The Biltmore Estate is one of the most iconic places to visit in Western North Carolina, and its location makes it an easy addition to any Saluda itinerary. From Saluda, the drive to the estate is straightforward and scenic, giving you quick access to the grandeur of America’s largest private home. Whether you are here for a rejuvenating spa escape, searching for the best Saluda restaurants, or looking to add a little adventure with a day trip to Asheville, this part of the Blue Ridge region has an easy way of drawing you in.
If the Biltmore Estate is already on your list of things to do in Western North Carolina, you are in for an unforgettable experience. You can stroll through the famous Biltmore House, explore the grounds and conservatory, enjoy the Biltmore Gardens in every season, shop, dine, and spend the entire day fully absorbed in the beauty that George Vanderbilt created. Many visitors plan their itinerary around wandering the mansion rooms, sipping wine at the estate winery, and pausing for a relaxing lunch at one of the many inviting restaurants.
After you’ve spent the day in awe at the Biltmore Mansion, you’ll need an equally luxurious place to retreat to. When you stay at The Orchard Inn, you stay at one of the best Romantic Getaways NC in the region. Couples love our private, intimate setting, our warm and thoughtful hospitality, and the peaceful atmosphere that encourages connection. It is an easy, scenic drive to the Biltmore Estate, making planning a romantic day of exploration simple and stress-free. A stay at our Romantic Getaway Asheville, NC, and a trip to the Biltmore Estate is one of the best weekend getaways in the South. Book your room today!
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Your Guide to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina
If you have ever asked What is the Biltmore? The answer begins with George Vanderbilt, who wanted a grand country retreat in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The Biltmore Estate North Carolina opened its doors in 1895 and immediately captured national attention with its extraordinary architecture, advanced technology for the time, and remarkable art collection. Today, the Biltmore Asheville experience still reflects the elegance and creativity that influenced its design, making it one of the most visited attractions in the Southeast.
The Biltmore House North Carolina remains the largest privately owned home in the United States and continues to be meticulously cared for. The forty-three bathrooms, carved woodwork, sweeping staircases, and curated antiques offer a fascinating look into the Vanderbilt family’s life. Outside, the Biltmore Estate spans thousands of acres, complete with scenic walking trails, historic farm structures, and vantage points that showcase the surrounding mountains.
The Biltmore mansion also includes an impressive collection of landscaped areas designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the celebrated landscape architect behind New York City’s Central Park. Olmsted envisioned a grand approach road, open vistas, and thoughtful plantings that would mature beautifully over time. Today, visitors can admire the results of that vision in dozens of distinct outdoor spaces. When you visit the Blitmore Estate, you can spend your time touring the main house, gardens, and winery.
Biltmore Gardens and Grounds
The Biltmore Gardens and Grounds offer a stunning display year-round, and each season brings something different to enjoy. The Walled Garden fills with thousands of colorful blooms in spring, including tulips, daffodils, and vibrant annuals. Summer brings rich roses, thriving perennials, and lush greenery across the grounds. Autumn creates bold shades of red and gold that glow across the landscape. Winter reveals the structure and symmetry of the garden layout, especially around the conservatory, where tropical plants flourish all year.
The conservatory itself is a highlight, housing exotic orchids, palms, and warm climate plants that create an oasis of color and texture. As you move through the various garden rooms, you will notice carefully shaped borders, sweeping lawns, and florals chosen not only for beauty but also for historical accuracy and long-term preservation. Guests often find themselves captivated by the peacefulness of the Azalea Garden, the romantic charm of the shrub garden paths, and the open views that frame the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville NC.
The grounds surrounding the Biltmore House are just as captivating as the mansion itself. Miles of pathways wind through open meadows, forested trails, and carefully planned landscapes created by Frederick Law Olmsted. You will find peaceful spots to pause, plenty of scenic views, and a sense of scale that shows how thoughtfully the estate was designed. It is an ideal place to explore before or after your house tour, especially if you enjoy taking your time outdoors. No matter the season, the Biltmore Gardens and Grounds remain a core part of the Biltmore Estate experience and a wonderful reason to visit more than once.
