Biltmore Estate Travel Guide
Asheville, North Carolina
Why visit Biltmore Estate?
Step back in time when you visit the breathtaking Biltmore Estate. The Vanderbilt family left no stone unturned, and every inch of this grand masterpiece is filled with detail and exquisite beauty everywhere you look. Starting with your shuttle bus ride onto the estate with its stained wood interior and brass railings and detail, it’s a ride in style that prepares you for what is to come!
Why is the Biltmore Estate famous?
It’s the largest residence in America that was built by the Vanderbilt family, most importantly George Washington Vanderbilt III was the conceiver and overseer of the construction, architect, and family legacy. In 1895 he welcomed friends and family to the Biltmore Estate on Christmas Eve for the formal opening of this ambitious home in America. The Vanderbilts were one of the best-known families in America at the time. Originally from Holland, they emigrated around 1650 to America.
Shown is the “Going to the Opera” painting that William Henry Vanderbilt commissioned artist Seymour Guy to paint in 1873. Seated at left is William Henry and the young boy seated in front of him is George Vanderbilt.
This painting hangs in one of the many hallways and is also seen in a newer painting hanging on the second floor living hall wall in the background. (Painting inside a painting-see below.)
See the above painting in the background of this newer painting? Details like this excite me and are like little easter eggs to find in this elaborate estate.
We asked one of the workers there how old this painting was, and she believed it was painted in the 1980’s. From research, the man seated is the youngest of the two sons, William A.V. Cecil, shown with his wife, children and grandchildren.
When is the best time to visit the Biltmore Estate?
The answer is ANYTIME! Year round there are different beauties to behold.
Keep reading for a brief summary of what to find with each of Biltmore’s seasons.
SPRING AND SUMMER: In the spring and summer, the gardens and paths are filled with flowers and blooms for the season. There are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy like kayaking, bike riding and fly fishing.
FALL: In fall, the colors come alive in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains with fiery red, orange and yellow trees as far as the eye can see and frame the estate majestically. The weather is also cooler to enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, horseback riding, carriage rides and bird watching.
WINTER: Although you can still enjoy many of the same activities of other seasons of the year, the Biltmore Estate and nearby Antler Hill Village is adorned inside and out with Christmas embellishments, candles, wreaths, poinsettias and hundreds of trees inside that are all uniquely decorated and comes together for a magically experience. The dates are roughly from the beginning of November till the first week of January (check their website HERE for the exact dates.) Biltmore offers a Candlelight Evenings experience that cost a little bit more, but very much worth it. The pathways leading to the Biltmore House are lined with luminaries and welcomes you inside to the soft glow of candles, warmth of the lit fireplaces and twinkling lights throughout the grand house.
Things to do at Biltmore
Tour the Biltmore House
In my opinion, if you come to Biltmore, you must tour the inside of this grand estate house. It’s like no other and tastefully designed with elaborate details everywhere you look. There is a room for every occasion and purpose. For example: a music room, billiard room, banquet room and even a Halloween room in the basement with painted imaginative murals on each section of the walls and was used for some parties.
The breathtaking 102-step Grand Staircase spirals to the fourth floor. Through the center, hangs a stunning large wrought-iron chandelier that is suspended from a single point and illuminated by 72 electric bulbs.
See the photograph below for the outside view of stairs.
The outside design of the Biltmore grand staircase was inspired by a 16th-century French castle, Chateau de Blois in Loire Valley.
The spirals were built going in the opposite direction of the French castle, maybe Vanderbilt didn’t want to be a complete copycat, right? He actually brought a photograph of the castle back with him from a trip there for his architect, Richard Hunt to use for a reference.
Photos do not do justice to how amazing every inch of this magnificent house is, but I just wanted to take a few for example, like this ceiling photo of the Banquet Hall.
Two enormous chandeliers hang over a long table that will seat at least 30 people and three fireplaces were used to heat this area when needed.
I won’t show you every room of this spectacular house but see below for a small gallery of some of the extravagant and detailed catches I photographed. Trust me, spend the extra and take the house tour, it’s worth it! They offer expert guided tours or self-guided audio tours, prices differ.
