With daytime temperatures in the 50’s, a nice counterpoint to the brilliance of Christmas in the House is the simple notion of a walk on the farm—down to our barn of sheep and goats and other critters and on to the vegetable patch beyond, source of in-season fresh produce for Estate tables. Nearby, at the Winery, there’s another reason for slowing down and saying thanks: this year’s seasonal release. It’s an expressive Chardonnay, rich and gardeny, and, according to Estate Winemaster Bernard Delille, perfect with plum pudding.

The Weather Today

Morning with a freshening, cool breeze, high of 45; afternoon, partly sunny with temperatures rising to 56. Anticipated wait to enter the House: Less than five minutes.

Guest Quote of the Week
(Overheard Wednesday, December 10)

“I wonder if ‘The Little Engine That Could” is in here somewhere!?!”

--Amy Richenbacher, age 7, in the 20,000+ volumed Vanderbilt Library

On this Day in 1904

George Vanderbilt held his annual Christmas party for House staff. The evening before, it snowed eight inches (over a foot on Mount Pisgah), creating the opportunity for moon-lit sleigh rides behind Big Charlie and Jack O’Neil, two out-sized bays who lived in handsome quarters at the House stables.

Today’s “Explore” Tip

With a break in temperatures, it’s a good day to take off on Biltmore’s Rooftop Tour. The mountains show up in winter garb, looking like a string of hound dogs curled into a long nap. And, from the roof, the meticulous landscapes of Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of Central Park, take on an extraordinary geometry which he would never see in his own lifetime. (Link to Rooftop Tour)

Facts with Gravitational Pull

There are 63 trees decorated in the House this year with a total of 5,019 ornaments and 211 packages wrapped up with string.

On Sale Beneath the Conservatory

Wreaths of assorted sizes, dressable with Victorian ornaments you can add on the spot.

Today’s Special at the Stable Café

A squash soup, honied and gingered, with arugula salad and hot corn bread fresh from the oven. (Link to Farm-to-Table)

Gems from the Biltmore Staff

“We’ve uncrated two trunks of carefully-wrapped Victorian ornaments Mrs. Vanderbilt used to decorate the ‘big tree’ when she lived in the house. They’re amazing. You can actually see them for the first time on our twenty-foot fraziers on either side of the Library fireplace.”

--Cathy Barnhart, floral displays manager