Asheville, North Carolina

Over the years, Asheville has become increasingly popular. Once famous for George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate, Asheville is now also popular for its art scene. There is much to do in Asheville and its surrounding area.

Hotel Options

When we visited Asheville, we stayed at the Grand Bohemian Asheville. It was beautiful and at a convenient location close to restaurants and shopping at Biltmore Village. One night, we ate at the hotel restaurant and had one of the best steaks we’ve ever eaten. Years later, we still talk about it.

There are several other popular hotels worth researching prior to visiting Asheville -including The Omni Grove Park Inn and options on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate.

The Omni Grove Park Inn is known for its beautiful view from its sunset terrace. Even if you do not stay at this hotel, it is worth making a dinner reservation to visit and take in the sights.

Both the Inn and Village Hotel at the Biltmore Estate are incredible options. The next time I visit Asheville, I plan on staying at one of these two options. There is so much to do at the Biltmore that it makes sense to stay on the grounds.

Activities

There is a grand entrance to the Biltmore that sets the tone for the whole visit to the estates. Before you go, be sure to look at their website to see what special activities are going on during the time of your visit. They also have sample itineraries based on your interests – outdoor activities, family fun, etc. There are various tours that you may want to sign-up for in advance.

When you enter the estates, you will travel past several beautiful scenes as you head toward the main attraction – the mansion. One of the best decisions we made on the trip was to use the valet parking at the mansion. We were able to pull right to the front of the house and walk in like we were true guests. We still laugh and talk about how great that was.

The house is large and beautiful. There are several types of tours available, so be sure to check out the website in advance to get tickets to the best tour for you.

Beside the mansion are beautiful gardens. We spent a good amount of time exploring the grounds and taking photos from the veranda. Also on the estate is Antler Hill Village and Winery. Be sure to get a map of the estate and do your research in advance to be sure you do not miss anything.

In addition to activities related to the Biltmore, Asheville also has many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Biltmore Village is one of my favorite places to explore. The Corner Kitchen is one of the restaurants at Biltmore Village, and it is very good!

Asheville is also on part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It would be easy to spend a day driving, taking in the views, doing short hikes, and stopping at small towns along the way.

One of the popular scenic viewpoints in the area is the Pretty Place Chapel. Before you go, be sure to check their website to see if they are open. They often host private events and are not open to the public (as was the case when we tried to visit).

Whether you choose to spend the majority of your trip exploring the Biltmore Estate, Asheville, or the surrounding area, there is much to do in and around the city!