Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC
 

OK, I've read the threads which are generally favorable to visiting Biltmore. My wife and I will be in Asheville in early October, primarily to visit Biltmore en route to Great Smoky Mtns. National Park. We thought that until we saw it would cost us $68 to get in plus add a lunch at the estate and that's expensive. If one has seen real chateaux in France and real castles in Germany and faux castles at San Simeon and the Hudson River is there anything about the Biltmore that justifies what I think is an outrageous entry fee? Thanks for your thoughts.

It's the largest house in North America. If it is worth it for you to go, then go. It is quite beautiful if you like "castles". The family can't keep it up without charging.

Biltmore is indeed the largest home in America -- larger than Hearst, larger than San Simeon. I know the entrance fee is pretty steep, but you must consider that Biltmore maintains a collection of about 50,000 works of art, and receives no funding whatsoever from any municipal or government body. Your entrance fee basically helps maintain a collection of art that would do any city in the world proud. There are so many one-of-a-kind artworks at Biltmore, like the ceiling in the library, which was taken from a castle in Germany that was destroyed in WWII, and Napoleon's chess set, for starters. Then there are the gardens and estate grounds, whose parklike appearance was planned by Richard Morris Hunt, the same man who designed Central Park in New York.<BR><BR>Think of it this way. If you decide to stop in Asheville, you're upending your wallet for admittance to a world-class museum and park, plus you're doing that in one of the most beautiful cities in America. If paying such a price to go to Biltmore rests uneasily with you, think about that -- you'll be in a city with the most wonderful public art, architecture, and some of the most wonderful natural surroundings in this country -- and all of that's free!<BR><BR>It's really a two-for-one deal if you really consider it...

Jim,<BR>What your getting is a true culture experience. Unlike Hearst Castle, which I absolutely hated, at the Biltmore you are free to roam the grounds. Take a walk through the woods or by a pond. You go at your own pace inside the house to look at everything. You can spend an entire day there and not see everything. In my opinion it is worth every penny.

Gretchen, Austin and John: Thanks for your thoughts. They are appreciated. Jim.

Jim, while my experience at Biltmore may be atypical, I thought it was a rip-off. The $68 fee just gets you admission, no audio tour or tour guide (those are extra$$). The house is beautiful, but I had to fill in my own information as to what I was seeing based on seeing house/chateau tours around the world.<BR><BR>Gardens/grounds not terribly impressive compared to any botanical garden or European house gardens, winery on the property just seemed like a way to keep people busy and spend more money.<BR><BR>Surprisingly, the restaurant (not the snack places, the actual sit down restaurant on the other end of the property)was a good value when I went. Buffet lunch (good quality food) was about $14 per person.<BR><BR>I loved the Asheville area in general, but I would have left feeling less annoyed had my experience at Biltmore seemed more worthwhile.<BR><BR>Now, when I finally make it to the west coast , I should go to San Simeon, right???? ;)<BR>

I agree the price is quite steep, and in my opinion, not worth it. There are lots of areas of the house which are off limits or partially roped off. The grounds are beautiful and expansive, but so is the Smoky Mountain National Park which is a much better value. I thought the Biltmore was a nice tour, but extremely overpriced.

I have family in Asheville and travel there quite frequently. It wasn't until last year that I was finally able to get to the Biltmore and I think it is worth every penny.

My husband and I were there last year. We spoke with a worker on our way in who has worked for the family for 20 years. She spoke very highly of what they're doing there. According to her, Biltmore is a private residence being totally maintained/funded by the family without any assistance by the gov't (and of course, the state wants to own this treasure so they're anything BUT helpful). The art alone is worth the price. I'm a photographer and took lots of great shots. <BR><BR>The food there was too expensive and not that great but the winery was a ball. We spent 8 hours there so I feel we got our money's worth. By the way, the worker also mentioned that she wasn't sure the next generation of the family would be able to financially sustain the project. So the employees were concerned about the future. I feel confident they aren't getting filthy rich off the project so go pay the money and enjoy one of America's last privately owned treasures. Who knows what the future will bring.

