Overview
The Biltmore Estate is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. The home was built between 1889 and 1895 as a Summer home by George Vanderbilt, one of the wealthiest men in the world at the time. Over the course of six years, hundreds of designers, architects, artisans and craftsmen were employed to complete the 135,000 square foot chateau. The home features 250 rooms, an indoor lighted pool, a two-lane bowling alley, a work-out room, an intercom system, elaborate horse stables, and hundreds of priceless antiques, artworks, and various other furnishings. Visiting the home is a memorable experience (and you will have to remember it, because no interior photography is allowed). The adult admission (as of 01/01/2011) is $75 which seems a bit steep, but Kids nine and under are free. That makes it a decent value for a large family, especially considering it's an all day event.

In addition to the home's lavish interior, the grounds are breathtaking. The landscape was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect of New York's Central Park. Plush gardens and native flora and fauna abound throughout the 8.000 acre estate. Keep in mind, landscaping was completed in the 1890s, so much of the shrubbery is very very old and massive. The "tree trunks" you see in the image to the right is wisteria.

Also on the estate is Antler Hill Village that hosts a winery, shops, and farm (including a petting zoo). Honestly, the farm is the biggest hit with the kids. The animals are very friendly, as is the staff. The old barn at the Biltmore farm has been restored and features a black smith and wood artisan demonstrating their craft. Additionally, the barn is a sort of museum displaying dozens of old farm implements. The highly-rated winery features a tour and tasting session.

The Biltmore Estate caters to active families by providing miles of biking and walking paths. Bikes can be rented on-site. Additionally, visitors can  enjoy exclusive activities such as a Land Rover driving experience or an off-road Segway tour.

If you're considering a stay at Biltmore Estate, there are cottages and an Inn (starting around $480 per night for two) on the property. No, you cannot stay in the "big house."  We typically stay on Jonathon Creek in our RV in nearby Maggie Valley for about $33 per night.

In summary, the Biltmore Estate is a wonderful place to take the family. The kids will be remarkably entertained, even in the house. Our best advice, however, is to arrive early and plan on staying the entire day. You will not be disappointed.

 The Richardson Tribe

Adventure Journal
Entry Date: December 2011 (New Year's Eve)
This trip was part of the kids' Christmas this year. It included camping on Jonathon Creek in Maggie Valley, ski lessons at Cataloochee Ski Area, and a day at the Biltmore Estate.

We have been creating our own little mini-farm at home, so we were especially anxious to visit the farm at Biltmore. We knew from a past visit, that they have many chickens, goats, sheep, horses, and various other farm animals there. So, the farm was our first stop on the estate. We stayed in the barnyard for a very long time, asking the staff about various breeds of chickens and goats (for our own farm). The folks working on the farm were very friendly and knowledgeable about the animals and their care. We explored the gardens at the farm also. Being the middle of Winter, there were just a few things actively growing outside, We were surprised to find a pineapple growing in the small greenhouse located there.

After visiting the old Biltmore Farm barn at Antler Hill Village and eating a barbeque lunch prepared there, we drove to the house. I was concerned about the kids getting bored in the house, but it didn't happen. A game of "I Spy" kept them looking for various items as we made our way through the maze of rooms. As many times as I have visited the house, I continue to see things I missed on past visits. They have opened a few new rooms that have been recently renovated (masterfully I might add). I really wish I could have taken pictures to show here, but photography is strictly prohibited within the house.

After the house tour, we visited the shops at the home's elaborate horse stables and at Antler Hill Village. It was a full day, but we wished we had gotten an earlier start. There is so much at the Biltmore Estate, you can't possibly see and do it all in a day.

Adventure Journal
Entry Date: June 2007
While camping in Maggie Valley, we took a day trip to Asheville to visit the Biltmore Estate. We spent over seven hours exploring the house (we plugged it as a castle to the kids), gardens, farm, and winery. I followed the advice of the lady that sold me the tickets, and played a game of I-Spy as we toured the house. I would find an object in a painting, engraving, or sculpture, then have the kids try to find it.  It kept them entertained enough to make the house tour much more enjoyable. Once again, it decided to rain on us, but we didn't care, we just kept on going. 

