Plan A Romantic Getaway to Biltmore Posted on January 7, 2023 at 11:44 am.Written by Jean Sexton When you’re longing for time away with your beloved, Biltmore serves up the ultimate romantic escape whether you’re seeking a private retreat for renewed connections or fun-filled adventures in the great outdoors. Follow our expert tips and inspiration for planning your next romantic getaway to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Enjoy the great outdoors together on your next romantic date or getaway at Biltmore! Explore the estate together Create new memories by enjoying the outdoors together while exploring the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain estate. “I can’t think of anything much more romantic than a carriage ride across this stunning estate,” said Heather Brannan, Outdoor Adventure Center Supervisor, “but Biltmore offers so many activities that you’re sure to find something that delights both of you.” Carriage and trail rides Enjoy Biltmore’s property from a different perspective with a carriage or trail ride. Choose guided or private options to suit your style and abilities. Biking and hiking Delight in Frederick Law Olmsted’s distinctive landscape design as you explore the trails at Biltmore. Walk, hike, rent a bike, or pedal your own to get a firsthand view of the estate. Wellness activities Indulge in some self-care as a couple with thoughtful options that quiet your mind and refresh your spirits, such as Morning Yoga or our deliciously relaxing Chocolate Meditation. Falconry is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey. Adventure awaits Team up with your significant other for an adventure that may take you out of your comfort zone, but will also bring you closer together as you learn new skills with the help of our expert guides. Land Rover® Experience at Biltmore Go off-roading in luxury when you engage in a Land Rover® Experience at Biltmore. Book a one- or two-hour session and receive expert training to maneuver on unfamiliar terrain. Extend the adventure with a full-day excursion that includes a mid-day break for a private picnic lunch–now that’s romantic! Falconry Let romance take flight as you experience the ancient art of falconry together. Learn about these fascinating birds of prey as well as hawks and barn owls, and receive expert training on handling and interacting with these captivating raptors. Make a morning reservation for Biltmore House and feel like a guest of the Vanderbilts. Rise and shine Beth Poslusny, Vice President of Destination Guest Experience, suggests making it a truly romantic getaway with accommodations and special packages at The Inn on Biltmore Estate®, Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate® or one of our private historic cottages. “You’ll have the unique opportunity to awaken on the estate,” said Beth, “and there’s no better way to start a special day together!” Make your date or getaway more romantic with the addition of a Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour: The Biltmore House Backstairs Tour offers enthralling stories of domestic staff while exploring their lives and the areas where they worked. Our Rooftop Tour offers a bird’s eye view of the house, with fascinating little-known details about the construction and design of the 175,000-square-foot home. Enjoy our Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting featuring premium Biltmore wines and artisan chocolate truffles from French Broad Chocolates. 📷 by @chelseaericasmith and @thewineshutter Table for two As part of your romantic date or getaway, make time to wine and dine on the estate with your special someone. WinerySurprise your significant other by booking a Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting and learn why the flavors are a match made in heaven–just like the two of you! Round out the romance with the following options: Reserve time for a complimentary tasting where you’ll learn about Biltmore’s winemaking heritage. Unwind at the indoor-outdoor Wine Bar to enjoy Biltmore wines with charcuterie, cheese, and chocolates, then stock up on favorite vintages and accessories at the Wine Shop. Rekindle your memories at home with a membership in our Vanderbilt Wine Club®. Delicious Dining“From fine dining to casual, quick-service options and sweet treats, Biltmore offers fabulous flavors to suit every taste,” said Estate Executive Chef Mark DeMarco. “Something as simple as sipping hot chocolate from The Creamery while you stroll around Antler Hill Village can make any date more memorable.” For the ultimate romantic dinner, Chef DeMarco suggests reserving a table for two in The Dining Room at The Inn on Biltmore Estate–both the restaurant and The Inn have earned a prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating for world-class service and gracious hospitality. Plan your next romantic date or getaway now No matter what activities light your fire, the variety of things to do at Biltmore will provide the perfect spark for your next romantic date or getaway. Visit Tip: Available guided activities vary throughout the year. We recommend checking our current activities online in advance to make the most of your romantic getaway to Biltmore.
