Travel to Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina

Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile. ~ William Cullen Bryant

It is hard to believe that fall is already upon us.  It seems as though the seasons literally changed overnight here in the Southeast.  Cool mornings give way to clear sunny afternoons with splendid temperatures.  As the sun goes down earlier in the evenings, there is a nip in the air reminding us that mother nature will soon be repainting her canvas of green with brilliant shades of red, yellow, and gold.  Fall foliage will then be at its peak.

* View of Biltmore House from the lagoon

Fall is a perfect time to travel in this part of the country, especially to Asheville, North Carolina.  Asheville is one of our favorite places to visit any time of year, however, the area really excels in the fall.  If you are planning a trip to “The Land of the Sky,” as it is known, I would highly recommend spending time at Biltmore Estate.  It had been many years since our last visit to the estate and over the last several months we have had the opportunity to return several times.  I had forgotten just how spectacular and enjoyable a visit to Biltmore can be.

The Conservatory and grounds at Biltmore

We often forget there are so many treasures close to our own front door.  Many times we choose travel destinations that are great distances from home in search of the perfect vacation, when perhaps the best places are in our own backyard.  Biltmore Estate is one of those places.  If you have never been, fall and the holiday season offer some of the best times to visit.  This area is rated one of the top places in the United States to experience the spectacular colors of fall foliage and enjoy the changing of the seasons.  If you wait until closer to Christmas, Biltmore House is in all its splendor, bedecked for the holidays and bustling with many special events taking place on property.

The gardens and grounds at Biltmore

If you are not familiar with the estate, Biltmore House is the largest private residence in America.  Situated on 8,000 acres of scenic rolling hills with majestic views, the structure was designed by Richard Morris Hunt.  This 250-room French Renaissance château was originally home to George W. Vanderbilt, grandson of the industrialist Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, who amassed a personal fortune during the industrial revolution building railroads, steamboats, and other industrial businesses.  One look at the home and the breathtaking views from atop its perch on the mountain and you will understand why George Vanderbilt fell in love with this particular piece of property in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  He originally owned 125,000 acres surrounding the site but gifted 117,000 to the community as a land preserve.

View from the Inn on Biltmore Estate