Abbington Green Inn Gardens, Asheville, NC, credit: CarlisleFlowers

Intuition told us to stay at a bed and breakfast when we recently visited Asheville, North Carolina.  It proved right.  The turn of the century Victorian and Arts and Crafts homes reflect the great detail the craftsmen, many of whom helped to build the Biltmore, the home of George and Edith Vanderbilt, employed to embellish these impressive homes.

The White Gate Inn and Cottage Garden, Asheville, NC credit: CarlisleFlowers

Each bed and breakfast was unique in style and we had the good fortune to stay in two, one on the first leg of our trip south and the second on our way home.  It quickly became apparent how challenging the life of a bed and breakfast owner can be: to get baby-sitters while you are away, employ staff to serve three course breakfasts, take care of homes that constantly demand attention, and on top of that to have time for a garden.  Below are gardens where we stayed and gardens that we visited.  For you who have not visited Asheville, it is a must!

Carriage House at 1900 Inn on Montford Garden, Asheville, NC credit: CarlisleFlowers

Chesnut Street Inn Garden, Asheville, NC credit: CarlisleFlowers