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.
When is the best time to visit the Biltmore Estate?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are several dining options available throughout the property.
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.
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?
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.
What are some other nearby things to do when visiting Biltmore in Asheville?
Visit the world’s fanciest McDonald’s in Asheville NC
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.