Biltmore Estate
Time Needed: full-day
Experience Type: American icon, historic landmark
Built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, the Biltmore Estate is America’s largest private home, set amid 8,000 acres of gardens, trails, and wineries. Visitors can tour the 250-room mansion, stroll Olmsted-designed landscapes, and enjoy award-winning wines at this Gilded Age masterpiece.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Tour America’s Largest Private Home – See the Vanderbilt family’s opulent mansion with its banquet hall, library, and bowling alley. Their Saint Bernard narrates a kid-friendly audio guide.
- Wander the Historic Gardens – See Olmsted’s landscapes, from the vibrant Rose Garden to the lush Conservatory, plus miles of hiking and biking trails across the estate.
- Take the Rooftop Tour – Enjoy exclusive access to the house’s rooftop and balconies, where rare views of the Blue Ridge Mountains make for unforgettable photos.
- Sample Award-Winning Wines – Enjoy complimentary tastings of award-winning wine at Biltmore Winery. Settle in with charcuterie and locally-made truffles.
- Relax at Antler Hill Village – Shop, dine, and explore exhibits, farm animals, and seasonal live music in this lively hub that connects the estate’s past and present.
Itinerary Idea: Before or after visiting Biltmore Estate, take an insider walking tour of downtown Asheville. Explore the Masonic Temple, admire the Basilica of St. Lawrence’s dome, and see Art Deco landmarks like City Hall and the city’s first skyscraper, the Jackson Building.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Klepacki/Unsplash