At the farm, the kids got to pet some of the animals and saw a chicken lay an egg. The attendants let the kids collect the eggs, and as you can see from one of the pictures, our children had a little accident. The people were very friendly and helpful. 

On the way back to Stone Bridge RV park and campground, we stopped at the Maggie Valley Rock Shop to browse and do a little gem grubbing. 
                         
 

Other Destinations:
 Up
Amicalola Falls State Park
Beaches of South Walton.
Berry College
Big Kahunas
Biltmore House
Blairsville, Georgia
Callaway Gardens
Cataloochee Ski Area
Cave Spring
Cedar Creek Park
Charlestown State Park
Chattahoochee Bend State Park
Chattanooga Zoo
Chehaw Park
Cherry Hill Park
Chester Frost Park
Chieftains Museum
Choccolocco Mountain Off Road Park
Cloudland Canyon
Cloudmont Ski and Golf
Consolidated Gold Mine
Cohutta Wilderness
Cumberland Island
Dauset Trails
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
Desoto State Park
Doll Mountain Campground
Dollywood
Dunnaway Gap
Enota Mountain Retreat
Etowah Indian Mounds
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Florala State Park
Franklin D Roosevelt State Park
Fort Mountain State Park
Georgia Mountain Fairground
Georgia Veterans State Park
Gold n Gem Grubbin'
Helen Georgia
Hillcrest Orchards
James H Floyd State park
James Island Park
Jellystone Park- Cave City, KY
John Tanner Park
Lake Allatoona
Lake Sidney Lanier
Lake Winnepesaukah
Little River Canyon Center
Live Oak Landing
Lula Lake Land Trust
Mammoth Cave National Park
McIntosh Reserve
McKinney Campground
Moto Mountain Powersports
New Echota - Cherokee Capitol
Noccalula Falls Park details and pictures
Old Stone Fort Archaeology State Park
Pine Moutain RV
Red Top Mountain State Park
Ridge Ferry Park
Rocky Mountain Recreation Area
Rock Town - Pigeon Mountain
Rome GA
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Silver Springs
Stone Mountain Park
Tanglewood Farm
Tannehill State Park
Tellus Science Museum
The Southern Museum
Topsail Hill Preserve
Townsend KOA
Townsend Tennessee
Twinbrook Resort
Up The Creek RV Camp - Park Details - Pictures
US Space and Rocket Center - Details and Pictures
Vogel State Park
Wild Animal Safari
World of Coke
Zoo Atlanta - Details and Pictures
Special EventThrough October 31, 2017*
Relax and unwind to the rhythm and charm of Antler Hill Village as our accomplished jazz, pop, swing, and rock duos, trios, and bands deliver fantastic 45-minute sets! Grab a sandwich, a cool drink, or an ice cream cone to enjoy against a backdrop of excellent musicianship, dynamic vocals, and the beauty of Biltmore Estate.
Schedule:
  • Sundays—Duos and trios perform at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
  • Mondays - Thursdays—Soloists perform at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
  • Fridays and Saturdays—Bands perform at 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.

Features

 Rating (1-10)

Description
Official Website 9 Biltmore website is very nice.
House Tour

10

 The house is the attraction. It is absolutely beautiful.
Farm, petting zoo

10

 Great for the kids (and grownups too)
Gardens 10 The Biltmore House has all kinds of azaleas, laurel, and roses.
Rockhounding

8

 There are a number of places near here to rockhound.
Local Attractions

9

 Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Ski Area, Cherokee, Lure Lake, etc.
**Note: We rate only the amenities we have personally reviewed.

No financial consideration or favor has been received for listing in PB&J Adventures' website. We are in no way affiliated with this facility or any other facility we review. Any paid advertising seen on this site was arranged after the destination was reviewed. You can trust the reviews to be unbiased.
 

December 2011 (New Years Eve) - Biltmore House


The Farm at Antler Hill Village (Biltmore Mini Farm)


June 2007