The Biltmore

We pulled out of South Carolina on the 27th of June and headed for Asheville,  North Carolina to visit the Biltmore Estate.  We have been wanting to visit the Biltmore ever since Tonya and her family moved to Charlotte, but it seemed  every time we came up there was not enough time.  Now that we are retired, we no longer have that excuse.  We had reservations at the Bear Creek Campground just outside of Asheville and it was very nice, and would recommend it to anyone visiting the area.  We only had one issue and it was minor and easily overcome.  Sherree is always the one that directs the backing-in process when we don't have a pull through.  She tried to back us into the wrong place, but we finally got on the same page and all went smoothly.

The Biltmore was only about 5 miles or so from the campground so it was an easy drive.  Alicia had ordered tickets ahead of time and if anyone is planning to go, significant savings can be realized by doing the same.  The Biltmore is a private estate and as such, the entrance fees and tours fund the upkeep.  If you are ever in the area it is definitely worth your time and money to see it.  Some pictures are posted below but only from the outside.  No photos are allowed inside.  It is beyond our comprehension that someone 33 years old and unmarried could build such a magnificent place.  We did not have time to take any of the specialty tours but we will be back and will take some if not all of the tours.  We also visited the winery onsite and had a great time at the free wine tasting.  Free is always good.

 As you peer at the windows and over the doors there are figures everywhere and no two are alike.  None of this can be seen from the road.  When guests arrived they drove through several miles of beautifully landscaped roads, as did we, and suddenly one rounds the corner and sees the house.

A closer view of the front enterance

This restaurant was at one time stables

One could spend a day just walking through the gardens.  We only had time to drive by.

This was the only day we experienced any rain on our trip.  As we completed the wine tour we went to the Biltmore village.  It is a group of shops for souvenirs and food.  There was a ice cream shop and it sheltered us from the rain and at the same time satisfied our sweet tooth.  All in all the trip to the Biltmore was all we expected and as mentioned earlier we will be back.