Travel to Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina

I would suggest allowing a full day to properly view the estate.  There are self guided tours of the home, but if you want a real insider’s look at the behind the scenes workings of the home, or you are a history buff, you might want to look at some of the tours for small groups, such as their Butler’s Tour.  This tour is more in depth and allows you access to some of the rooms and areas not open to guests on the regular tour.  You might also be surprised just how technologically advanced and energy efficient this home is, especially considering when it was built.

Horse barn

There are numerous other activities to enjoy while at Biltmore estate including: the Outdoor Adventure Center (where you can go fly fishing or take a float trip on the French Broad River); the Biltmore Winery (visit the historic wine cellar or enjoy special wine and food pairings at the most visited winery in the United States); Antler Hill Farm (to explore the Historic Horse Barn and Kitchen Garden); Antler Hill Village (for several dining options, like Cedric’s Tavern for a casual pub environment and you might enjoy visiting the new Biltmore Legacy Exhibit); or our favorite, take a stroll through the spectacular gardens and Conservatory.  It is a photo opportunity that you will not want to miss.  You will want to allow another day or two in Asheville to enjoy some of these other activities.

The vineyards

Antler Hill Village with a view of the Inn on Biltmore Estate on the hill

Wine tasting at the Biltmore Winery – the most visited winery in the United States

All of our travels, no matter how close to home or far away, come back to great food and wine and there is much to enjoy in Asheville and at Biltmore Estate.  Asheville’s farms are truly a market basket for the region and many of the chefs source local produce and farm raised animals for their restaurants.

Flock of South African White Dorper Sheep at Biltmore

Children will love the farm where you can pet chickens, rabbits, goats, and horses

As the cool weather approaches, we crave heartier dishes and autumnal flavors.  This fall would be an excellent time to dine in the mountains to experience Southern fare as the menus begin to reflect the change of seasons.  A trip to the Asheville City Market on Saturday morning will give you a glimpse at some of the beautiful seasonal produce that is available in Asheville.  Maybe try some local Carolina Bison, Sunburst Trout or the Angus-Wagyu beef raised on property at Biltmore Estate while you are in town.

The rabbit was too cute

Take time to enjoy an ice cream cone at The Creamery in Antler Hill Village

It had been many years since I visited Biltmore.  When we were invited to attend the Moveable Feast Dinner in May this year, we decided to stay the following day to experience the estate.  We took the entire day, explored as much as we could and have since returned twice.  The Moveable Feast Dinners will continue through the fall.  There is one dinner in October and another in November.  If you have an opportunity to attend one, I would highly recommend it.  The dinners take place at different venues on the estate that are not generally open to the public, so the setting is beautiful and the food, prepared by Executive Chef Damien Cavicchi and his culinary team, is excellent.  Paired with some of the more elegant Biltmore wines, this is an outstanding culinary event.

Photo from the Moveable Feast Dinner at Biltmore Estate in May, 2012

Accomodations

If you would like to stay on the property, the Inn on Biltmore Estate is located within walking distance from Antler Hill Village.  There are sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the back of the inn.  This property has been awarded Four Diamonds by AAA, Four Stars by Forbes Travel Guide, and has been on Condé Nast Traveler‘s Gold List for seven years.  The Dining Room at the inn is an excellent choice for a special evening and a great way to experience some of the produce and meats raised on the estate.

Lobby at the Inn on Biltmore Estate

I will be writing another article about the farming practices and operations at Biltmore, their Field to Table program, and a special lunch with Executive Chef Damien Cavicchi at Biltmore Estate later this week.  Chef Cavicchi has also shared a wonderful dish for fall that I will be publishing with that article.

Sunset over the French Broad River

*Photographs courtesy of Biltmore Estate

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