Tours at the Biltmore Estate
Audio Tours
There are several ways to tour the Biltmore Estate North Carolina. The estate offers easy-to-follow audio tours that guide you through the Biltmore House at your own pace. These tours generally last between one and two hours and share stories about the Vanderbilt family, architectural details, and the lifestyle of guests who once visited the home. Audio tours are included with many general admission tickets, and visitors can pick them up at the start of their house entry. They are ideal for first-timers who want a deeper context without a set schedule.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are perfect for those who want direct insights from a knowledgeable guide. These experiences often include the Biltmore House Guided Tour or the Rooftop Tour, which provides views and details not available on the standard route. Prices vary, usually starting at around $30–$40 per person, in addition to admission. Tours typically last about an hour, and reservations can be made online when you book your estate tickets.
Behind the Scenes Tours
Behind-the-scenes tours offer a look at areas rarely seen by daily guests. The Backstairs Tour and the Archives Tour are popular choices, and each one provides unique access to staff corridors, collections storage, or mechanical areas that kept the household running smoothly. These tours help you understand how the estate operated and reveal stories that bring the home to life. Prices usually start around $40–$50, and they often sell out, so booking ahead is recommended.
The Winery and Wine Experiences
The Biltmore Winery, located at the heart of Antler Hill Village, provides a romantic and relaxing way to end your visit after exploring the mansion and gardens. Guests can enjoy complimentary tastings with many general admission tickets, and the variety of reds, whites, and sparkling selections makes the tasting room especially popular. Self-guided visits allow you to explore the production facilities at your own pace, while guided wine tours dive deeper into the history of the vineyard, fermentation process, and winemaking philosophy. Wine flights and premium tastings are also available for an additional fee, and many visitors choose to bring home a bottle as a souvenir.
Christmas at the Biltmore Estate
Visiting the Biltmore Estate at Christmas feels like stepping into a grand holiday story. Inside the Biltmore House, you will find more than sixty decorated Christmas trees, including a spectacular thirty-five-foot Fraser fir that fills the Banquet Hall with seasonal glow. Throughout the mansion, thousands of ornaments shimmer under warm lights, and the interior alone often features more than forty thousand sparkling bulbs, while the grounds shine with hundreds of thousands more. Dozens of fire mantles are dressed with evergreen garlands, ribbons, and historic holiday touches.
The Christmas season is one of the most popular times of year at the estate, and tickets often sell out well in advance because so many guests return annually to experience the tradition. Christmas admission typically begins at $130 per person for daytime entry, with higher pricing for the beloved Candlelight Christmas Evening experience. A Blitmore Estate Christmas is a festive and unforgettable way to enjoy this magical season.
Stay at One of the Most Romantic Getaways in NC
A stay at The Orchard Inn and Spa offers everything you could want in a Romantic Getaway NC. Our quiet and intimate Inn is surrounded by mountain views that instantly help you unwind. Couples choose us because our accommodations feel personal, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. Whether you prefer a private guest room, a larger suite, or a charming cottage, each option offers restful spaces that make it easy to reconnect.
Every suite and cottage includes a gas fireplace that adds warmth and ambiance, especially in the cooler months. Guests love our attention to detail, from warm cookies upon arrival to high-end towels and linens. Our custom-made all-natural soap and shampoo add a special touch, and slipping into one of our luxurious robes always feels indulgent. Our pillow menu lets you pick a down, memory foam, or down micro pillow, a small but meaningful detail that helps create a restful night.
During your Romantic Getaway Asheville NC, you can enjoy complimentary wifi, a game room, a fire pit on the terrace, and coffee, tea, and soft drinks available all day. Daily housekeeping keeps your room fresh, and our personalized concierge service makes planning your day at the Biltmore Estate incredibly simple. Each morning begins with a complimentary breakfast served on our glassed-in dining porch, a favorite feature among returning guests.
What truly makes us special is our full spa, offering massages and facials designed for couples seeking a peaceful escape. During one of the best romantic spa getaways at our Inn, you can expect personal service and thoughtful touches every step of the way. Our new sauna sits with a view of the mountains, creating a restorative experience you will not find anywhere else nearby. Newman’s, our upscale on-site restaurant, serves a thoughtful farm-to-table menu that pairs beautifully with a romantic evening.
When you combine all of this with the easy drive to the Biltmore Estate, it is clear why guests consider us a top choice for a Romantic Getaway NC . If you are ready to plan your next romantic trip and hope to explore the Biltmore Estate along the way, book your romantic getaway today!