Discover beauty in nature
There are many ways to enjoy your visit at the Biltmore Estate. If you love nature, there are several walking paths that lead to ponds, bridges and gardens filled with blooms.
Are you a wildlife lover? If so, sign up for guided bird watching or discover the ancient art of falconry for those who want an up-close experience learning how to handle a trained hawk or falcon.
Do you love adventure? There is also archery, horseback riding, carriage rides, kayaking, fly fishing and even a Land Rover Experience where you can drive and navigate obstacles off the beaten path, whatever your skill level.
Want to relax? Perhaps you just want a relaxing and pampered day, if that sounds more like you, make reservations for a relaxing spa visit or meditation session.
A chocolate and wine tasting experience (in my opinion) would be another delicious way to relax and savor your visit to Biltmore.
Biltmore has been making their own wine since 1985. Savor complimentary tastings of their award-winning wines and grab a few bottles to take home and enjoy!
Just entering the winery is an experience in itself. First you pass along a path with an overhead trellis that leads into a dark tunnel filled with twinkling lights to guide the way. It’s an immersive experience (and romantic!) with a tasty reward awaiting you. There are guided tours and tastings available, for more information click HERE. See some more photographs from my experience below.
Are you into flowers and gardens? Spring, summer, and fall are you best times for visiting Biltmore if you want to see colorful blooms. Spring beholds beautiful tulips, azaleas, cherry blossoms and more.
Summer is the best time to see big, beautiful rose bushes in assorted colored blooms along with hydrangeas, water lilies and more.
Fall ushers in change with brightly colored chrysanthemums planted in the gardens. The Biltmore estate’s talented gardeners meticulously tend to every season for your delight throughout the year. Check out the current bloom report for Biltmore by clicking HERE.
Biltmore Gardens Railway (April-September)
This is a must-see exhibit and admission is included with the Biltmore House admission. Botanical garden with replicas of landmarks including the Biltmore House handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
The model trains are constantly running on the tracks through plants, across bridges, passing under waterfalls, around corners and above your head. The sights and sounds are truly amazing, and I highly recommend seeing this one-of-a-kind exhibit, it was pure joy and invoked imagination and wonder. See below photographs for more of the Biltmore Gardens Railway exhibit.
Where to eat at the Biltmore Estate?
There are several dining options available throughout the property.
Directly adjacent to the Biltmore House there are options that include the Courtyard Market offering gourmet hot dogs, sausages and snacks. The Bake Shop has freshly baked treats, coffees and sandwiches. The Biltmore Dairy Bar has ice cream, sundaes and milkshakes, perfect for hot summer visits and the Conservatory Cafe offers light snacks, small plates and beverages (open seasonally.)
Another option at this location that I highly recommend is The Stable Cafe. Originally the estate’s horse stable now turned into a unique lunch experience.
Not only is the atmosphere wonderful in keeping with the once used horse stalls turned into dining booths, but the food is also outstanding with the freshest ingredients used full of flavor.
I enjoyed the Spice Rubbed Springer Mountain Chicken with BBQ baked beans, roasted baby carrots and Alabama white sauce. Our very accommodating and attentive waitress found out it was my birthday and had the staff prepare a special dessert of the most delicious slice of Red Velvet Cake on the house! Service and food were top notch, and I highly recommend eating here. They have some unique drink options as well. Check out some of the photos below of my experience at The Stable Cafe.
Some more delicious options are available at Antler Hill Village, a short drive from the Biltmore House, but still located within the estate property.
Bistro: A vibrant, yet casual setting that embodies the charm of Europe and uses regionally sourced ingredients. Serves lunch and dinner.
Cedric’s Tavern: American and global cuisine and tavern favorites along with craft beers, spirits and wines. Live music nightly. Servies lunch and dinner.
Village Social: Traditional southern style using sustainable seafood and regional ingredients. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Antler Hill Village was once the social center for families who lived and worked on the estate. Included in admission, it now provides casual entertainment and exhibits.
