Biltmore, North Carolina, United States

5Allison R 5:00 PM Sep 10, 2022

Must See Asheville
The Biltmore Estate is definitely the reason why my husband and I visited Asheville. Even though we stayed off property, we could have easily spent the weekend at one of the on-site hotels and been entertained by all the venues and amenities available. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to experience. We visited the Estate on a Friday. We arrived around 10:15 AM for entrance into the Biltmore mansion at 11:30 AM. We are glad we arrived early as there is plenty to see. Shout out to the fantastic and friendly staff! We visited the South Terrance and enjoyed dramatic views of the landscape and Biltmore property. We also visited the Stable Courtyard and visited shops before waiting to enter the house. There was a short line to enter the house, but being a weekday, it was not that long and we probably entered the house around 11:45 AM. The house is beautifully curated and the audio tour is very informational. I noticed some visitors exited after walking on the main floor and upstairs to see the bedrooms. I would highly recommend walking through the rest of the house as you paid for the tour and the downstairs of the home is just as fascinating. When we finished the house tour (~1.5 hours later), we went to the Stable Café and had to wait about five minutes before being seated. We had an excellent lunch before walking to the gardens. Please plan at least an hour for the gardens as there is so much to see! Between the house and the gardens, you can spend the entire day at the actually Biltmore house and gardens. Our ticket also included a complimentary wine tasting. Definitely make reservations for this as early as you can as they fill up fast. We were able to get in at 3:30 PM and I made the reservation around 10 AM.

4susanwinetasting 5:00 PM Dec 30, 2022

Not Just a Mansion; It's an Immense Estate with Something for Everyone
If you have been considering touring Biltmore you already know it's the largest privately owned home in the US. The size is impressive, not just of the house, grounds and gardens, but the entire property. There is a conservatory, a winery, a village, hotels, horse back riding and more. You should set aside a day for your tour, which includes a tasting at the winery. Tickets are booked on-line and there are several types of tours to select from. Be aware that you need to drive to a parking lot, then take a shuttle or walk to the mansion. Tour entry is timed and you will likely wait in line to enter. The prices for tours are expensive and not everyone drinks or cares that a wine tasting is included. If you are mobility challenged there is a parking lot for just those with handicap parking permits. There is a wheelchair accessible shuttle to bring you to the mansion, and from the mansion to the gardens, which are a good walk for the able-bodied downhill (and uphill on the way back. A discount is offered to those who cannot climb stairs, which involves a phone call. I did not pursue this and wished I had as I was only able to see half the mansion and some of the gardens. There are four floors exhibited, but the elevator goes from the first floor to the second. I still cannot believe there is only one elevator in a building with 250 rooms. Those unable to navigate stairs are offered a movie of the third floor and basement. It's just not the same, so make the call. The gardens are lovely and I loved the orchid room. I am now absolutely in love with orchids. Since so many people tour this property, it is difficult to take photos that do not include others. I suggest booking a later tour as the crowds tend to thin mid-afternoon. You can arrive early and tour the grounds before the house tour. There are a number of places to have a simple snack or a complete meal. I have reviewed the winery separately.