Historic Biltmore + Historic Costumes = Happy Historical Authors

I recently went on a writer's retreat with a great group of authors in Asheville, NC.  We spent one of the days exploring the amazing Biltmore Estate.  Not only is this America's largest private home, but it is currently hosting the Designed for Drama exhibit, full of costumes from some of our favorite  period drama movies!

Yes, we did write!  And we enjoyed some fun time too!  But Biltmore was definitely one of the highlights of the trip!  We explored the gardens and the amazing house.  We oohed and awed over the costumes.  And we visited the winery.

The Greenhouse

The formal gardens

The house!

Here's our lovely group!  

Katherine Bone, Sabrina Jeffries, Ava Stone, Samantha Kane, Me! J.D. Allen and Julie Johnstone

The amazing view from the veranda.  I could live out there all spring, summer and fall!

The historical costumes only added to the perfection of the day!  

Emma Thompson's ball gown from Sense and Sensibility!

Colin Firth's outfit from the jump in the lake in the BBC Pride and Prejudice--as well as Jennifer Ehle's walking gown!

Uma Thurman's costume from The Golden Bowl

And Kate Winslet's outfit from Finding Neverland

As you can see, it was a lovely weekend!  If you can get to the Biltmore while the exhibit is in place, I highly recommend it!