was more. Fresh peanut butter cookies with chocolate ganache were waiting on a sideboard. Oh. My. Goodness. The recipe is embedded in the inn’s website under their blog. Here’s a link. They are somewhat labor-intensive, but I can guarantee they will become a cookie you dream about. And, can you believe it? The cookies are gluten free!!

Delectable popcorn created by Diane Rogers.

Afternoon treat – peanut butter cookies with chocolate ganache.

The beds are equipped with sheets and bedding by Comphy. The rooms are filled with delightful amenities. You’ll enjoy a truly comfortable night’s sleep. THEN COMES BREAKFAST!.

Guest room – Grace Suite.

Dan is the congenial host, serving the guests — ladies first, of course — and being sure everyone has what they want. In the meantime, Diane works her magic in the kitchen. Breakfast is served at 9:00 a.m., but for guests who have to leave earlier, a to-go breakfast is provided. Listen to the menu when we were there: Deviled eggs, Asparagus and Proscuitto, Stuffed French Toast with fresh peaches and maple syrup, and Breakfast Sausage with coffee, tea or juice. It was outstanding and served so attractively. There were 10 of us at the table, including a couple from Ireland, so the conversation was stimulating and fun.

Deviled eggs, asparagus wrapped in proscuitto.

Stuffed French Toast with fruit and sausage.

I so regret that I didn’t get a photo of Dan and Diane, but there’s a great one on the Pinecrest website. The moral of this whole story is that it is entirely possible for people to put their whole life experience to use in very unexpected ways and be highly successful. The possibilities are almost endless.

If you plan a trip to Asheville, I urge you to consider staying at Pinecrest B & B. Meet Dan and Diane. Enjoy their hospitality and be inspired by them.

Between now and October 7, 2018, the Biltmore House and Gardens will be enhanced by installations of glass creations created by Dale Chihuly and his talented team of glass blowers. This exhibit has taken four years of intense planning and preparation, and the results are spectacular. The garden staff carefully chose plants that would complement the glass pieces and showcase them in the best context. As you might imagine, the spring and summer plants will be replaced by fall varieties before the show ends in October. That’s just another area where the meticulous plans have taken shape and will come to fruition.

Biltmore House in Asheville, N.C.

It took weeks for eight engineers and artists to assemble the thousands of pieces of packed glass that arrived in six 53-foot-long tractor-trailer trucks. In October, they will return and start the tedious process of deconstructing each of the creations.

Here are just a few photos from our recent visit:

Chihuly orbs in the Italian Garden.

Cattails and Copper Birch Reeds in front of the Conservatory.

In the gardens near the Conservatory.

Chihuly in the atrium.

Daytime tickets to the house and gardens include viewing the Chihuly exhibits, but to see them at night a separate ticket is required. Regular admission price for adults is $67.00. You will want to add an audio device when you are taking the 90-minute tour of the house. The charge is $10.98. The device has a neckloop and is similar to listening on a cellphone. There are no earbuds. You just press the tour number and hold it to your ear.

IF YOU GO:

Dining options on the grounds include the Stable Cafe, The Bake Shop, The Conservatory Cafe and The Courtyard Market. I would suggest getting out of the crowd and driving over to Antler Hill Village. Steve and I enjoyed a delicious, relaxing lunch at Bistro, but other choices are Cedric’s Tavern and Village Social.

There are also several lodging options associated with the Biltmore, but I would like to highly recommend Pinecrest B & B, about 20-25 minutes away near downtown Asheville. The rooms are comfortable and beautifully decorated. The breakfast is out-of-this-world, and the hosts, Dan and Diane Rogers are delightful.

Pinecrest B & B in Asheville, N.C.

The Grace Suite, Pinecrest B & B, Asheville, N.C.

If you want “the mountain experience” and don’t mind driving a little farther, Wildberry Lodge is a large log cabin structure in a gorgeous setting. Here, too, you will find welcoming hosts and a delicious breakfast.

Large outdoor deck of Wildberry Lodge overlooking the mountains.

Porch where breakfast is served at Wildberry Lodge when the weather permits.

Stay tuned for more posts about Asheville and the surrounding area, but in the meantime, start making your plans to visit.

LEARNING FROM PASSIONATE PEOPLE: Engineers Reinvented as Innkeepers in Asheville, N.C.

The Biltmore House and Gardens + Chihuly = A Stunning Combination

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