The Biltmore Christmas Tree Arrives Holiday Activities Happening After Helene

One of the things that secondarily crossed my mind when thinking about the impact of Hurricane Helene in the mountains of North Carolina (after the families that lost everything) was the economic impact. Specifically, ski resorts and to me the symbol of the area, The Biltmore Estate.

Winter tourism is a HUGE deal in western North Carolina and in the immediate aftermath of Helene all I heard was that the Biltmore was closed due to extensive damage and impassible roads. Happily, these situations have proven to be temporary, and George Vanderbilt's beautiful home and estate is once again open for tourism and the seasonal Christmas Tree has arrived.

"A Biltmore Christmas" is something to behold. If you've never visited the estate when decorated for the holidays, please do. Its magnificence is boundless-especially the candlelight tour. The centerpiece of the main house is the preposterously enormous Christmas tree. WCNC reports, A horse-drawn carriage delivered a massive Christmas tree to the famous tourist destination in the north carolina mountains on Wednesday. About 40 people then helped carry the 35-foot frasier fir inside to the Grand Banquet Hall, where it will become a centerpiece to the estate's holiday celebration.

For the first time since Hurricane Helene, The Biltmore Estate is set to re-open on November 2 (this Saturday).

It's no secret among my family and friends that I love finding quality restaurants to try.  One of the things I love about Charlotte is there's never a lack of cool places to go for a celebration. The restaurant scene in Charlotte and the surrounding areas is really impressive.  That inspired me to put together a list of Charlotte's Best Restaurants to visit for special occasions. And, with family coming to visit for the holidays, we need somewhere special to take everybody. We usually plan a couple of special nights out when family comes to town. We always save the super nice meal out for Christmas Eve.

So, when I came across Charlotte Magazine's steakhouse guide, I immediately took a look. The list is great. In fact, I've been to so many on it!  I decided to include those along with some others of our personal favorites, too.  I hope you can try some of our favorites on this list for your next celebratory outing.  Charlotte's Best Restaurants For Special Occasions and Holidays is a good list to keep handy when planning your upcoming events. And, I even threw in one from South Carolina we just discovered since relocating to the area.

The Capital Grille has to be one of our absolute favorites in town. Although it's been a few years since we visited, it was our go-to anniversary spot for several years in a row. We love the upscale vibe and dark wood features of the dining room.  From the minute we walked in, the service was always top notch. We felt special with the little touches they added, including a personalized note and dessert for our occasion. The steaks are amazing. And, we thoroughly enjoyed the sides. We loved the truffle fries. And, our son couldn't get enough lobster mac n cheese.  They're located at 201 N. Tryon St.  Reach them at 704-348-1400.

Steak 48 is another great choice that is relatively new to Charlotte.  The chain opened on Sharon Rd. over the last few years.  Once again, service was first and foremost from the minute we arrived.  Steaks were great!  And, in keeping with most steakhouses of its kind, the sides are big enough for the table.  I remember some pretty amazing cocktails, too.  And, everyone raves about the seafood tower.  I recommend the Deviled Eggs Topped with Crispy Shrimp as an appetizer!  Find them at 4425 Sharon Rd.  Reach them at 980-580-4848.

We have had some incredible meals at The Porter's House over the years.  They're located in Waverly shopping center on Providence Rd. not far from 485.  We made it a Christmas Eve destination a couple of times.  Once, when my in-laws visited, we just happened to get the "private room."  It was lovely.  I've had unbelievable meals there, including everything from steak, to seafood to a thick, juicy pork chop.  And, during the holidays, they typically offer a seasonal "Mule" cocktail that's delicious.  They're at 7417 Waverly Walk Ave.  Reach them at 704-930-7878.

Staying in the same shopping center, Ted's Montana Grill is another favorite.  It's a chain founded by Ted Turner and George McKerrow.  It opened in Charlotte in 2017.  I remember the first time we went.  We took our son, and once he had the "Bison Nachos," he was hooked.  Yes, they serve bison in nachos, burgers and meatloaf.  It's so yummy.  And, every table got the house made pickles as a little treat before ordering.  This spot is nice enough for a special occasion, but it works for a nice night out anytime.  Find Ted's at 7404 Waverly Walk Ave.  Reach them at 704-841-7502.

This spot is relatively new to Charlotte. We visited RH Rooftop Restaurant last year during the holidays for the first time, and we were blown away. The unique and beautiful restaurant is on the third floor of RH Charlotte at Phillips Place near South Park Mall. It's breathtaking. The chandeliers in the dining room are stunning, and the views are spectacular. One of the best items on the menu is the lobster roll. I highly recommend it. This spot is definitely Instagram photo worthy. And, it's also a great lunch or brunch spot! Find RH at 6903 Phillips Place Court. Reach them at 704-790-4970.

So, I promised you a bonus location in South Carolina.  Just recently, we discovered The Pump House in Rock Hill.  This place was amazing.  The view from the top is incredible.  It towers five stories along the banks of the Catawba River.  I definitely recommend trying to snag a table up top with a view.  They feature an award-winning wine list and a southern-inspired chophouse menu.  On our first visit, I had a delicious seafood feature of trout, and the soup of the day was an amazing tomato.  The service was top notch and the food out of this world.  Find them at 575 Herrons Ferry Rd, Rock Hill.  Reach them at 803-329-8888.