Biltmore Estate in two days

INSIDE : Learn all the best tips and tricks to visiting the Biltmore Estate in two days. This beautiful treasure in Asheville, North Carolina is worth a vacation no matter your budget!

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Earlier this summer, we took a wonderful North Carolina Family Vacation. We traveled from one corner of the state to the other… from the mountains of Asheville to the ocean at the Outer Banks. It was such an incredible time and we are ready to go back!

One of our big highlights, even for our children (ages 11 and 12) was our visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. I wish we would have had more time to really soak that area of North Carolina up, but we fit as much as we could into our two days there.

Today, I will be sharing how to make the most of the Biltmore in just two days time!

Hotel near the Biltmore Estate

We stayed at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, Autograph Collection, in Asheville and wow was it a fun and eclectic lodging! It was an upscale Tudor-inspired hotel offering refined quarters, a hunting lodge-style restaurant & a spa.

This hotel was considered “in” the Biltmore Village and when we arrived we realized why… there was one single turn from the hotel, to the entrance of the Biltmore entrance – very convenient!

Other hotels near the Biltmore –

• The Windsor Boutique Hotel, offers unique and upscale accommodations within walking distance of rrestaurants, breweries and shops in downtown Asheville.
• Hotel Indigo Asheville downtown
• Village Hotel at the Biltmore Estate
• Wrong Way River Lodge + Cabins, an urban cabin campground that provides a comfortable basecamp to explore Asheville AND a convenient gateway to the outdoors. VERY cool looking.
• The Residences at Biltmore – Woodsy chic suites featuring a seasonal outdoor pool & a year-round hot tub.

After arriving to Grand Bohemian Hotel, it was just about lunch time, so we put our dog on a leash and walked over to the Corner Kitchen to eat.

We sat in their outdoor patio and it could not have been more lovely. The shade overhead was perfect, we were surrounded by vegetation and there even was a small water feature that added a lovely sound while we dined. I got a burger, but everything we ordered was delicious. Yum.

Biltmore Estate

Renaissance show

It is important to get tickets for the Biltmore Audio Tour prior to your arrival. We got four tickets for our family a few weeks in advance with no issue. However, if you are traveling during high traffic times (holidays) you may need to get tickets even earlier.

Our audio tour was at 430pm and the tickets we purchased included the seasonal Italian Renaissance show on property. So we opted to see the Renaissance show first.

Womp womp, we went into with an open mind, but it really disappointed. They advertised it as a full sensory experience, so we thought it would be visual, interactive, walkable, etc… it definitely was not.

After walking in, you find a place to sit on a bench and simply watch a movie that is being projected on various walls, as well as two spots on the floor. It was fine, but definitely not something I would pay additional money to experience.

Note – As the Renaissance show was simply the seasonal show while we were visiting, make sure to research all shows you buy tickets for before deciding to commit.

Biltmore Estate Audio house tour

Now this was fun fun fun! We left our puppy in the hotel, drove back to the Estate and parked in the tour parking lot.

It was about a ten minute walk through a forested path to the main home. The minute you come out of the forest, the magnitude of the Estate takes your breath away.

The Audio tour starts at the front door of the Biltmore home and takes about 90 minutes to walk the whole tour.

The audio tour gives you a walkie talkie like handset that shares super interesting information about each room you enter. Well worth your money in my opinion!

A few highlights of the tour for us were…

• Looking at the stunning ceilings in each room (all were so unique!)
• The audio walkie talkies were huge hits with our kids
• The spiral staircase going from the third floor to the main floor

• Right upon entering the home, the conservatory plant room was incredible
• The dining room (and 3 harth fireplace) were like nothing I had ever seen before
• Peeking out windows on the third story

You can also purchase a “self-guided tour ticket”, but honestly you are just aimlessly walking around a home looking at things you have no clue about. This would work as a budget friendly option, but the tour is worth the cost in this case.

Biltmore Estate Gardens and Conservatory

The Biltmore Estate Gardens and Conservatory are a stunning display of horticultural artistry and historical significance like none other.

Biltmore luckily boasts of being designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead, the FATHER of Landscape Architecture (my profession by schooling). So you know there are beautiful gardens and plants at every turn.

And don’t discredit the trails all around the gardens, they are just as beautiful as the gardens themselves – blending beauty and functionality.

The gardens at the Biltmore Estate are both formal and informal gardens, each with its own unique character and charm.

The Italian Garden, with its cascading fountains and elegant statues, transports you to a Tuscan villa.

The Rose Garden, awash in a riot of color and fragrance, is a haven for rose lovers. The Walled Garden, a geometric masterpiece, provides a serene escape with its manicured hedges and vibrant blooms.

The Conservatory

The conservatory is possibly my favorite garden on the property, housing tropical, rare and exotic plants. I audibly oohed and aahed throughout the entire visit!