Practice Mindfulness At Biltmore This Winter Posted on January 4, 2022 at 6:00 pm.Written by Jean Sexton When you practice mindfulness at Biltmore this winter with a range of relaxing activities that help promote a sense of well-being, you’ll be tapping into a rich history of self-care. Vanderbilt Party near Biltmore Station, December 22, 1895. Among those pictures on flatbed railroad car in Biltmore Village are George Vanderbilt’s sister Margaret Vanderbilt Shepard (standing behind trunk), George Vanderbilt standing on right, George’s mother Mrs. William H. Vanderbilt, seated in front of him. Other individuals are likely relatives from George’s mother’s side of the family. “When Asheville became accessible by rail in the late 1800s, the area quickly gained a reputation as a place of respite and relaxation,” said Leslie Klingner, Curator of Interpretation. “George Vanderbilt accompanied his mother, Maria Louisa Kissam Vanderbilt, who had been advised by her doctor to visit the area. Both enjoyed the crisp, clear mountain air that George described as ‘mild and invigorating,’ and he began to envision a haven where he and his family and friends could all experience the healthful benefits of Western North Carolina,” Leslie explained. Today, self-care remains at the heart of everything we do at Biltmore. During your next visit, indulge in our wide range of mindful activities infused with our beautiful surroundings, and make this your best year yet. Slow down for serenity Practice mindfulness with a relaxing yoga session In order to ponder your future, you must take time to reflect on your past, and being solidly connected to the present moment allows you to do both. Restore your equilibrium with a rejuvenating 8:30 a.m. Morning Yoga session that will gently stretch your body and awaken your mind. Mid-morning, take a guided tour of Biltmore’s beautiful grounds to learn the history behind the ancient mandala, and use forest floor “ingredients” to make your own Nature Mandala. That afternoon, return to the outdoors for a peacefully intentional Mindfulness Walk, where your guide will gently prompt awareness of your tranquil surroundings. Let mindfulness take flight Explore the thrilling art of falconry at Biltmore Observing the freedom of feathered creatures in their natural winter habitat offers peaceful reflection on the beauty and meaning of life. Allow our trained guides to help you appreciate the depth and breadth of the bird population at Biltmore on our Guided Bird Walks as you observe cardinals, woodpeckers, and bobwhites around the property. Refine your knowledge of ornithology through a Waterfowl Habitats Tour, where you’ll linger at our Bass Pond, Lagoon, and Long Valley Lake to spy a variety of ducks, geese, and occasionally a great blue heron. For the ultimate in wildlife interaction, participate in a Falconry session and learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, getting an eye-to-eye view with the magnificent bird as it alights upon your gloved arm. Bring well-being to life Wander among tropical treasures in Biltmore’s Conservatory Whether you decide to try any of the above experiences for a refreshing recharge, or prefer more traditional outdoor pursuits such as hiking, walking, or biking, Biltmore’s 8,000 acres can accommodate your desires. When your self-care prescription calls for indoor interests, enjoy a stroll through America’s Largest Home®, lose yourself in the tropical grandeur and exotic plantings in our glass-topped Conservatory, indulge in culinary delights at our restaurants, or make a reservation to taste award-winning favorites at the Winery. You can even indulge in a bit of relaxing retail therapy at more than a dozen estate shops or discover the online convenience of biltmoreshop.com. No matter what you need, Biltmore provides mindful activities for every taste. Practice mindfulness at Biltmore Practice mindfulness during your Biltmore winter getaway at one of our distinctive hotels or private historic cottages Spending an afternoon, a day, or a long weekend at Biltmore gives you the perfect opportunity to hit the pause button on life and renew your body, mind, and spirit. This winter, treat yourself with time at Biltmore, and engage in mindful activities and spa treatments* that will help you embrace each and every moment of the new year. *To access services at The Spa, located inside The Inn on Biltmore Estate®, you must be an overnight guest on the property or an Annual Passholder.