Smyrna times., 1897-06-23
LAND OF THE SKY.
The Charms of AshYiIle and BiItmOre, Ten.
nessee Centennial Exposition.

There are no more beautiful or de-
lectable resorts in America, at all times
of the year. than Ashville and Bilt-
more, Blue Ridge Mountains, in wes-
tern North Carolina, in the tabled
"Land of the Sky"
Ever since the charms of this won
derful and most fascinating region be-
came known to the travelling public, it
has been the Mecca of all who love to
dwell in the choice abodes of nature.
And nature has been indeed exceed
lngly generous in the bestowal of her
gifts in respect to the Gland of the
Sky" Never was a country blessed
with more salubrious or eouable
climate; never was a country invested
with such lovely, romantic and chaste
scenery, as this marvellous region of the
Southland. Sweeping with the eyes
the vast expanse of nature on every
hand the grandeur of the creation-of
the growth and embellishments of cos
mic life, rises up and unfolds before the
enraptured vision with imperial splen-
dor, displaying scenes of the rarest
virtue and enchantment.
Through the mountain ranges of the
''Land of the Sky" the devious course
of the beautiful French Broad River
marks succession of glorious vistas of
cosmic life. The high-walled canons.
or the tree-clad peaks standing sentinel
on either hand form a wonderful setting
to this sparkling river as it flows on
ward toward the sea.
The three famous resorts ofthe ''Land
of the Sky are Ashville, Biltmore
and Hot Springs. These may be con-
sidered separately: Ashville is an en-
terprising city, nesting amid the i'm
perial ranges that mark the ''Land of
the Sky" and has all the indications of
live and progressive municipality.
1t Is distinctly a resort city, and is
graced with numerous palatial villas,
tasteful cottages and grand hotels. It's
streets are romantic, tree-shaded drives
winding about in the most picturesque
fashion, and in the pretty park ada
cent are the handsome homes of the
favored inhabitants. The climate is
singularly dry, pure and bracing, and
possesses to a remarkable degree the
qualities which tend to promote health
and pleasure. The number of clear
days is very high for the average year.
In winter the climate is very mild, yet
extremely bracing. In summer the
charm of outdoor life is inexpressible.
The air is warm and genial, yet not
oppressive, on account of dryness, and
the nights are delightfully."- cool and
conducive to restfulness and sweet re-
pose. The great resort hotel at Ashe-
vile is the Battery Park magnificent
home which exemplifies the highest
degree of luxury and good taste. No
words of commendation are needed for
this famous house, standing proudly
upon a noble eminence, of its sumpt-
GUS furnishings, or of its peerless cui-
sine or service. The fame of the house
is worldwide.
BiltmOre This place is some two
miles from Asheville, and partakes of
the same general character, in respect
to scenery, climate and general attrac-
tiOns. But the place takes its name
from the imperial chateau of Mr..
George W. Vanderbilt, the most mag
nifcient palace in AMERICA veritable
rival of the royal abodes of the Old
World. The splendid gardens and the
great farm adjacent to the castle at
Biltmore are worthy OF a journey of
many miles to see. At Biltmore is a
palatial hotel, entirely in keeping with
this place. known as the Kenilworth
Inn, an ideal place of abode, and the
resort OF the best people of the land.
The equipment, cuisine and service of
this now famous house are equal to the
best high-class city hotels. And no
effort is spared to maintain the stand
ard of excellence in every respect.
Hot Springs. Situated in charm
plain in the midst of vast wilderness
not far from Asheville-and sur
rounded by the most beautiful peaks, is
the little city of Hot Springs. There
is the Mountain Park Hotel, charm
ing home for the health or pleasure
seeker, and most excellent sanitarium,
where the waters of the wonderful
thermal springs are administered with
the most excellent results.
THE ROUTE