Have You Ever Been to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC

Have you ever been to this gorgeous home? Construction on this historic estate started in 1889 and wrapped up in 1895. Built and planned by George Vanderbilt, Biltmore currently sits on 8,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Asheville N.C.

This home has a rich history that is well worth discovering. From tales of misfortune due to the 1916 flood to the early untimely death of George Vanderbilt, Biltmore and her family have weathered many storms. Even Pisgah National Forest spurned from this estate as decisions had to be made about property in order to not lease the home, so the family was forced to sell off land to the US Forestry Service.

As a National Historic Landmark, today the estate strives to educate the public on the Vanderbilt Family, maintain the property, preserve the home and Asheville history as much as possible, and even incorporates other pieces of 18th & 19th century into the life of the estate. Biltmore is also committed to their community and sustainability as much as possible, as that was one of George's original goals in the estate's creation.

Why should your family visit? It's not just a stodgy old home full of old stuff. Well, it is an historic home full of antiques, but it's a wealth of inspiration and knowledge! The estate offers so much to do and learn!

Visiting the Biltmore home is of course, a highlight, but your family can learn about the gardens, wildlife, plants, farmlife, and so much more with existing exhibits. The estate does hold a working farm on it's West Side, which is not open to the public, but on the public visitor grounds, children can visit the Petting Farm, learn about goats, chickens, and pigs, and see craftsmen in the barn.

In fact, during my recent visit, I had a chance to catch up with the Woodworker. He shared with us what the woodworker's life would have been like working for George Vanderbilt. Most likely, fixing stuff that broke all the time! George was a fan of pricey items, so the woodworker probably didn't make furniture that much. Rather fixed items for the farm, fixed broken toys, etc.

The working farm of Biltmore consisted of Biltmore Dairy, the major distributor of milk and creamery products to the Asheville area for several decades. Financial struggles existed with Biltmore for many decades, especially throughout the wars and beyond, but the family always found a way to survive. In the 80''s the dairy was sold, and the family started to think of new ideas to generate income to preserve the estate. Today, there is Biltmore Creamery that uses the original ice cream recipes.. and I have to say... its delicious!

Thus, in 1983 Biltmore Estate Winery was formed and opened! The winery exists today, complete with complimentary tastings for people of legal age in the US. There are tours that take you through the production, behind the scenes, etc. Some are paid and some are not- so be sure to check out the website for updates on those. The Winery was being renovated during our visit, so we could not take a tour!

The Estate is also full of outdoor adventures! From horseback riding to Land Rover adventures, there is certainly something for everyone! If you just want to walk and hike, then that is doable too! There are plentiful trails, some for bikes and some for legs, so go ahead and get outdoors!

From now until September 04, kids under 16 are free with an adult admission, so be sure to take advantage before time disappears! Just a note- the estate allows outside food and drinks, but NOT in the home. No bags, strollers, food, drinks are allowed in the home. Complimentary lockers are provided. Also, to get into the home/ stable area- there is a walkthru search too!

If Christmas is your thing, be sure to check out Biltmore's Candlelight Christmas. I've been in the past and its amazing to see the humongous tree decorated, the rooms light by candle, and often there is special music available! Candlelight Christmas tickets do sell out fast, so don't delay on those. They are cheaper if ordered in advance, online!

I highly recommend you take your family to this historic estate. One of the things I love about this place is that it's still owned and operated by the same family! It's not been bought out, it's not changed hands, and the family is committed to preserving the estate just as their ancestors did, and they are committed to the community of Asheville and North Carolina! While the ticket prices might seem expensive, I'm more than happy to support a family- run establishment that takes pride in their heritage, that cares about creation, and works to share with others in need.

Check out the Biltmore as soon as you can! There are two hotels on property, with quite a few restaurants, but there is plenty to do outside of Biltmore as well!