Biltmore Estate Winter Outings

How could you spend a winter day at Biltmore?
When the holidays have come to a close and summer is still out of reach, it’s the perfect time to consider a quiet and romantic getaway to Biltmore in Asheville. In the early months of the year, the historic property offers a peaceful retreat following the hectic pace of the holidays.

During the late 1800s, George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre estate was designed to be a place of rejuvenation and calm, far away from the busy streets of larger cities. That same feeling comes through today, especially during this season, when Biltmore offers a sense of escape and serenity.

Biltmore March Madness Specials 2012 March Madness: For the month of March, wear your favorite sports team shirt (or hat, etc.) and receive $10 off adult regular admission of $45. Offer must be redeemed in person at Biltmore’s Reception and Ticket Center. Locals Special: For the month of March, you can purchase a Biltmore 12-Month Pass for $79. That’s $50 off the regular $129 price. Mention “Spring Offer” when ordering by phone, 800-742-6150, or in person at Biltmore’s Reception and Ticket Center. A free audio guide to Biltmore House with each admission ticket featuring stories of the Vanderbilts’ lives in America’s largest home. Free admission for children ages 16 and under (with adult admission). $35 admission price if you book your visit online or by phone 7 days or more in advance of your visit. That’s a $10 savings off regular admission price. Read more about Biltmore's current deals and specials!

Winter 50% off Special, by Inn on Biltmore Estate Stay in January-March 2012 and save 50% or more off peak room rates at this four-star grand hotel on the grounds of America's largest home. Walk to the Biltmore Winery and Antler Hill Village with shops and restaurants. (Admission to Biltmore House is additional.) Rates: January, midweek rates start at $129/weekend $159. February $139 midweek/ $179 weekend. March $159 midweek/$199 weekend. Click here to visit their Web site.

Morning: Arrive at the Welcome Center to pick up your tickets. See the orientation video for a great introduction to Biltmore. Drive the two mile drive to the house. The Welcome Center opens at 9 AM on Monday-Friday and 9 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

Arrive at the Biltmore House. Enjoy a leisurely self-guided tour of the largest home in America - without the big crowds. Discover original art from masters such as Renoir, magnificent 16th-century tapestries, Napoleon's chess set, a library with 10,000 volumes, a Banquet Hall with a 70-foot ceiling, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley, and priceless antiques. Allow two hours - sit down occassionally to soak it in. Take advantage of the clear winter days for photo ops and beautiful views from the South Terrace.

Lunch: Rejuvenate with a hearty lunch for two at the Stable Cafe, located beside the house in the restored Stables. The café features slow-cooked rotisserie chicken, fresh salads, and irresistible desserts.

Afternoon: Stroll acres of peaceful winter gardens designed by America's foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. The gardens and walking trails provide guests with unexpected places-perfect for two-for sitting to enjoy the peaceful scenery. Head to the Conservatory (1/2 mile walk from House) and warm up in the tropical paradise! Enjoy its beauty and find a cozy spot to read a book. Its central room is a Palm House where a large collection of palms, ferns, and other foliage plants thrive year round. Annexes include a cool house, hot house and orchid house. If you want to take a longer walk, continue another 1/2 mile to the Bass Pond. Steal a kiss at the secluded Boat House.

Return to your car and head toward Antler Hill Village and the Winery. On the way, stop for our favorite photo spot at the Lagoon. Look for the small lake on your left. There is a narrow unpaved road at the far end that crosses a small bridge and takes you around the lake for a stunning view of back of the Biltmore House.

Antler Hill Village is a great place to unwind and take in the less formal side of the estate. The Legacy building features storytelling sessions daily, with exhibits about Edith Vanderbilt’s passion for entertaining. A film about George Vanderbilt’s legacy screens every ten minutes in the Legacy theater. Cedric’s Tavern features live music daily.

All tours at the Winery are guided and include a stop on the Scholar’s Walk where the Vanderbilts’ rare 1913 Stevens Duryea touring car is on display. Tours end at the tasting room where you can sample a wide variety of Biltmore wines. The Winery is open noon to 6 PM Monday through Friday; noon to 7 PM Saturday and Sunday.

The Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting is offered daily at 3 PM for $15 per person. A guided Winery Production Tour is available daily at 4 p.m. for $8 per person. Read more about the Biltmore Winery.

More Options
Here are more ideas if you have the time - and all included in the package price:

Farm: Tour the Antler Hill Farm near the Winery to discover what it was like to live and work on the estate in the 1890's. See craft demonstrations, farmyard animals, antique farm equipment, a kitchen garden, and more.

Shops: It doesn't cost anything to look! There are a variety of shops in the Stables next to the house, the winery shop and the Gate House.

Hike: There are many well-maintained trails to explore for all fitness levels. Bundle up and explore several trails. Our favorite is the new Deer Park Trail. Read more about hiking at Biltmore.

Read more about Biltmore's current deals and specials!