Are you interested in visiting a place in the United States that makes you feel as though you have flown oversees and are strolling through a spectacular wealthy French-chateau European estate? If so, look no further than Biltmore in Asheville.
Tucked away in the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore’s 175,000 square foot mansion and 8,000 acre property sits in the heart of Asheville and is truly one of the prettiest places to visit in the entire US (in my opinion).
From the winding GORGEOUS drive up to the house, to the mansion, to the bright colored flower gardens carefully manicured, to the conservatory, and so much more, you will forever be enchanted with its history and exquisite beauty.
There is something extraordinary for the entire family, and I’m here to help YOU plan the PERFECT getaway.
The backside of Biltmore
Asheville is a thriving city so it provides many hotel options that are available, depending on budget and location preference.
Tickets to the estate can vary in cost based on a few factors: time of year, what you want to see, and any extra exhibits you decide to include during your visit.
On average, the cost of an all-day pass (including a regular house tour and access to the grounds) costs $80+ during the spring and summer. Keep in mind that taxes and fees will be added. (For my April 2024 ticket, I paid $110 + fees for a total of $119.84). November-January is the most expensive time to visit with tickets starting at $110 (but these prices rise the closer to the actual date–so you will want to order the tickets early).
There are typically 4 types of tickets to choose from:
Grounds: This ticket will allow you to see the house and stroll the grounds, but you will not be able to tour the house itself.
House & Grounds: Includes a general house tour, access to the grounds, free parking, and access to the Antler Hill Village & Winery ($90-$120)
House, Exhibition & 2-Day Grounds: As the name suggests, this includes a general house tour, access to the grounds for 2 days, free parking, a ticket to the current exhibition, and access to the Antler Hill Village & Winery ($125-$155)
Exclusive Tour, House, Exhibition & 2-Day Grounds: This option has an extra perk: Exclusive 90-Minute Tour:Guests of the Vanderbilts. ($360-$390)
I typically choose the House & Grounds standard ticket, but I have also visited the estate several times. If you’ve never been before, have more days to spend, and would prefer to not feel so rushed, I recommend the 3rd option so that you can come back and enjoy the grounds a whole another day: House, Exhibition & 2-Day Grounds.
If you’re like me and don’t want to pay for the most expensive tour (around $400), you may want to consider booking an extra smaller tour for a much more affordable rate (on top of the house ticket itself).
As you begin winding towards the house, you will want to listen to this playlist here that I have created for YOU (and myself—haha) to make the time on the estate extra special.
Credit Card (cash might not be accepted at all stores and shops)
Sunscreen
Sanitizer
Layers (There is a lot of walking and it seems to get a little warm in the house, but the estate is very windy and you may be cold outside)
Umbrella
Portable Phone Charger
I greatly enjoyed touring the beautiful estate with my sweet cousin, Lizzie.
To find the estate with no issue, you will want to enter: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803 in your GPS. This will take you through the main entrance. After your tickets have been scanned, you will begin winding through the beautiful long drive on the way to the parking areas. This curvy road is one of my favorite parts about the entire estate! Make sure to listen to my playlist hereon the drive to make it even more magical!
The parking is included in the admission price of a general House & Grounds ticket, so you will not be charged an additional fee.
If you would like to walk to the house, you will want to park in B-1 lot, which is about a 5-10 minute walk to the house. Note: On very windy days, the walking path may be blocked and a shuttle may be provided anyways.
If you would like to shuttle to the house, you will need to park in lot E.
Important Note: The Antler Village is on the estate, but you will need to drive there after you have toured the house and grounds.
You will want to arrive to the mansion 1 hour (at least) before your tour begins. This will allow you too ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at the beautiful house, take pictures, and make a quick bathroom visit.
My favorite thing about the house tour is that it’s not guided! That’s right–not guided by a tour guide, I mean. Upon entrance into the house, you will be handed a hand-held device (that looks like a remote) that allows you to listen to a recording as you go through the house. This allows you to replay the information, as well as take your time so that you are not rushed in each room.
Another favorite thing I love about the house tour is that guests are allowed to take pictures and videos of the house as long as the flash isn’t on.
As you know, the mansion is HUGE (65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms, and 33 bedrooms)–250 rooms total! If I were to list every room and provide pictures, this blog would be way too long. So, to make it simple, I wanted to show you my favorite rooms in the house.
The Winter Garden
The Billiard Room
The Banquet Hall
The Breakfast Room
The Archway
The Library
Bedrooms
The Basement: Stone Hallway
Bowling Alley:
The Pool
The Kitchen
Those copper pots are so beautiful!
We chose to eat right beside the house to keep it simple. We grabbed coffee and ice cream at The Biltmore Dairy Bar and ate lunch next door at The Courtyard Market. This was super good! I ate the barbecue sandwich (with Sweet Baby Rays sauce)!
Did I buy this for the coffee, the cup, or the aesthetic? Possibly all three.The Cappuccino Crunch ice cream was incredible!Ice cream with a view. 🙂
I have to hand it to the Vanderbilts—they sure knew how to build a home at the perfect location.
The Conservatory
This is one of my FAVORITE spots on the entire estate. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous during the spring. This is a MUST-SEE spot!
This is located on the estate, but you will need to drive to this location from the house. Here you will find shops, food, and a pretty cool free museum.
Make sure to stroll through this beautiful cave for free at the winery.
Here are a few movies that were filmed on the Biltmore Estate:
A Biltmore Christmas starring Bethany Joy Lenz (so good!): This was also filmed at the Biltmore Inn. Next time I go, I would love to drink tea like the Vanderbilts (this dining room was also in the movie). To schedule your own tea reservation, click here.
Richie Rich starring Macaulay Culkin.
Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks.
Pisgah National Forest
Hike Mt. Mitchell: over 6,000 feet in elevation
Visit the The Omni Grove Park Inn
Take a train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (including the Polar Express
Visit the Asheville Farmers’ Market
Linville Caverns
Shop at the Grove Archade and the German-inspired Biltmore Village
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