A Visit To Biltmore

Asheville, North Carolina has a lot going for it. Not only is it one of the hippest, most up and coming small cities in the east, but it boasts dramatic mountain scenery, some of the finest eateries by any standards, and of course, the main tourist draw, the Biltmore Estate. We enjoyed the crisp autumn air as we strolled around the picturesque city center, peeking into plush boutiques, funky record stores and kitschy antique shops. The food at Chorizo Ristorante was enough to count us happy and content with our stay in Asheville. We knew the Biltmore House was an attraction, but were wary of the potential herds of holiday makers.

The Largest House In America

Our last day in town, though, was a gorgeous, 70 degree fall day, and we happened upon an advertisement raving about the holiday display that had just opened at Biltmore. Once we discovered there was a vineyard and wine tasting included with the admission price, my partner perked up and insisted we go. From our hotel, we made the scenic and somewhat mysterious drive through the winding grounds, up to the house. The touted largest home in America was certainly impressive, and looked very much like it was torn from the pages of a French fairy tale and pasted here in the misty Blue Ridge Mountains.

We strolled through the mansion, enjoying the meticulously restored furniture, wallpaper and draperies. Dozens of festooned Christmas trees decked every hall. Finished in 1895, the house was appointed with the crème de la crème of fittings and lavish accessories. My favorite fixture was the massive Christmas tree in the towering, 70-foot banquet hall. No expense was spared and every square inch of the place was bedazzled with holiday glitz.

After exhausting our camera’s memory card in the lush gardens and conservatory we drove to Antler Hill Village to check out the farm exhibition. Handmade crafts, fuzzy animals for petting and delicious Carolina barbeque welcomed us there. We hopped on a couple beach-cruiser style bikes and pedaled idly toward the spot where the map said we’d have a beautiful view of the Biltmore house from afar.

Perfect For a Proposal

A little way into our relaxing bike ride, my partner gave a pitiful “ow, ow OW!” slammed on his brakes and tumbled to the side of the path, bellowing something about a leg cramp. Concerned, I pulled up. He had a smile on his face and a black velvet box in hand. After a short but heartfelt speech (much too mushy to be shared here) that wrapped with a “Will you be my wife?” I squeaked out a “Yes!”. As the sun set on our already perfect day, we pulled into the winery. Our wine tasting guide was extremely generous with samples of the 20 red and white wines available. Our favorites were the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The whole 8,000 acre property was magical, from garden to turret. The beautifully maintained grounds and impeccable manor gave Nick and me the most romantic backdrop for our special day.

Noella Schink is a travel writer who lives in Portland, Maine. She hopes you check out excellent hotels for your hotel in Asheville.