Enjoy our most recent article for the dog travel channel
THE BUCK STOPS HERE
Greetings from the Buckaroo & Martha, your “on the beat” reporters covering the Asheville area and owners of Bed & Breakfast at Ponder Cove, (pondercove.com/petfriendly/) Asheville area’s original pet friendly accommodation. Join them as they keep you “in the know” for all the “dogeriffic” happenings and places of interest in Western North Carolina.
Martha and Buck Take on the Biltmore
The rumor was out there that the Biltmore had become one, if not the most dog-friendly attractions here in the Asheville area. Our guests had bragged about the over -the -top fun their K-9s had experienced. So, it was high time we checked it out for ourselves. Buck reminded me that he’d never had the pleasure. So, off we went.
We knew dogs were welcomed on the grounds. So we assumed that we’d be walking some trails, cruising some gardens and home we’d come. AU CONTRAIRE…..We were allowed all over the place and a good time was had by all.
I always park at the Arboretum and then hike up the stairs to the estate. I just love this garden area that leads to my favorite vantage point where I view our beloved blue hills. It is right above the wisteria that leads to the house. Of course the wisteria was not in bloom but I did promise to bring Buck back in Spring when we could take in the visual and olfactory experience. Buck being a bit “short in the pooch” couldn’t see without a boost. He agreed we are lucky to have the Biltmore in our backyard, not to mention the majesty of the Appalachian Mountains.
We made it to the house where Buck got a little barky when I explained that he was not allowed inside. He reminded me that since the Biltmore had been the home to St. Bernards, Russian Wolfhounds and Sheepdogs he was certain the pets past wouldn’t have mind would not mind. He then insisted he was channeling Cedric, George Vanderbilt’s first St. Bernard and that Cedric was calling to him. (Does this dog think I am that gullible?) He eventually understood that we all must do our part to preserve such an heirloom. And risky it would be to allow pets within the walls of the famed home.
While frolicking on the front lawn we met up with some traveling pooches, one delightful cocker and two mini dachshunds. With a bit of a scramble and entanglement of leashes the introductions were made and the consensus from the dogs was that they were having a marvelous day. So, we trotted on.
After a wonderful romp around the grounds and a stop off at the Bass pond we then jumped in the car and headed for C
edric’s, the pub in Antler Village named after the infamous pooch. We were looking forward to lunch at the Biltmore’s dog-friendly restaurant and so it came to be, of course al fresco. The staff was delightful and treated Buck with genuine Biltmore hospitality.
We were eager to find out all we could about Cedric . It seems George Vanderbilt’s trusted Saint Bernard was the first pet at the Biltmore. No one is sure how George came to own Cedric, but they do know that he brought him to Biltmore from Pointe d’Acadie, his summer home in Bar Harbor, Maine, sometime around the opening of Biltmore House in 1895.
They went on to state the obvious and that life was good for a pet of the Vanderbilt’s. Cedric not only had free reign of at least the first floor of Biltmore House, which he often spent lounging in the Library or Billiard Room or sunning himself on the Loggia, but he also frequently accompanied his master and other family members on excursions throughout their vast estate.
With our bellies full we headed to Biltmore Farm which was just a hop, skip and a jump. The staff could not have been nicer encouraging us to take funny pictures of our beloved Buckaroo. We finished off our day with a stroll (trying to work off our yummy fish and chips) around the bike path with a view of the Swannanoa River.
The day was splendid and the visit to the Biltmore was all the more fun with Buck in tow. It truly allowed us to take in the gardens at a wonderful pace allow us to absorb the majesty of fame landscape architect, Frederick Olmsted’s vision.
If you choose to take in the house on the same day as your visit of the grounds note there are a few kennels. You must ask the gate keepers upon entering and you will be directed. Pets must be leashed at all times for safety and comfort for all guests. Dogs are not allowed in the main house but we were welcomed in several of the other buildings. Of course we asked permission and were on our best behavior.
By the looks of Buck’s wiggling butt, wagging tail and grin it was a “bone-afide” FIVE BONE EXPERIENCE and you know what that means. BUCK NOT ONLY STOPED HERE BUT HE WILL BE BACK!
You will find the Biltmore about 30 minutes from Ponder Cove (pondercove.com/petfriendly/) right in the middle of Asheville city limits.
Licks and kisses until next time…
Martha and the Buckster
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