The Barn hosts craft demonstrations, including blacksmithing and woodworking. The Farmyard offers you an opportunity to get up close and personal with friendly farm animals. There is also a playground and adventure center for kids of all ages and skill levels as well as the Village Green for relaxation and quality family time. Antler Hill Village hosts seasonal activities and live music on select times and days.
How much does it cost to visit Biltmore Estate?
It really depends on the time of year that you visit and what you want to see or do. If you are only interested in seeing the gardens and grounds the price can range from $55-85. For visits including the house tours, prices start around $89 for a self-guided tour and as high as $384 for an all-access expert guided tour with complimentary wine tasting. The grounds ticket will still give you access to the restaurants, stores, winery and outdoor activities such as walking paths and gardens and other activities that you can purchase separately upon your visit. (Reservations are highly encouraged though!) You can check out detailed ticket pricing by clicking HERE.
Do I need a reservation to visit the Biltmore Estate?
Reservations are highly recommended, and you are not guaranteed entry without one.
Click HERE to make a reservation.
Are there shuttle buses available at Biltmore?
Yes. There are shuttle bus services available from parking lots C, D and E that will take you to the Biltmore House only. They are clearly marked as you enter. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a shuttle pass for $15 to get to other parts of the property such as Antler Hill Village or use your own car.
Are there ADA shuttles for guests with disabilities that visit the Biltmore Estate? Yes. ADA shuttles are available for those with disabilities in parking lot B.
Where to stay when visiting Biltmore?
Places to stay on the Biltmore Estate property:
There are options to stay on the Biltmore Estate property overnight with distinctive lodging such as the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, The Inn on Biltmore Estate or the Cottages on Biltmore Estate.
Here is a brief description of each property with links for reservations and more information:
Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate. Located in the heart of Antler Hill Village, it’s a casual, and convenient home base just steps away from trails, dining, shopping and the winery. For more information click HERE.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate. A four-star accommodation and dining experience with world class service. Elegant surrounding and sweeping views of the estate. For more information click HERE.
Cottages on Biltmore Estate. A more private getaway, these historic homes are original to the estate, but beautifully updated to offer a truly unique experience of Biltmore. For more information click HERE.
All overnight guest of these properties enjoy access to luxurious treatments at the Biltmore Spa and access to outdoor adventure center, offering activities for different interests, ages and skill levels.
There are also many nearby hotels within a short drive of the Biltmore Estate that can accommodate you.
What are some other nearby things to do when visiting Biltmore in Asheville?
Riverarts District: There are tons of art studios, antique stores, breweries and the French Quarter River. Enjoy tubing, kayaking or paddle boarding down one of the oldest rivers in the world!
Downtown Asheville: Fine dining, unique southern eats, breweries and local artisan shops and art galleries are just a few of what Asheville has to offer. They also have urban trails, pub cycles, museums and tours.
Visit the world’s fanciest McDonald’s in Asheville NC
Fancy up your fast-food experience by visiting the world’s fanciest McDonald’s in Asheville, North Carolina.
The Biltmore McDonald’s is truly unique and unlike any other Mickie-D’s you’ve been to. Step inside to see a large fireplace, grand piano, oak table, wrought-iron railing and shiny pressed-tin ceiling complete with illuminous chandeliers.
The grand piano is self-playing, for your entertainment and at Christmas they decorate the inside with garland, lights, ornaments and lots of poinsettias. See some more photos below of the Biltmore McDonald’s.
A Biltmore Estate recipe
Enjoy a taste of Biltmore in your very own home by making this Bistro recipe from a Biltmore Estate recipe book.
This dairy-free version of Sweet Potato Streusel Topping Pie is a chef’s choice recipe from Biltmore Estate’s Bistro restaurant. Find the easy recipe HERE.
A comfy taste of the south, elevated with the crunchy and delicious streusel topping. The luscious cheesecake layer blends together wonderfully with the sweet potatoes. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert.
If you ever find yourself passing through North Carolina on Interstate 40, I implore you to visit the beautiful city of Asheville and particularly the Biltmore Estate, you won’t regret it!
If you have enjoyed this travel guide to Biltmore Estate and Asheville, NC please feel free to leave a friendly comment below, thanks!
