Dateline Dayton — Pauline and I would like to share with you highlights of wonderful vacation, which began on Sept. 9. Before we start:

No pictures, movies, snacks, soda. You may leave at any time.

How this trip came about: A few years ago, I served on the Board of Dayton History, and I still serve on the National Cash Register Archive Committee. One fundraiser for Dayton History is called “Ringing in the Bells,” held each year in November. Although we no longer attend, we buy raffle tickets each year. This time, the raffle had two prizes, first being an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii. Second was the use of a home in Hilton Head, South Carolina, for a week. We were lucky enough to win Hilton Head.

Along with our friends Darlene and Ray, we started Thursday morning headed for our first stop, at Ashville in North Carolina, a visit to the Biltmore estate. Once settled into our motel, we checked on places to eat in the area, and they gave us a list. We chose Italian and had an excellent dinner at the Apollo Flame Bistro.

Friday morning we breakfasted at the motel and then went to the Biltmore House, built by George W. Vanderbilt with money he inherited from his father. All we can say about this fabulous 250-room mansion and its beautiful grounds is, if you ever have the opportunity to see it, don’t pass it up. We understand it is gorgeous at Christmastime. At least purchase the audio tour (an extra $10) or you will miss a lot just walking through with the book they provide.

We lunched at the café in the stables. After completing the final portion of the home tour, we visited the gift shop where I purchased postcards and a mug. On to Antler Village, another area on the estate, near the Biltmore Inn. In the village you will find restaurants, stores and a winery, which was of interest to both Darlene and Pauline. We took the free winery tour, and the gals purchased a couple bottles after sampling many. All restaurants in the Village were expensive. We returned to the motel to consult the list for a more affordable idea — the Stone Ridge Tavern, and it was good.

Sights You Never See at Home

Saturday morning we breakfasted at the motel, hen took one more trip to the estate to make sure we hadn’t missed anything. We walked around the Biltmore Village shopping area. By now it was raining. I wanted to see the Mast General Store and the Grove Arcade, both in downtown Asheville.

One neat aspect of the Mast General Store was candy in bulk barrels, quite different from the type you find at the grocery. I bought circus peanuts, individually wrapped, some caramels, and then it was on to the postcard rack. I also had to buy a mug.

Next was the Grove Arcade, which has been restored. Although the arcade is beautiful, there was little foot traffic inside and many empty store rooms. This was disappointing because it is being used as a selling point for the restoration of the Dayton Arcade.

By now it was past lunchtime and we chose the Corner Kitchen, a charming 1890’s cottage and another enjoyable Ashville eating experience.

Home Sweet (New) Home

By 3 o’clock, we were on our way to Hilton Head. We arrived at our destination Palmetto Dunes Plantation a little after 7 and with directions from the nice lady at security. We had no problem finding our home for the week, a lovely, lived-in, two story home, with a grand living room, two dining areas and a full bath for each bedroom, as well as, a half bath off the living room.

Laundry facilities and any type of game you might want, a computer and beach chairs. After unloading the car, we were on our way to find something to eat. Needing gas, the attendant told us about the Hilton Head Diner. This place was a topic of conversation for a week and it wasn’t about the food, which was okay, or the facility, which could have used a good cleaning.

It was about our waitress and her attire. A good portion of her upper body was exposed, much to the delight of both Ray and me. Don’t get me wrong. This girl was completely clothed, just a nice portion was exposed.

The home sat on a lagoon and was equipped with a fishing boat, canoe and a kayak, none of which we used. Directly across the street was a golf course. We were one block from the pool and beach access. Other than a side trip to Savannah, we spent our days eating and enjoying the beach or pool. None of us played golf.

Please join us next week for the great eating places we visited, the beautiful Hilton Head Beach, our pool and the Savannah excursion.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net