Jump Into Fall with an Entertaining Concert Series at The Biltmore

Biltmore Estate in North Carolina is a wonderful getaway destination offering fun, relaxation and entertainment. The outdoor Biltmore Concert Series is heading into fall with live performances by The Lettermen (Sept. 28), David Cassidy (Oct. 5), Mary Wilson (Oct. 12) and the Gatlin Brothers (Oct. 19). The shows take place at Diana at Biltmore overlooking the mountain view at sunset. Tickets are available online at www.biltmore.com.

Now that Labor Day and this week's DNC has come to a close, it's time to enjoy a concert, cooler weather and exquisite accommodations at the Inn at Biltmore Estates, which are offered in Biltmore Concert Series packages. And the Biltmore is only two hours outside of Charlotte.

The Concert Series includes The Lettermen with Tony Butala, Donovan Tea and Bobby Poynton. They're a part of our rich American music history. They first hit the music charts in 1961 with "The Way You Look Tonight", followed with "When I Fall In Love". My Lettermen favorite is "I Think I'm Goin' Out of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and "Theme From a Summer Place". Their music is the backdrop of many memories of past and future memories to be made at Biltmore.

David Cassidy" from the "Partridge Family", David Cassidy's music was a favorite when I was young and I still enjoy it now with songs that include "Cherish," "Could It Be Forever," "How Can I Be Sure," "Rock Me Baby" and especially "I Think I Love You." With dimples, his warm crooked smile still shines bright. He was an invited guest into our living rooms, then concert arenas, Broadway and Vegas. Now invited to the Biltmore, Cassidy is sure to entertain.

Mary Wilson, a founding member of The Supremes, Mary Wilson has always had an extraordinary voice and she is an incredible talent. She has gone on to be a solo performer with dozens of hits also performing on stage and screen. Wilson's strong voice commands the stage in polished style. As an original Motown female singer, she has set the bar high for all female performers in the music industry.

Raised in Texas, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Bothers teamed up in the '70s becoming one of country music's most successful groups. Their chart topping hits include "Broken Lady", "All the Gold in California", "Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)" and my familiar favorite, "She Used to be Somebody's Baby". Larry Gatlin has always been known for his rich tenor voice and the harmony of the Gatlin Brothers together, has always been special. The Gatlin Brothers bring their legacy to the Biltmore stage.

As a Biltmore yearly passholder, I enjoy going with my family a few times a year. Sometimes we take our golden retriever for a day trip to stroll the gardens (dogs are allowed on the grounds, but not in the buildings). This past week was the first time that we stayed at the Inn at Biltmore Estate. It offered comfortable well-appointed accommodations along with a relaxed atmosphere to unwind and enjoy a respite.

We chose to eat in the library at the Inn the first evening. Our waiter couldn't have been more gracious. We were seated at the cathedral windows looking out on the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The relaxed atmosphere invited us to speak to the couple seated at the next table. Ashville attracts people from all over the world. This couple was celebrating their anniversary and happened to live in Merrick, next to Bellmore, the town in which I grew up on Long Island. We shared stories of our memories of the area, people and life. We made fast friends. We discovered we both had the same inspiring art teacher in school, Dan Christoffel.

The next day, after a fantastic Inn breakfast we headed out horseback riding on Biltmore Estates. It was perfect weather; we meandered through the winding trails of tall pines and old oaks. It was very picturesque and yes, I've said it a few times, very "relaxing". The Biltmore also offers rafting on the French Broad River, which winds through the estate. We'll experience that on our next visit.

We enjoyed the "Architect's Tour" of the estate, where we were privileged to see how the slate roof was installed in the attic and how the stone staircase supports its own weight. We sampled the Biltmore wines and later enjoyed the musician playing guitar on the grounds at Antler Hill Village. The village houses the Biltmore Legacy Exhibition "The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad", a British Isles styled pub, shops and an ice-cream parlor. It's a new addition to Biltmore Estate.

At night we ventured out with our new friends into the heart of Asheville enjoying mirthful street theater with an eclectic group of Bohemian street fairish types out of another era, art galleries and a little Indian restaurant. The food was delicious.

We plan on going back. What a delightful way to enjoy the autumn leaves changing color, entertained by the talented lineup of performers coming to the Biltmore this fall!

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