Biltmore

Feel like royalty for a day at this 1895 French Renaissance castle built by George W. Vanderbilt.  Explore much of the 8,000-acre estate, including the 250 room Biltmore House, 75 acres of beautiful gardens, the nation's most visited winery, shopping, dining, hiking trails and more for a bucket list vacation to remember for a lifetime.  

Biltmore Estate Top 10 Things to Do

1.  Biltmore House: Experience the wonder of Biltmore House, the largest privately owned mansion in America, with a priceless collection of arts and antiques original to the Vanderbilt home.  Since the house is a self-guided tour, we recommend getting the audio companion tour as soon as you enter the house.  Excellent guided tours may be purchased to go "behind the scenes". After exploring the house, stop at the Stable Courtyard for refreshments or browse the shops.  The Stable Cafe is great for sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Allow at least two hours for the self-guided house tour.  

2.  Gardens: Spectacular gardens and woodlands are perfect for leisurely strolls.  From the house, walk through gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.  The lush and beautiful reflecting ponds of the Italian Gardens are a fitting entry into a stunning world of garden paths.  A short walk takes you to the four-acre Walled Garden, Azalea Garden and the Spring Garden.  















3.  Conservatory: Adjacent to the Walled Garden is the tropical wonderland all year round, complete with a big orchid collection.

4.  Bass Pond: For a longer walk, follow signs to the Bass Pond to find a more secluded (and romantic) area, especially at the Boat House (below).  In spring and summer, the Meadow Trail features wildflowers and grasses, while the Woodland Trail is ablaze with azaleas in the spring.















5.  Photo Spot: Our favorite view of Biltmore House is along the drive from the house to the winery.  Look for the small lake (Lagoon) on your left.  There is a narrow unpaved road at the far end that crosses a small bridge for a stunning view of the back of the House.  It's a great picnic spot and place to take a hike. 















6.  Antler Hill Village: This mostly "new" village provides a relaxing place for dining, shopping and learning more about Biltmore history.  It's home to the Winery and Farm.  Enjoy live entertainment on the Village Green.  Don't miss the special exhibit at the Legacy and tour the historic barn.  It's base camp for all outdoor activities.  















7.  Winery: Enjoy a self-guided or guided Winery tour (both included with your ticket) and sample Estate wines in the Tasting Room.  Browse the Wine Shop or dine at The Bistro.  Check out cooking demonstrations and wine classes.  














8.  The Farm: Learn about Biltmore's agricultural heritage at Antler Hill Farm, adjacent to the Village.  In addition to displays of historic farm equipment in the impressive 1902 barn, explore the Kitchen Garden and meet draft horses, calves, lambs and chickens at the Farmyard. Watch the blacksmith or woodworkers.

9.  Outdoor Activities: There is much to explore outdoors, including several great hiking trails and greenway.  At the Outdoor Adventure Center, sign up for an array of outdoor fun including biking, carriage rides, fly fishing, Segway tours, horseback riding, river trips and more.

10.  Biltmore Restaurants

There are many options for dining during your visit.  Since all of these are located inside the estate, you'll need a ticket to reach them.  All are open every day of the week. 

Food and drinks adjacent to the House in the former stables: 

     Stable Cafe: Appalachian comfort food for lunch, including burgers and barbecue.

     The Bake Shop has great coffee.  
     
     The Courtyard Market offers quick sandwiches.

     Ice Cream Parlor has picnic to go. 

Restaurants in Antler Hill Village: 

     Cedric's Tavern: Pub with craft beers, full bar and outdoor seating.  Lunch and dinner every day.

     Bistro: Features estate-raised and regionally sourced ingredients, including wood-oven pizzas and hand-made pasta.  Lunch and dinner everyday.

     Village Social: Tucked away in the new Village Hotel, their menu focuses on sustainable seafood with local farm products. Breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday.

     Library Lounge: Elegant setting inside the Inn on Biltmore Estate with a full-service afternoon tea.  Reservations recommended. 

     The Dining Room at the Inn at Biltmore:  The most elegant dining on the estate with four-star service and menu.  Breakfast buffet and dinner.  Reservations recommended.

     The Creamery: Enjoy ice cream and Winky Bar sundaes.

     The Somkehouse: Located in the Barn with Carolina barbecue and Southern favorites. 

     Deerpark Restaurant: Seasonal Taste of the South buffet in an elegant rustic setting for Saturday lunch and Sunday brunch. Closed January-March.

Tips for Visiting Biltmore

Take your time exploring.  Plan to spend the day.

Wear very comfortable walking shoes. 

Arrive early (9 am) to avoid crowds and to make the most of your day. 

Saturdays are the busiest day.  The most crowded day of the year are Saturdays in April, May, October, November, and December.  

Be sure to have an automobile since the drive to the House from the entrance is three miles.  It's another five miles to the Winery.

Bring a picnic or stop by the Ice Cream Shop outside the House to purchase a picnic to go.  There are many great picnic spots on the Estate. 

If you arrive on the estate after 4 pm, your ticket can be validated for the next day at the Reception & Ticket Center.  And you can usually add a day for a great rate. 

Each guest is assigned a reservation time to tour the Biltmore mansion on busy "Reservation Days"

If you plan to visit in November & December, see our Christmas at Biltmore special guide. 

Click here for more information.