Biltmore Estate
The BF and I decided to take a day trip over to the Biltmore, one of my favorite places to go in Asheville. Not only is it super fancy - it’s extremely historic, has amazing shopping, and superb restaurants.
The Biltmore home was built between the years of 1889-1895, originally for the Vanderbilt family, and was officially opened to the public in 1930 as a tourism destination. It’s the largest privately owned home in the United States, and certainly grandiose.
It’s a *must do* whenever you’re in Asheville.
We had our tickets, and made our “house entry time” reservation online, in advance. The house entry time is *not* the time you arrive at the Estate, but rather the time you will your enter the home itself. I recommend purchasing your tickets and booking, etc. all online, so you can just drive on in - show the nice peeps at the gate your tickets, and be off onto your adventure.
On that note; make sure to give yourself ample time for parking, picture taking, perusing, etc. before you need to be at the home for your reserved time slot.
We walked to the house instead of taking the trolley, from the parking area - so we could take a picture with the Biltmore in the background. If you want to get a landscape style pic of house, make sure you park and take the walking trail to the home (it’s about 8 minutes, unless you jog, run or jazzercise over - then it could be more like 7-10 minutes).
We arrived to the estate a little earlier than our 2pm house entry time, and were on the verge of hangry, so stopped for lunch at the Bake Shop”. I had the 'Sweet Potato & Black Bean Pita' (sans yogurt to make it vegan), and the BF had a Ham & Cheese Sandwich paired with a Jameson Irish Coffee.
After lunch, we walked down to the Conservatory to see the flowers, relax & talk a little amongst the beautiful ambiance. There is a section of the greenhouse where you can laze on a bench, soak in the beauty and listen to some (very soothing) harp style music. Oh, and don’t miss the the “cool room” which smells omg so beautiful with orchids galore.
Next, we headed back to the house for the home tour. You can’t bring outside food and drink in - but you can bring in a Biltmore water - so make sure to pick one of those up first, in case you get easily parched like I do.
Tip #2, there are no bathrooms in the home itself (that you’re allowed to use - understandably) so I recommend stopping by the power room over in the stable area beforehand.
The inside of the home is ah-mazing - we did a self guided tour (you can also do an audio tour). Every preserved detail makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time, from the elaborate tapestries & artwork, to the copper pots hanging in the kitchen.
Even the little details, like the “maids button” make you feel like you’re fully immersed in a bygone era.
I suggested we install a “maid” button at the BF’s house, that’s rings directly to his cell phone - but he wasn’t too crazy about that idea.
I’m not really sure why.
Following the home tour, we headed back to the stable area and stopped by the creamery for and afternoon coffee.
Next we did some shopping at the “Carriage House”. If you’re looking for some souvenirs, like a Biltmore mug or sweatshirt - that’s the place to go.
I picked up some super fancy hand lotion and fell in love with the broad selection of candles, soaps, cute kitchen wares, and porcelain jewelry boxes topped with porcelain dogs, swans, and cats.
The Confectionery, Christmas, and Toy shop are also stores not to be missed at the Stable area.
Next, we were off to “Antler Village” for the wine tasting. Do not - I mean *do not* miss the (complimentary) wine tasting. As you enter the winery you’ll enjoy a stroll through the underground tunnel. Illuminated with lights that make you feel like you’re venturing into another land... and really you kind of are... a land filled with lots, and lots of wine.
The tasting itself was informative & fun! Plus - after the tasting is a great time to pick up a bottle or two, or six, to bring home.
The week before our visit I had already decided that we’d have dinner at the “Village Social”, because I had been eyeing their ‘Vegan Harvest Bowl’. To our delight, the restaurant was a stones throw from the winery.
We had a *delish* dinner over some (more) wine and local craft beer. Although I had a vegan meal, the BF had a burger - Village Social has a broad menu that would suit anyone’s palette.
Lastly, we enjoyed a romantic evening stroll through Antler Village, and made sure to stop by and get a couple pics with the statue of Cedric (it’s right in front of Cedric's Tavern).
Cedrick was the Vanderbilt’s infamous family dog.
Also, make sure not to miss the (as I like to call it) “Fairy Forest” - a great place to take some pics
Although we had a fun filled, adventure packed day at the Biltmore - it’s definitely a place to stay a few days and enjoy many more activities. They have *gorgeous* hotels & Inn’s, so you can stay over and make a long weekend of it.
Maybe rent bicycle and bike along many of the estate trails? Go on a Range Rover adventure. Check out more shops in Antler Village... endless dining, and much, much more!
Super cool fact; a large portion of the actual Biltmore Estate/Home is handicapped accessible.
