Each year, over a million people visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. It is one of the most popular attractions in North Carolina and the on-site winery is now the most visited winery in the United States. Most North Carolinians have visited Biltmore at least once and have been inspired by the stunning scenery, lush gardens, ornate architecture, and historic relevance. If you haven’t been to The Biltmore in North Carolina yet, keep reading to find out why it’s one of the state’s most popular attractions!
Completed in 1895, The Biltmore is a 178,926 square foot mansion located on 8,000 acres of property just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. The Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned home in America.
Biltmore/Facebook
When George Vanderbilt began to build his majestic mountain estate, he envisioned the property to be self-sustaining. Over the decades this proved to be difficult and in 1930 the family decided to open the home to the public. Although still owned by the Vanderbilt family, the property is no longer a residence and is still open to the public for tours and other activities.
Biltmore/Facebook
Tours of the home are one of the most popular activities on the estate. Guided tours can be quite pricey, but self guided and audio-guided tours are available at lower price points.
Biltmore/Facebook
Visitors are absolutely entranced by the intricacies of the home. The hidden passages, massive rooms, elaborate decor, and history can be truly mind-boggling. For many people an annual tour of Biltmore is a family favorite tradition.
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While the house is a major attraction for a lot of guests, the massive and meticulously kept gardens are the main draw for many more visitors. The summer rose garden, spring tulip display, and the sunflower fields attract flower lovers from all over the world!
Biltmore/Facebook
There are also 20 miles of trails that visitors can explore. Hiking and biking are popular activities on the estate and is included with any admission. Guests can bring their own bikes or rent a bike for the day.
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People also enjoy horseback riding and interacting with the resident goats. Livestock and wildlife can be found all across the 8,000 acre property.
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Meals at Biltmore can be a very unique experience. There are numerous restaurants at Biltmore ranging from fine dining establishments to family-friendly casual spots. Many memorable moments happen around the dinner table on the Biltmore Estate.
Biltmore/Facebook
Fine wine is easy to find at Biltmore. George Vanderbilt’s grandson, William Cecil, planted the first grape vines on the property in the early 1970s. Decades later, the winery produces about 150,000 cases of wine annually and ships to 40 different states.
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Seeing The Biltmore surrounded by the fall foliage is a fond memory for many North Carolinians. The surrounding countryside is one of the best places in the nation to see the changing colors of the leaves.
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Christmastime is also extremely special at Biltmore. The decorations and festivities are so extraordinary that many families come year-after-year to see the displays. Some visitors will tell you it is the best time of year to visit the estate!
Biltmore/Facebook
The Biltmore Estate is truly special year-round. Help make an unforgettable memory and bring someone for their first visit sometime soon!
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The Biltmore is an icon in North Carolina, and we’re so proud to call it ours. Visit the official Biltmore website for admission, hours, tour schedules, seasonal activities, events, accommodations, dining, and more.
Biltmore/Facebook
Have you visited the Biltmore Estate? Tell us what you remember about your first visit? What time of the year do you think is the best to visit the estate? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
Looking to re-discover some of North Carolina’s other popular tourist destinations? Why not take a private tour of North Carolina’s Magical Land Of Oz this summer with your family? It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
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Address: Biltmore Village, Asheville, NC 28803, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Biltmore January 01, 1970
What’s the best time of year to visit The Biltmore? Gosh, there really isn’t a “bad” time of year to visit The Biltmore, as each season of the year brings something different to the table. Winter at The Biltmore is always delightful. During the holidays, more than 55 trees are installed and decorated with literally hundreds of twinkling lights and garland. A massive, 35-foot-tall tree is erected in the estate’s Banquet Hall; it’s the tallest of the scores of Christmas trees inside this commanding castle. And with a dusting of snow falling softly on the Biltmore’s kingdom? Magic. Spring is equally lovely, when the gardens of The Biltmore begin to bloom. While the house itself is a major attraction (the Biltmore draws over a million visitors each year), the massive and meticulously kept gardens on the estate are absolutely heavenly and rival the home’s stunning beauty. The summer rose garden, spring tulip display, and sunflower fields add an enchanting, natural element to this commanding castle, and are worth seeking out during their seasonal blooms. What else is there to do in Asheville, North Carolina? Surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, combines epic outdoor adventure with mountain town charm, for a wholly unique and wonderful experience. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene and delightful mix of quirky eateries and acclaimed restaurants; the region is also home to beautiful wineries and world-renowned attractions (see: The Biltmore!). Of course, the area’s natural splendor is in a league all its own, with the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Asheville and offering visitors unparalleled outdoor recreation, adventure, and scenery. And while the fall foliage of Asheville is often praised, the spring blooms and verdant greenery of this lovely town is, in our opinion, just as magical.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Biltmore
January 01, 1970
What’s the best time of year to visit The Biltmore? Gosh, there really isn’t a “bad” time of year to visit The Biltmore, as each season of the year brings something different to the table. Winter at The Biltmore is always delightful. During the holidays, more than 55 trees are installed and decorated with literally hundreds of twinkling lights and garland. A massive, 35-foot-tall tree is erected in the estate’s Banquet Hall; it’s the tallest of the scores of Christmas trees inside this commanding castle. And with a dusting of snow falling softly on the Biltmore’s kingdom? Magic. Spring is equally lovely, when the gardens of The Biltmore begin to bloom. While the house itself is a major attraction (the Biltmore draws over a million visitors each year), the massive and meticulously kept gardens on the estate are absolutely heavenly and rival the home’s stunning beauty. The summer rose garden, spring tulip display, and sunflower fields add an enchanting, natural element to this commanding castle, and are worth seeking out during their seasonal blooms. What else is there to do in Asheville, North Carolina? Surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, combines epic outdoor adventure with mountain town charm, for a wholly unique and wonderful experience. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene and delightful mix of quirky eateries and acclaimed restaurants; the region is also home to beautiful wineries and world-renowned attractions (see: The Biltmore!). Of course, the area’s natural splendor is in a league all its own, with the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Asheville and offering visitors unparalleled outdoor recreation, adventure, and scenery. And while the fall foliage of Asheville is often praised, the spring blooms and verdant greenery of this lovely town is, in our opinion, just as magical.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Gosh, there really isn’t a “bad” time of year to visit The Biltmore, as each season of the year brings something different to the table.
Winter at The Biltmore is always delightful. During the holidays, more than 55 trees are installed and decorated with literally hundreds of twinkling lights and garland. A massive, 35-foot-tall tree is erected in the estate’s Banquet Hall; it’s the tallest of the scores of Christmas trees inside this commanding castle. And with a dusting of snow falling softly on the Biltmore’s kingdom? Magic.
Spring is equally lovely, when the gardens of The Biltmore begin to bloom. While the house itself is a major attraction (the Biltmore draws over a million visitors each year), the massive and meticulously kept gardens on the estate are absolutely heavenly and rival the home’s stunning beauty. The summer rose garden, spring tulip display, and sunflower fields add an enchanting, natural element to this commanding castle, and are worth seeking out during their seasonal blooms.
What else is there to do in Asheville, North Carolina?
Surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, combines epic outdoor adventure with mountain town charm, for a wholly unique and wonderful experience. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene and delightful mix of quirky eateries and acclaimed restaurants; the region is also home to beautiful wineries and world-renowned attractions (see: The Biltmore!). Of course, the area’s natural splendor is in a league all its own, with the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Asheville and offering visitors unparalleled outdoor recreation, adventure, and scenery. And while the fall foliage of Asheville is often praised, the spring blooms and verdant greenery of this lovely town is, in our opinion, just as magical.
