Place #35: A Day at the Biltmore

A few weeks ago, I checked off number 35 from my 1,000 Places Challenge at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

Built between 1889 and 1895 for George Vanderbilt, this French Renaissance–style chateau remains the largest privately owned home in the United States. Today, it’s preserved as a historical landmark, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the elegance and innovation of the time. Over its 136 years, the estate has worn many hats—from a lively countryside retreat for artists and authors, to a safe haven for priceless artwork during World War II, to the historic destination it is today.

For my visit, I started the day with the house tour, the main attraction of the estate. Audio guide in hand, I wandered through bedrooms, dining rooms, and winding staircases, even venturing below ground into the servant’s quarters and kitchens. Each room felt like a glimpse into the Gilded Age, and the narration made it easy to imagine the Vanderbilt family and their guests moving through these same spaces.

TIP: Make sure to arrive at the house at your designated time. This ensures less waiting and more time exploring.

The audio tour took me through the family’s quarters, guest rooms, servant’s quarters, and three kitchens. It was fascinating to imagine the house full of life and people.

NOTE: There is little to no air conditioning throughout the estate. Stay hydrated and prepare accordingly—especially in the North Carolina heat and humidity!

After about an hour and a half in the house,I headed outside to explore the gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the visionary behind New York’s Central Park. While the formal gardens and sweeping lawns are impressive, the conservatory stole my heart. Inside, lush greenery, rare blooms, and rows of delicate succulents create a peaceful escape from the summer sun.

When the midday heat became too much, I made my way to the complimentary wine tasting included in my ticket. We were escorted through the winery to a tasting room, where each guest chose five wines out of 14 options to sample. My favorite was their best seller—the limited-release Orange Muscat. In Antler Hill Village, there were several restaurants and shops to explore; however, with a two-hour drive home ahead of me, my day ended there.

Of course, the Biltmore offers far more than I could fit into one day: horseback riding, biking trails, specialty rooftop tours, and seasonal events make it easy to turn a day trip into a weekend getaway.

If you’re planning your own trip to Western North Carolina, I also encourage you to support local communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene in fall 2024. Every purchase, no matter how small, helps these towns rebuild and thrive.