Melissa Shoufler

Be prepared to walk, climb stairs, take in the fresh air, the beautiful azalea garden, learn the cool history of the Vanderbilts and now Cecil family. You should book the two day pass, one day to visit the house, chihuly exhibit, the winery and shops and the other day to visit the gardens and hike the grounds. Your feet and muscles will hurt but it is worth it. The house has 35 spaces that you can listen to the history. You go three stories up and then down to the bottom floor which is just above the foundation. I took some time and read on a bench in the garden. You should too. To reduce walking on day one, park in C or D lot and ride, you get dropped off right by the house and you can skip the 8 minute walk back up the hill to parking lot A. I learned the hard way for you😉. If you want to take that hike keep going to the Diana statue, I didn't go see it because it was at least another 3 to 4 minute hike up hill! The wine is best for dry and semi dry drinkers. I liked the limited releases gewurztraminer and the orange muscat. Both my day in April were sunny and warm and the smell of the flowers were inviting. The growing bamboo at the entrance was a surprise because I have never seen it growing in person. It's an all day experience so start early if you have never been.