Well, I look at it this way. I paid $25 to go to Graceland, and my visit lasted about 2 hours. I paid $14 for a lousy tour of Hearst Castle, was there for less than 2 hours, couldn't roam the grounds, had to spend $10 for another short tour to see even a little more of it--and it's supported by the government. <BR><BR>I paid over $50 for a lift ticket to go skiing this winter, and busted my knee. I paid over $50 apiece to spend a day at most of the big Orlando theme parks this summer, and paid for parking, too. Even the not-so-great theme park near my house, which is no different from every other regional theme park, is over $40--excluding parking and tax. Since it's privately owned, different from any other place I've been, and I spent 7+ hours there, I thought Biltmore was definitely worth the money. Oh, and there's no charge for parking.<BR><BR>

Hi Jim,<BR>We were there two years ago, in October. They were hosting an English Fair on the grounds, and it was great fun! Archery demonstrations, dancing, weavers, etc. Check for a website, and see if that is an annual event...may help make the decision for you!

Jim<BR><BR>We visited Biltmore just 2 months ago and thoroughly enjoyed the day. If you know anyone in the NC area you might try to see if you can get a discount rate. <BR><BR>We have friends in the Raleigh area who got us tickets thru their credit union - instead of $68 it cost us $54. I'd still pay the 68 though - thought it was worth seeing.<BR><BR>We're hoping to be able to go back up there next year for the Christmas tour.

I thought it was worth the money as well. Expensive, yes, but so is most forms of entertainment. How much do you spend at the movies--and how often do you come away wishing you hadn't wasted that time (to say nothing of the money). The house is fantastic and between that, strolling the grounds, a wine tasting, we ran out of time before we ran out of things we wanted to see. It was an all day affair, thoroughly enjoyable.

Ugh...grates on my ears!! Drat this no edit. Please make that "so ARE most forms of entertainment".

Jim:<BR><BR>Curious what areas of Smokey Mtns. you're headed to. Most people have to stop off at touristy Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge at leaast once in their travels. Be sure to eat at Applewood in P.F. if you do go.<BR><BR>My husband and I like to travel often thru-out the year and when we do, I want to get the biggest bang out of my buck. We have skipped Biltmore each yr. for more adventurous destinations, but going there during the Christmas holidays would seem the ideal time to visit.

WOW, Thanx for this thread, Mom and I will be in this area in October for the fall foliage. We had planned a whole day for the Biltmore, did not count on getting to eat, what a treat. I don't care about pricey, if its a do once and treasure the memories kind of thing. I would never try to drag my sons and hubby to this place. That's why he stays home with the kids and lets me venture without him. Jim, maybe we shall see you there. I wish Fodors had a t-shirt so we could spot each other (if I'm an idiot and they do have t's, how do I get them?)

While Biltmore *is* pretty pricey, I think it's worth it because it's one of those things everybody should do once. It's definitely worth seeing, especially if it's a nice day and you can roam about the grounds and gardens.<BR><BR>I wouldn't want to go every year, but since it will be your first time, I think it's worth it.

i too took my mother there. being near wintethur & longwood, we are spoiled. i am glad we took the tour, but i was expecting lavish gardens and this place just failed (the back yard was not even mowed). have fun, but if you have seen longwood, it does not measure up.

What? "Back yard"? Since when do 8,000 acres qualify as a "back yard"?

Jim,<BR>My husband & I just returned from Asheville and saw Biltmore. It was less expensive because we stayed at a B&B with a Biltmore Package. Many of the B&Bs in town have that package, and it will save you money. We stayed at the Lion & Rose (nice place), but there are many good B&Bs in Asheville. I enjoyed our visit to the house & grounds & winery. But if you have limited time, I would spend it elsewhere -- especially if you have seen large houses and castles before. Someone said it was amazing to photograph, but you are not permitted to photograph inside the house, just the grounds. I enjoyed the Blue Ridge Parkway and Folk Art Center much more -- the latter was hosting wood craftsmen who were demonstrating their work. Whether you should visit the Biltmore depends on what's important to you. BTW, everyone told us October was a spectacular time to visit.