10 Tips to Planning Your Trip to Biltmore Estate
by Christy Evers
Are you wondering how to plan the perfect trip to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC? Look no farther. Once you’ve watched this video and download my free planner, you’ll be ready to plan like a pro!
1. Allow at least one or two hours to schedule a tour or activity from the time you expect to arrive at the Estate. You’ll thank yourself for allowing time to get settled in and allowing for flight or traffic delays. You may also find that the Estate is much larger than you expected and may need more time to find where you need to go for your scheduled tour or activity. Let your first few hours be about exploring and settling in. Save the hours after that for the scheduled activities.
2. Plan dining and snacks around your scheduled activities. In order to avoid wasting time during a short stay, you’ll save yourself time by planning your dining or snacks around your scheduled activity. I have a detailed list of all the restaurants on the Estate as well as where they are located when you download this FREE travel planner. You can also check out The Biltmore web-site.
3. Make reservations in advance: (hotel, dining, tours & activities) Since dining, hotels and activities are limited, things book up fast. If there are experiences high on your list of “things to do” then don’t waste any time. Book reservations when applicable ASAP! What are you waiting for? Go now! (See links below for quick reference reservations.)
4. Allow time to relax and recharge: Don’t be a victim of vacation overload. Between all the things you will see and do, it can lead to tourist fatigue. (yes, it’s a thing) Plan time buffers in your schedule to rest, relax and recharge.
5. Getting around Biltmore Estate: There is no free transportation that will take you to the different locations of the Estate. It’s necessary to have a car or you can purchase a day pass for the bus that will take you around the estate, which is currently around $15 per person, per day. Uber and Lyft are allowed to drop you off at the Estate, but they are not allowed to stay and transport folks around the estate. There is a free trolley that will take you to and back from the designated parking lot near the house and gardens, but that is the only place it will take you. It will not also take you to Deerpark or Antler Hill Village.
6. Plan to catch a sunset: Sunset in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a spectacular site, and even more so with a Biltmore Backdrop. If you’re at Biltmore in the winter wehn the house grounds are still open at sunset, you can catch a beautiful display from the patio on the side of the Biltmore house. The back patio at the Inn on Biltmore is my personal favorite and it’s available to view year round.
7. Pack appropriately: Dress in layers. No matter the time of year there is the possibility of rain and unseasonably hot or cold temps. Many of the buildings may have varied temperatures as well, such as the Conservatory which is hot and many restaurants and shops may be kept cooler.
8. Be aware of what is included with your price of admission: Let’s face it, a trip to Biltmore isn’t cheap. It’s wise to be aware of what is included with the price of admission so you know what to do when planning, or if you end up having some left over time that needs to be filled. Sign up for my free travel planner and newsletter for updates. You can also visit the Biltmore website.
9. Stay on the Estate to fully immerse yourself in the ambiance and culture of the estate: You’ll notice immediately when you pass through the Biltmore entrance that you’ve entered a peaceful sanctuary in the midst of a busy city. You’ll find a solitary retreat offering you a sublime taste of time past. There’s a culture and ambiance softly tucked into a nest in the Blue Ridge Mountains starkly contrasting the busy hustle and bustle of the modern city of Asheville. Staying at one of the two hotels on the Estate, or renting one of the cottages is the only way to truly immerse yourself in the full Biltmore experience.
What tip was the most helpful for you? Let me know in the comments. Download your free travel planner here
Make Reservations at The Dining Room (Must be staying on the Estate)
Make a Reservation at Cedrics Tavern?
Make Reservations at the Bistro:
Make Reservations at the Stable Cafe:
Hotels Close to Biltmore Estate
Other things to do and see while you visit Asheville, NC