The Biltmore Estate

Tucked away in the hills of Asheville, North Carolina lies the opulent Biltmore Estate. On Christmas Eve 1895, George W. Vanderbilt opened the house to his friends and family. While it was originally a country escape, once George married Edith Dresser in 1898, they made the estate their family home. With a 175,000 square foot and 250 room house on 125,000 acres of land, it is safe to say that the Vanderbilts most definitely lived a comfortable life. Today, the estate sits on 8000 acres and is one of Asheville's primary tourist attractions. 

The cost to visit the estate is relatively high ($60 the day I went), but it is worth it. You may also pay to use the audio guide when touring the house. Since I had a limited timeline, I opted to simply read the free paper guide. I will spare you the details now. It is best seen in person. I found the indoor garden, billiard room, banquet hall, library, bowling alley, swimming pool, a gym and servants quarters most interesting.

For gardening enthusiasts, the Biltmore Estate has plenty of flowers, bamboo, trees and shrubbery to see. You could spend a day simply wondering the walking paths.

I found the gardens wonderful, but I liked the pond even better. There are turtles, fish and even a small man-made waterfall. And to imagine, this mountain paradise was made for just one family and their guests!

My next stop was Antler Hill. The cool walk through the wine cellars was very welcome on the sweltering summer day. Guests that are over-21 can partake in a free wine tasting and the Biltmore's award winning winery. Those concerned about the $60 entry fee may be able to recoup some of the cost, since it seemed as though there was no limit to the amount of samples you could try. Normally I prefer red wines, but I decided to buy a sweet white desert wine as well as a nice rose.

The child in me really enjoyed visiting the farm. The barnyard is filled with sheep, horses, funny looking chickens, as well as other critters. For families and animal lovers, the farm is worth the short walk from Antler Hill.

Other than what I have included here, there is much more to see and do on the Biltmore Estate. As far as food goes, I loved the chocolate filled croissant, iced latte, black cherry ice cream and my flat-bread lunch. If you are into biking, there are many paths throughout the estate. The Biltmore Estate is also a popular venue for weddings and graduation parties. If you need a place to stay, the estate has an onsite hotel. If you ever find yourself in or near Asheville, North Carolina, be sure to visit the Biltmore Estate. You will not be disappointed.