Biltmore Estate
 

Will be spending some time in Asheville, NC next week. We would like to know if a visit to the Biltmore Estate is suggested at this time of year? Are there gardens to see now? How about the weather...heavy coats or light jackets needed? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Biltmore Estate is so beautiful and so interesting... I wouldn't skip it because of the weather.

I agree with the above poster. If you're going to be in Asheville, the Biltmore Estate is an absolute must-see. Naturally, it's prettier at other times of the year, but it's still outstanding in winter.

We toured the house just before Xmas. There is little to see outside of the house (there are some indoor gardens and the winery is sort of a yawn).<BR><BR>The house was neat, it took about an hour to get through (we did not do one of the special tours) only because we arrived early. A visit is expensive tough. Visit their website to see prices.<BR><BR>Do dress warmly - you'll likely have to wait outside to get into the house and then will have to wait outside for the bus to take you back to your car.

The winery may be a yawn, but do try to buy a couple of bottles..my brother,who lives in NC,brought us some wine from his last visit to the Estate and it was good~

I can't imagine getting through Biltmore in only an hour. I've been there four or five times and still spend about two hours even without crowds. You can tell I'm a big fan:)<BR> <BR>You will get much more out of your visit if you rent the available headsets. I have seen many people, without headsets, wandering around looking lost and having no idea of the wonderful information available on the tape. The Behind the Scenes tours are very interesting as well. Enjoy.

I have been to the Biltmore twice and I love it! To see how the filthy rich lived in those days is amazing! Of course, spring and summer offer the prettiest garden views but I would still go in winter. Also, I don't recall there being a problem with crowds even in the high travel season. There are also some lovely shops added in the stable areas. I guess if you aren't into historical trips, it might be less than exciting. It ain't Disney! (By the way, Yeah, it'll be cold!)

Does anyone have any suggestion on a good place to spend the night near the Biltmore Estate? Can't really afford the new resort there.<BR>Thanks.

I visited in October 2000 and the Biltmore estate was great. I agree about the headsets - they definitely added to the tour. We took the behind the scenes "rooftop tour" and loved it. I would take a behind the scenes tour first as they give you good info about the house so you notice things as you walk through.<BR><BR>To B - we stayed at the Grove Park Inn. We booked a package that included breakfast and dinner - it was pricey but did include everything - including tickets to the Biltmore. The rooms are pretty basic - roomy but not fancy. The hotel itself is beautiful and the restaurants were GREAT ! We especially liked the Sunset Terrace but it isn't open all year (closed in the winter )

A word about the "filthy rich" ---The Vanderbilt who built this mansion (which is the largest private home in the USA) went broke building it...

Thanks to all who took time to respond...It looks like we'll spend the day there next Thursday.