If you’re visiting Asheville – especially for the first time – chances are that The Biltmore Estate is at the top of your “must-see places” list, and for good reason! In addition to the most popular estate attraction, The Biltmore House, the more than 8,000-acre property also has a formal garden, a winery, 3 options for lodging, more than a dozen restaurants, nearly 22 miles of hiking trails and so much more. With so many attractions and things to do, planning a visit to The Biltmore Estate can be an overwhelming task, that is, unless you have some insider tips to help you plan your visit and make the most of your visit to this remarkable estate. In this blog we’ll be going over the top 10 Helpful Tips for Visiting the Biltmore Estate and sharing some of our insight along the way!
Be sure to watch our vlog “The Biltmore Estate: Exploring America’s Largest Home + Gardens, Winery, & MORE!” for a closer look at our most recent visit!
Also, if you’re planning to spend more than a day in the Asheville area and looking for fun things to do, check out these…
⬇️ Other Tours & Experiences in Asheville ⬇️
If you would like to stay at one of the hotels on-site at the Biltmore, check out The Inn on Biltmore Estate or Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate. They also offer luxurious cottages for overnight stays. You can find more information on those HERE.
Or if you would prefer to stay in the heart of Downtown Asheville, here are a few places that came highly recommended:
Or you can search for other options below…
Now, let’s get into the 10 tips to ensure that you have the best possible visit to The Biltmore!
1. Purchase Tickets Before Arrival: This may seem obvious, but be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred entry time and avoid long lines at the ticket counter. Plus, it’s not uncommon for tours to sell out in the busy season and on weekends. Also, purchasing ahead of time will allow you to do proper research in deciding exactly which ticket/tour you want to experience.
2. Map Out Your Priorities: The Biltmore Estate sits on more than 8,000-acres and has numerous attractions, including the mansion, gardens, winery, and various outdoor activities. With so many options to fill your time, you’ll want to prioritize the areas you want to explore and plan your day accordingly so you don’t miss out on things that you want to experience during your visit.
3. Check Special Events: Before your visit, check if there are any special events, exhibitions, or seasonal activities happening at the estate during your planned visit. These can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your experience.
4. Choose the Right Season: The Biltmore Estate is beautiful year-round, but different seasons offer different experiences. Spring features vibrant gardens, summer offers outdoor activities, fall showcases colorful foliage, and winter boasts holiday decorations. So, while there isn't technically a "right season" to visit (they're all great), there may be a "right season" for you and your preferences.
5. Arrive Early: To make the most of your day, arrive at the estate early in the morning to beat the crowds and have more time to explore. Be sure to check the current operating hours before arriving!
6. Wear Comfortable Shoes: At over 8,000-acres, it goes without saying that the estate is vast, and you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must to keep your feet happy throughout the day.
7. Take a Mansion Tour: This may seem like an obvious decision, but The Biltmore House is the centerpiece of the estate and a tour of the mansion is a must, especially for first-timers. And each season (as mentioned earlier) offers a whole new experience and ambiance!
8. Visit the Gardens: The meticulously designed gardens are a must-see. Depending on the season, you might find stunning floral displays, serene water features, and breathtaking landscapes, but regardless of the season, make sure to visit the conservatory for beautiful blooms and plant life year round.
9. Explore Antler Hill Village: A short 5-miles from the house is Antler Hill Village. This area includes the Biltmore Winery, shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. It's a great place to unwind, enjoy a meal, and sample some of the estate's wines.
Your Biltmore ticket includes a complimentary wine tasting at the winery located in Antler Hill Village, so you can enjoy this perk with the purchase of a daytime ticket if you are over the age of 21.
10. Enjoy a meal at one of The Biltmore Estate’s Restaurants:
There are more than a dozen different restaurants and dining experiences at The Biltmore Estate providing a variety of options from fine dining to casual bites and everything in between! Each dining experience features a creative menu that are carefully curated by the Biltmore's masterful chefs offering delicious, estate-raised specialties that include the very best ingredients that the community’s local farms and growers have to offer. We particularly enjoyed The Stable Café! The Meatloaf and Beef Bourguignon were some of the best we've ever had.
We hope that this guide has helped you plan your visit to the Biltmore, and if it has, please consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more travel tips!
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