Biltmore Estates?

[Alicia87]

Hubby and I are leaving for the Smoky Mountains on Sunday and will be there through Thursday. We've never been to Biltmore Estates and was wondering if it was worth the price of admission. If we're going to pay that much for admission, we're going to pay the extra for the Candelight Christmas Evening also.

Was just wondering if anyone has been and could tell me about it.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[manning]

It has been many years since I was there, but I was impressed.

That place is big. The guide had pointed out that Biltmore made a ton of money but the reason why he was able to build Biltmore was that there was not an income tax and he was able to keep it all. It would not be possible to build something like it today.

 

[merekc]

Yes.

If you enjoy touring homes, it is a beautiful home. I think if the holiday decs are up it would be awesome.

 

[LJC1861]

Don't pay for both the Estate admission and the Candlelight Admission. I believe that if you buy Candlelight Admission you get admission to the Estate the next day. Ask when you buy your tickets. You should order them before you get to the estate, they do occasionally. With the Candlelight tour you DO see the house...and it is amazingly beautiful at night with softer lighting and fires in the fireplaces. Add the music and it is pure magic.

To answer the question, yes it is worth the price of admission. I have been a number of times and love it each and every time.

Linda

 

[Angelhalo]

LOVE The Biltmore Estate, ESPECIALLY when the Christmas decorations are up!

 

[laurie31]

We did the Candlelight Evening several years ago, and we really enjoyed it. It's expensive because the estate is privately owned, meaning there's no government funding; just those who want to see it pay for it.

We had been before, but loved seeing the house all decorated with elaborate trees and garlands, and of course, candles.

Ooh, now I want to go back!

 

[lynetteSC]

I agree with the previous posters ... it is GORGEOUS!

 

[RadioNate]

Loved it, so I say yes! I'd love to go at the holidays.

 

[tennvalgirl]

Impressive.

You can't appreciate how big it is until you see it for yourself.

 

[Ohiodislover]

Lots of fun. I took my mother a few years back. I have wanted to go back at Christmas, but waiting will my girls are old enough to want to go. I may be waiting a LONG time.

Be sure to tour the winery also. They always have a wonderful Christmas dessert wine. I have a friend who lives close and always sends me a couple of bottles.

 

[Buckalew11]

I vote yes also. I'd love to ride over to see it again but I doubt I'll find the time this Christmas season. Enjoy!

 

[SDFgirl]

Totally worth it. It's truly beautiful, especially at the holidays.

I have been twice and got much more out of my experience when I ponied up to pay for the headphones. You will really learn a LOT more about the home with the guided headphone tour.

Have fun!!

 

[My sister's princess]

Go see it! It was very beautiful! I wish I could go during the Holidays

 

[LJC1861]

I totally agree with SDFgirl....get the audio tour!!!!!!

The tour is wonderful and full of stories about what life was like for the family and guests that lived and stayed there. Also included are little extra bits that give info on some of the interesting and unique details about the house.

They do change the tour for the holidays and include stories of the Vanderbilt family Christmas traditions.

A bit of trivia about the main Christmas tree in the dining room. It is a live tree and they actually have two of them during the holiday season as one will only last so long. Halfway through the season they take it down at night after the house closes for the night and have the replacement back up and ready to go the next morning.

A friend of mine grew up on the Estate, the farm manager's daughter. She and her family attended the holiday party given by the Vanderbilt(now Cecil) family every year. The family still carries on the tradition of giving gifts to all of the children on the Estate. When the Vanderbilt family lived in the house the main tree in the dining room was the site of the party and the gift hung on the tree and placed around it were the actual gifts given to the children.

Linda

 

[ckay87]

I just saw a thing on the Travel Channel about how the McDonalds in the area is gorgeous. Seriously, it was pretty neat - I'd stop in.

 

[Kae]

Not to Hijack the thread but does anyone remember when HGTV did Christmas shows on the Biltmore, I think it was with Southern Living.

Kae

 

[erincon23]

We've been twice -- nearly 18 years ago to see the Christmas decorations, which were wonderful, and two summers ago. If I ever have the opportunity to go again, I wouldn't hesitate! This is one of the most beautiful homes in one of the most beautiful settings you'll ever find. Since we were there the first time, they've opened several new rooms and opened some additional gift stores. When we were there over the summer, we went into some stunning gardens and were able to see the mountain setting in all its glory. Go! If you haven't checked out the website, do that first and you'll be convinced (You can buy your tickets online usually for some discount also).

Erin

 

[My2Cinderellas]

I say Biltmore is a don't miss attraction, well worth the price of admission. I visited Biltmore in the summertime and it was amazing - I can only imagine how beautiful it is with holiday decorations. I second the recommendation to visit the winery on the estate. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice some of the wines were. Reasonably priced for the quality too.

 

[Blue.Fairy2]

you might want to consider the Go BlueRidge card it includes the Biltmore


check it out http://www.smartdestinations.com/blue-ridge-attractions-and-tours/_d_Blr-p1.html?cid=BRromashtks

 

[OhMari]

We just came home last weekend from the Smokey Mountains. Just be prepared for the long traffic jam from I40 into Siereville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and finally the National Park. The ride to Ashville is all Mountains too, so hopefully you will have great weather.

Everything is set up for Christmas in these 3 towns too (think Osbourne Lights), and Dollywood has thier Christmas Special going. You can go after 6:00 p.m. pay for your ticket and come back the next day for free. I just wished Dollywood would of opened early 11:00 a.m. I'm a morning person and I hated waiting around for the park to open.