The Beautiful Biltmore

ONE OF THE TOP leisure destinations in the United States is the beautiful Biltmore house and gardens located in Asheville, North Carolina.

It all began as a dream of George Vanderbilt in 1895. His desire was to have a special place for family and friends - a retreat where they could get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. He insisted on a 3-mile roadway from the front gate of his property to the house which would wind through a forest with valleys, hills, streams, and flowers. In the early years, this trip took at least an hour. The purpose of this long entrance-path to the house was - in Vanderbilt's own words - "for reconstructive recreation." It was his attempt to help all guests to "find relief" from all stresses and strains.

Today, the Biltmore is America's largest home with 250 rooms. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the house and experience the many grand and glorious spaces.  There are living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, kitchens, hallways, private areas for family, servant's quarters, a winter garden, a banquet hall, a billiard room, a breakfast room, a music room, a library, a tapestry gallery, a gymnasium, a bowling alley, an indoor pool, separate dressing areas for men and women, and numerous other interesting areas. Along the way loggias and hundreds of windows with spectacular mountain views, astonishing antiques, and masterpieces of art will delight every eye.

The historic gardens at the Biltmore are equally stunning and absolutely breathtaking. They were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Visitors can stroll through acres of gardens taking time to soak-up the atmosphere, see the splendor, and catch the scents of hundreds of plants and flowers. Or, visitors can choose to drive through a portion of the gardens for a quicker - yet still beautiful - overview.

In addition to the house and gardens, visitors can see a blending of Biltmore's past and present at Antler Hill Village and Winery. Treasures from the Vanderbilt family's collection are on exhibit. Tours and tastings at the Winery are offered. And, a circa 1900 farm life at the Barn and Farmyard can be explored.

Eating lunch or dinner at the Biltmore is both delightful and delicious. Visitors can choose from menus focused on foods raised on property or from other local sources. During a visit in late July, my wife and I decided to have lunch in one of the stables which had been converted into a cafe. And, we elected to be seated in a booth built into a converted stall. Both of us agree: the meal was wonderful!
Plus, an ice cream shop located in the courtyard provided a fantastic sweet taste.

Shopping is possible on the Biltmore grounds. A wide variety of enticing items are available in multiple locations. Lodging is also available on property at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, or at other quality hotels in the Asheville area.

Open hours and admission prices at the Biltmore vary by season. Visitors are encouraged to go online or to call for specific information:  biltmore.com or 1-877-BILTMORE.

The Biltmore Estate, including its 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain splendor, is a magnificent place marked by stately grandeur which is strikingly impressive. For those who have already been there, it truly is unforgettable. Others who have not yet visited should plan to go. My recommendation is that a visit to Biltmore should be on every person's list of "things to do" before they die. I'm sure glad I didn't miss it.