Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains of Asheville North Carolina sits a home like no other in the United States. Biltmore Estate was built in the late 1800’s by George Vanderbilt and resembles a French chateau. My husband and I first visited Biltmore Estate on our honeymoon. She’s quite the sight to behold, but the estate offers so much that it can be overwhelming when choosing what to do, where to eat, etc… So I thought I’d share my favorite things to do when visiting this southern masterpiece known as the Biltmore House.
Where To Stay
The Inn On Biltmore Estate
First things First, unless you’re lucky enough to live near the Bitmore, you are going to need a place to stay. Sadly, the Biltmore Estate doesn’t allow guests to spend the night, I wish! But if you’re wanting an elegant, Biltmore style experience laced with Vanderbilt hospitality, the Inn on Biltmore Estate is it! My husband and I were lucky enough to spend our honeymoon here 7 years ago and recently returned for our anniversary. It’s the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Do yourself a favor and ask for a room with a mountain view, they are spectacular.
If you’re wanting something more casual and less expensive, Village Hotel On Biltmore Estate is another great option. You get a more relaxed atmosphere but still get to experience the perks of being on Biltmore property and within walking distance to great shops and restaurants.
Where To Eat And Drink At Biltmore
Let’s start with breakfast. The Dining Room At Biltmore Inn was my favorite place to sip my coffee and start my day. The views are breathtaking and so serene. The dining room decor matches that of the Biltmore Estate with elegant draperies, fabrics, and grand fireplaces. If you’re wanting to experience fine dining at the Inn but don’t want to pay for a more formal dinner, breakfast is a great option. I Highly recommend the breakfast buffet and again- ask for a table with a view and wait if necessary. It would be a shame to miss out on the views that inspired George Vanderbilt to build his masterpiece.
Another great dining choice at the Inn is the Library Lounge. It’s a great option when you’re tired from a day of sightseeing and just want a quick, but delicious bite. It’s also a great place to enjoy a drink and listen to live music (select nights) by yet another grand fireplace. If you’re in a “give me all the carbs” kind of mood, the truffle fries with a glass of red wine were amazing!
If you’re looking to explore the property and grab a bite while you’re out, Cedric’s Tavern was a great laid back environment with pub fare to fill you up and craft beers to wet your whistle. The Beer and Bacon almonds are a must!
Last but certainly not least, Biltmore Winery is on the estate grounds and offers a wonderful, complementary tour where you can sample various wines and learn more about the art of producing and enjoying great wine.
What To Do While Touring The Estate
5 Things To Do
It goes without saying that you should tour the estate. But that being said, there is quite a lot of ground to cover at the Estate and you could easily miss something. So I’ll list a few things that could help you appreciate all that the Biltmore House has to offer.
- Wear comfortable shoes. I’ll never forget having to stop and take breaks due to my high-heeled boots when touring the House on our Honeymoon. Lesson learned.
- Listen To The Headsets! The commentators really breathe life into the house and deliver a completely different experience as opposed to touring without any guidance or history.
- Take a Hike and enjoy views of the house from various viewpoints around the property. The picture above was taken after we decided to park and hike and I’m so glad we did. It’s nice to get away from the crowds and experience Biltmore on your own.
- Don’t Forget the Gardens! We went in January and not many plants were in bloom, but the trails were still beautiful and the Conservatory was overflowing with blooms! Find a Map of the Gardens and Trails Here.
- Eat Lunch at the Stable Cafe. All of that walking is bound to make you hungry. The stable offers farm to table meals served in what used to be a working stable for the Vanderbilt’s horses. This is as close to eating at the Biltmore as you can get without breaking the rules:) The Carolina style BBQ was delicious!
There you have it. One of my favorite destinations in the U.S.. Full of history, vintage charm, grand architecture, beautiful gardens, and hospitality that is second to none. One day I plan on breaking our tradition of visiting in January and aim for seeing Biltmore House in it’s Christmas splendor or during spring when everything is in full bloom. A beauty in all seasons, no doubt. Have you been? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section!
