girls weekend at Biltmore

Girls Weekend at Biltmore in Asheville, NC

Spend a day at a spa or discovering downtown Asheville then allow yourself a full day to explore Biltmore Estate. There is plenty to see and do here. The House takes about an hour to an hour and half to tour. Count on a little longer if it is busy or if you are doing the audio tour. You can tack on additional tours like a Rooftop Tour or a Behind the Scenes Tour too. There are several other guided specialty tours including digital audio tours (recommended),a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, a Guided House Tour and Legacy of the Land (estate tour by motor coach) and other offerings as they are introduced.

You'll also want to make sure you leave time and room for enjoying ice cream in the Stable Courtyard or lunch at the Stable Café , Deerpark Restaurant (a buffet) or the Bistro, located adjacent to the Winery. In 2010, a completely new area, Antler Hill Village, was added to the Estate's offerings. This area houses a restaurant, video theatre, outdoor entertainment area and more. You'll have to see it for yourself! Visiting the winery and Antler Hill Village can take as long as you would like. You might find yourself spending an entire afternoon on the lawn with wine in hand and friends close by.

The biggest mistake you can make when visiting Biltmore is not leaving enough time to see and do everything. Plan your visit wisely.

Shopping and Dining options are plentiful and can be found in nearly all areas of the Estate.

Biltmore Gardens

If you are visiting during any time except winter, make sure you take time to enjoy the extensive gardens. You can walk from the House down through the Walled Garden and down to the Bass Pond or you can drive through the Walled Garden and park near the Gardener's Cottage shop and walk to the Bass Pond or Azalea Garden from there. Here's what you can expect to see blooming during your visit.

  • April: The Walled Garden is the place to go to see tulips, poppies, snapdragons, pansies, forsythia, dogwoods and redbud
  • May: Explore the Azalea Garden just below the House and take in the Bass Pond trails and Walled Garden for border plants
  • Late May - Oct: Roses and Perennials
  • June - July: native rhododendron, yarrow, sedum and lavender
  • July - Aug: salvia, marigolds, cannas, impatiens and assorted annuals
  • Sept - Oct: Mums displayed in a quilt pattern - Flower Carpet
  • Mid - Late Oct: Leaves, leaves and more leaves adorn the forests and surrounding forests.

Biltmore Winery

Let's face it, this is what you really came for and Biltmore's Winery won't disappoint. First, learn about winemaking during a self-guided tour of the cellars and see how wines are aged to perfection then visit the Tasting Room to sample. Aftewards you can purchase wine to take back to the hotel or home to friends or simply enjoy a glass or two in the outdoor courtyard.

Winery Dining

  • Wine Bar - located just outside the Wine Shop, grab a cheese plate and a glass and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends
  • Bistro - Just beside the Winery you'll find fresh produce from the gardens and farm. You'll also find wood-fired pizzas and heavier fare if you are dining for dinner.
  • Arbor Grill - Al fresco dining in a casual outdoor spot. On most weekends you can enjoy live music as well.
  • Antler Hill Village offerings including Cedric's Tavern

Outdoor Activities at Biltmore Estate

River Bend Farm - More than a century ago, this area was the center of Biltmore's farming community. Today it features skilled crafters and artisans, gardeners,livestock and baby animals.

  • River Bend Barn - exhibits and antique farm equipment
  • Farmyard - meet chickens, goats, Belgian draft horses and others
  • Kitchen Garden - tour the garden that provides fresh produce for the Field- to-table program at Estate restaurants.
  • Shopping - shop the Mercantile for souvenirs and helpful kitchen items

At the farm, several tour options are available.

Reservations are suggested for the following activities. Call 800-411-3812 for reservations. You must purchase a Biltmore admission ticket in addition to the passes below. Prices subject to change. Please verify with Biltmore before you make your plans. Follow links to compare.

  • Carriage Rides - $35.00 for 45 minutes.
  • Horseback Riding - $60 per adult/ 1 hour. Western-style guided ride.
  • River Float Trips - Enjoy a 3-hour self-guided kayak trip down the slow moving French Broad River ($25/person) or a guided trip for $35/person.
  • Biking - $10.00 - 1 hour on single speed beach cruiser, $20.00 half-day up to 4-hours on hybrid or mountain bike, $40.00 - full day up to 8 hours on hybrid or mountain bike. Available daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Check in at the Explore Biltmore Outdoor Center near River Bend Farm. Cost:
  • Hiking - Free with Estate admission. Stop by the Explore Biltmore Outdoor Center.
  • Segway Tours - $75 - $100/ person for guided tour on an All-terrain Segway.
  • Sporting Clays - $175/person for 2-hour session learning to shoot clay targets
  • Intro to Fly-Fishing - $125.00/person. Other classes offered. Follow link for details.
  • Land Rover Driving School - Starting at $250 per person. Follow the link for details on all available options.

Biltmore Summer Evening Concerts

Watch live performances on the South Terrace lawn of Biltmore House or at the statue of Diana during Biltmore’s annual Summer Evening Concerts series. Concerts offered weekends throughout the summer. Tickets go on sale in May.

All concerts start at 8 p.m.