Biltmore Estate at Christmas Time

If looking for a travel destination to get into the holiday spirit, consider the Biltmore Estate, in Ashville North Carolina, at Christmas time. If you want to stay on the property, I recommend you make reservations when they open (early summer).

The Biltmore Estate is as close to American Royalty as you can get.  The estate was built in the late 19^th century by George Vanderbilt, grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, self-made railroad and shipping tycoon, and son of William Vanderbilt, the richest man in America at the time.

The estate is well preserved and the conversions to a destination have been clever and well done.  As an example, the old stables have been turned into a restaurant aptly named the Stables.   

There are several tours of the house, and for the most part, they don’t overlap. We did three of the tours and would recommend the self-guided house tour and then the backstairs tour if you have time.  The backstairs tour was pretty neat – think Downtown Abbey – where you got to see behind the main rooms to the servant’s quarters, kitchens etc…  We also did the rooftop tour which I would only recommend if you have lots of time or are particularly interested in architecture. 

Food on site was pretty good.  We enjoyed The Stables for lunch and Cedric’s (named after the Biltmore’s dog) for dinner.  Village Social had a great breakfast.  Their buttermilk biscuits were probably the best I have ever had.  Most of the food is grown or raised on site.  You’ll want reservations for lunch and dinner and breakfast got crazy by around 9. 

I was there with girlfriends.  The high tea was terrible but the wine and chocolate tasting was fun. 

There are two places to stay on property – the Inn, the Cottages and the Villages.  We stayed at the Villages and I’d recommend it.  It is more relaxed and comfortable but still nice with large rooms, fire pit, pool, and large common areas.  Even if I had the money to splurge on The Inn, I think I prefer the more relaxed atmosphere. 

The Biltmore is famous for its Christmas decorations and the house really was beautiful.  However, the gardens are extensive, and I think I’d prefer a trip in the Springtime! 

Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina