A few months ago, I was in Asheville, North Carolina. Every time I told someone that I was going to Asheville, they asked if I was going to see the Biltmore. And if they have been to Asheville before, they would get wistful and tell me that I will love it there. Now I know why and honestly, I want to move there! There's something in the water in Asheville, the food is amazing, there's a food community there that's extremely supportive of each other and the people, they are so gracious.
This is the fourth Food Blog Forum event that I have helped organize. I can't believe it. Time flies when you're having fun. I love organizing events and we have a great team. I love working with others and I absolutely love meeting other bloggers and I of course love eating the food! I love the food blogging community and that's why I contribute and am on the FBF team because I believe in it so much.
This guy, my husband, Curtis. He makes so much possible by being super supportive of what I do. I'm a lucky girl! Peeking in the background is the Biltmore!
The opening party was hosted by the Doubletree Biltmore folks, and it was amazing.
There was tons of wine and moonshine.
And we had lots of fun. Photo by Diane of White on Rice Couple.
And look at the food.
And there as a super fun band too!
The next day, the conference was in an old barn called the Lioncrest on the Biltmore property…neat right?
We had some amazing speakers…
As everyone listened intently.
And had wonderful sponsors, OXO and KitchenAid who showed off some brand new products.
Kelly and KitchenAid showed off their new juicer attachment for the stand mixer!
Lunch was next door to the Lioncrest and it was beautiful.
The food was amazing…that fried chicken, I still dream about!
After the sessions which were really informative and fun (Lindsay and I spoke at round tables about collaboration), we got a tour of the Biltmore House.
It was amazing.
Seriously, couldn't get the whole house in one shot…it should have been called the Biltmore MANSION.
After the Biltmore House tour, they hosted a reception for us complete with a biscuit bar. I want to do a biscuit bar at my next party. 🙂
The next day, we had a wonderful day visiting Asheville, walking up hills…
meeting goats…
tasting amazing food…
enjoying time with friends…
tasting chocolate…
And then had an out of this world restaurant tasting tour in Asheville. Above is a fried risotto ball in lobster ragout from Chestnut.
And many more including wonderful tapas from The Nightbell. That was an amazing experience. The chefs and restaurants rolled out the red carpet for us. We left full and happy.
To the amazing FBF team <3 <3 <3 (Lindsay, me, Todd & Diane, Jaden & Scott)
Huge thanks to our hosts, Visit Asheville, the Biltmore and our sponsors DoubleTree Asheville for making this event over the top amazing. And to our other loyal sponsors, KitchenAid, and OXO, for always supporting FBF every year! And to the rest of our sponsors, DeLallo, Two Good Scents, Whole Foods, Bastina and Harry & David for helping make this event amazing!
Asheville, I will return once again. That town left a mark on me!
And I can't wait for FBF next year in February!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
This looks fantastic, what a fun event in a fabulous setting! Will definitely look into the Food Blog Forum in the future, thanks!
Michele @ Flavor Mosaic says
Asheville looks beautiful and the event looks like so much fun! I’m going to have to put this on my to do list! I’ve never been to a blog conference. I definitely want to try to go to one next year.
Rachelle says
Omigoodness this looks fun! And it’s been so long since I’ve been to Asheville, this is making me want to go back soon!
I WISH I could make the next FBF coming up in Orlando, but it’s during my wedding anniversary weekend. Next one, though, I’ll be there! What a fabulous event.
Kirsten says
This makes me want to be a full time food blogger!!!!
Andi says
Shoot! I missed out, would have loved to attend. I need to make sure that I don’t miss the 5th annual. Especially if there is fried chicken again, that is my weakness!
Katie @Travelpanties says
Wow! This really makes me want to go even more than I already did to Asheville. Looks like it was quite an event. Your photos are beautiful!! Need to check it out for a long weekend!
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen says
What a fabulous event! I wish I could have gone. I’ve never been to Asheville, but I’ve heard some really good things about it!
Amanda says
What a great location for the event. That food looks great, especially the fried chicken!
Kim - Liv Life says
I’ve heard such wonderful things about this event, and your photos just prove how wonderful it was. Definitely on my list… someday (coming from California).
Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer says
Asheville was beautiful! And this conference was so well done, organized, great info! Great recap, Julie!
Emily @ Life on Food says
I would love to visit Ashville for a mini vacation.
Linda | Brunch with Joy says
That sounds like a really fun trip, Julie. Glad to see you and a bunch of food bloggers on the pics.
Julie says
Asheville is one of my favorite cities ever!
Penny @ The Comforts of Home and From Harvest To Table says
I live in Asheville! I wish I would have known about this event. I have a food blog and a lifestyle blog. My food blog has taken the back burner after dealing with an illness this year, but I am looking forward to getting back into it in 2015. My food blog is http://www.fromharvesttotable.com and my lifestyle blog is http://www.thecomfortsofhome.blogspot.com .
If you are ever in Asheville again with the blog forum and it is open to reservations, I would love to know!
Penny
Joanne @ Fifteen Spatulas says
I had such a great time in Asheville, thank you for all the hard work you did!