Tour of the Biltmore! - TRAVEL'S A DANCE AWAY

Ever since we moved to North Carolina, over ten years ago, I have had the desire to explore the largest home in America located in Asheville, North Carolina.

Before I give you a glimpse into this breathtaking French Chateau styled home, let me explain something I’ve learned in life. Timing is everything! If I would have visited the Biltmore estate ten years ago, I don’t think I would have appreciated it as much.

Now for a little serendipitous moment! This year, my husband and I took a trip to Italy to celebrate our fifteen year anniversary. One of those places was Venice. We saw a palace there called the Pisani Palace. While touring the Biltmore House, we learned that the ceiling art piece in the library, the Chariot of Aurora, was purchased and shipped to the Biltmore home from that very palace we had the privilege of seeing in Venice. I’d like to call that a “travelawesome” moment and love how it took me traveling overseas to really appreciate the Italian masterpiece in my very own State! I’m not saying you need to jump on an airplane and travel to Europe before you visit. I’m just saying do what you can, when you can and enjoy the process.

Okay, now let us continue, shall we?

The House

The Biltmore House has a total of 250 rooms…33 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. You’ll be enchanted as you roam through room after room after room! My favorite room was the Winter Garden, found as you walk through the main entrance. It is just gorgeous! My oldest daughter’s favorite room was the library, complete with its own spiral staircase and of course the famous ceiling that I’ve already mentioned. My youngest’s favorite room was the bowling ally found in the basement, for obvious reasons;-). My husband really liked the billiard room.

George Vanderbilt built this home for his family and friends. It was completed in 1895. George officially opened the Biltmore House that year on Christmas Eve.

The Estate

The Biltmore estate is set on 8,000 acres, complete with an Italian garden, conservatory, bass pond, boat house, farm, winery, hotel, restaurants, and more!
Picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a stunning backdrop of nature engulf you as you drive through the estate to find your desired location.
Take time to smell the flowers in the conservatory and gardens. Beautiful orchards and greenery fill the glass-roofed building designed by architect Richard Morris. I can’t wait to go back in the spring/summer to see the gardens in full bloom!

Wander the rooms of the small museum located in Antler Hill Village, featuring some of the rare treasures brought back from the Vanderbilt’s travels abroad. Did you know that the Vanderbilt’s had originally planned on boarding the Titanic, but instead changed their plans and were guests on Titanic’s sister ship, the Olympic? I found it fascinating that even though the airplane had not yet been invented, George Vanderbilt was an avid traveler and explored many parts of the world.

Perhaps you’ll enjoy a free wine tasting at the estate’s winery. Juice samples are provided for children. There is even a small petting zoo for the little ones to enjoy!

Dining on the Estate

There are several restaurants on the property to enjoy. We ate at the Deer Park Restaurant, a historic barn with an elegant setting. It is an upscale buffet-style restaurant serving dishes like Waldorf salad, prime rib, and bananas foster for dessert. You can find their detailed menu list and pricing along with other dining options by clicking on the following link…Biltmore Dining Options!

Accommodations, Tickets, and Tours

There is an Inn on the estate, however, I found many more affordable options only a short distance away. There are many tours available like the Winery Tour or the Architect’s Tour. Click on the following link to see what’s offered…Biltmore Tour Options!
If you are visiting during Christmas/New Year’s, I would definitely suggest the Candlelight Christmas Evenings! All of the fire places, Christmas trees, and candles are lit and there is live entertainment…simply magical! Click on the following link for ticket sales…Biltmore Ticket Options!

Thank you for reading! Hope you can enjoy the Bitlmore Estate yourself real soon! If you have already, what was your favorite part? Happy travels and remember Travel’s A Dance Away!