• Tropical oasis 
  Walking into the conservatory will provide you immediate lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and cascading waterfalls create a mesmerizing atmosphere.
• Rare and exotic plants 
  There are a wildly diverse collection of plants from around the world, including orchids, ferns, begonias, cacti, and palms. The Conservatory also houses seasonal displays that showcase the beauty of different plant varieties throughout the year.

This Angel’s Trumpet White flower was really such a sight to behold. I could have sat under it on that white metal bench all day.

Biltmore Estate Winery

The Biltmore Estate Winery is a historic winery nestled on the sprawling grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Established in 1979, the winery carries on the Vanderbilt family’s legacy of agricultural pursuits and offers a unique experience for wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Getting to do a wine tasting at the Biltmore was something I was really looking forward to. My husband and I choose to go with the white wine menu since it was a hot summer day.

We brought our 11 and 12 year old with us to the tasting and loved that they had grape juice for them. We were walked through 5 delicious tasting glasses.

• Award-winning wines
  The winery produces a variety of red, white and rosé wines that have earned numerous awards.  Some of their popular wines include the Biltmore Estate Blanc, the Biltmore Estate Merlot, and the Biltmore Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Vineyards 
  The winery’s grapes are grown on 40 acres of rolling hillsides overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. 
• Tasting room and wine bar 
  Visitors can enjoy complimentary tastings of Biltmore Estate wines in the elegant Tasting Room or relax with a glass by the fireplace in the indoor/outdoor Wine Bar.

• Tours and events: The winery offers a variety of tours and events throughout the year, including behind-the-scenes tours of the production facility, educational seminars, and festive holiday celebrations.

Can you visit the Biltmore for free?

While visiting the Biltmore House itself isn’t free, there are a few ways you can experience the estate without paying for regular admission.

Getting Complimentary Tickets

• Resident Discount 
  If you live in Buncombe County, North Carolina, you can access complimentary tickets to the house and grounds on designated weekdays throughout the year (excluding holidays and peak seasons).
• Birthday Offer 
  On your birthday, you can bring one guest for free on a guided daytime tour of the Biltmore House.
• Special Promotions 
  The Biltmore Estate occasionally offers special promotions with complimentary access to the grounds or discounted tickets. Keep an eye on their website and social media for updates.
• Biltmore Village 
  Explore the charming village adjacent to the estate, featuring shops, restaurants, and a winery. This area is free to access and offers a good glimpse into the Biltmore atmosphere.
• Hiking and Scenic Views
  Several hiking trails around the estate offer stunning mountain vistas and glimpses of the Biltmore House from afar. These trails are accessible without purchasing any tickets.

Where to eat around Biltmore Estate

There are so many incredible restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal.

• Burial Beer Co, Infuses award-winning brews with intriguing narratives, offering a taste of artistry, history, and bold hoppy goodness in taprooms with industrial-chic vibes.
• Daddy Macs, Family recipes in a modern, rustic-chic setting. Think mouthwatering smoked meats, creamy mac & cheese skillets, and shareable plates alongside craft beers and cocktails.
• Tupelo Honey, Southern comfort food with a twist, popular for brunch and dinner.
• Curate Bar & Wine, Tapas and small plates paired with an extensive wine list.
• Edison – Omni Grove Park Inn, A historical setting with American cuisine and stunning views.
• Fig Bistro, French-inspired cuisine with a romantic atmosphere.
• The Corner Kitchen, American comfort food with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
• The Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe, Freshly baked pastries and sandwiches for a casual lunch.

Dog Friendly Biltmore Estate locations

Unfortunately, the Biltmore Estate is not particularly dog-friendly and since we brought our dog along, we had to be careful where we brought him.

Where dogs are NOT allowed –

• Biltmore House: No pets are allowed inside the Biltmore House or any other buildings on the estate, including restaurants, shops, and the winery.
• Formal Gardens: Pets are not permitted in the formal gardens like the Italian Garden, Rose Garden, or Walled Garden.
• Most Dining Options: The only exception is outdoor patio seating at Bistro and Cedric’s Tavern, but you’ll need to request permission from the host first.

Where dogs ARE allowed (with leash):

• Estate Grounds: Most of the extensive estate grounds, including walking trails, meadows, and woodlands, are open to leashed dogs. This allows for plenty of exploration and exercise for your furry friend.
• Antler Hill Village: This historic village on the estate grounds features a working farm, gardens, and a winery. While you need to purchase tickets for individual experiences like horseback riding, simply strolling through the village with your dog is free.
• Biltmore Village: Located outside the main estate gate, this charming village offers shops, restaurants, and a winery. This area is free to access and allows you to enjoy a bit of the Biltmore atmosphere with your dog in tow.

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North Carolina Family Vacation ideas