Western North Carolina is known for its mountain views and vibrant small towns. One of the most iconic experiences here is exploring the Biltmore Mansion. Biltmore tours offer an unforgettable way to step inside America’s largest privately owned home and experience the grandeur of the Gilded Age. From the sweeping lawns of the Biltmore Estate to the intricate details inside the Biltmore Mansion, this experience is a great way to learn more about North Carolina’s unique history.
Exploring the Biltmore Mansion and nearby Saluda are major highlights for any trip to Western North Carolina. But you’ll also find plenty of things to do in Saluda, a charming mountain town that rounds out your trip to the mountains. Spend the morning browsing independent galleries and antique shops along Main Street, then head out for a scenic drive along the Green River Gorge, where you can also kayak or ride a zipline.
Local festivals and live music pop up throughout the year, giving this small town a lively, welcoming energy. After a day exploring the Biltmore Estate or enjoying Biltmore house tours in Asheville, returning to Saluda offers a quieter, more intimate mountain experience without sacrificing access to the area’s most celebrated destinations.
If you are wondering where to Stay Near Asheville, NC, look no further than The Orchard Inn. Here, our elevated accommodations create the perfect setting for romance and relaxation, with high-end linens and plush towels, and a pillow menu. Select accommodations also include jetted tubs that welcome you to unwind after a full day of Biltmore tours and exploring things to do in Western North Carolina. No matter the season, our Inn is a place to relax and rejuvenate in comfort and style. Book your stay today!
Spend Your Day on One of These Biltmore Tours
Few places in America rival the scale and vision of the Biltmore Mansion. Completed in 1895 by George Vanderbilt, this 250-room French Renaissance château was designed as a country retreat where art, architecture, and hospitality could flourish under one roof. Walking through the Biltmore House, you see original furnishings, a 70,000-gallon indoor pool, a bowling alley, and a library filled with thousands of volumes, all preserved as part of the larger Biltmore Estate. The attention to detail is remarkable, from hand-carved ceilings to priceless tapestries and paintings collected from around the world, which makes taking one of the Biltmore tours a rare opportunity to step directly into America’s past.
Today, Biltmore estate tours offer guests curated stories about the Vanderbilt family, the architects and artisans who built the home, and the expansive grounds. With so many Biltmore tours available, you can tailor your experience to your interests, whether you prefer a relaxed self-guided audio tour, an in-depth guided tour, a behind-the-scenes specialty tour, or outdoor-focused experiences like biking and birding. As one of the most fun things to do in Asheville, visiting the estate and taking one or more of their tours is guaranteed to be an enriching experience. Here are some of the best tours of the Biltmore Estate:
- The Biltmore House Self-Guided Audio Tour is the most popular of all Biltmore tours and allows you to explore the mansion at your own pace with a detailed audio guide. You’ll move through grand rooms, guest suites, and service areas while learning about the Vanderbilt family and daily life inside the home.
- For those who appreciate expert insight, a guided option offers deeper context and curated storytelling throughout the mansion. Knowledgeable guides highlight architectural details and personal anecdotes that enrich the experience.
- One of the most exclusive Biltmore tours, the Rooftop Tour takes you to areas rarely seen by the public. You will step onto the roof to take in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while learning about the estate’s design and construction.
- The specialty experience of the Backstairs Tour focuses on the lives of the staff who kept the Biltmore estate running smoothly. You will explore the servant quarters and workspaces not included in standard Biltmore House tours.
- Perfect for garden enthusiasts, the self-guided Gardens and Grounds tour explores the formal gardens, conservatory, and landscaped grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Seasonal blooms and thoughtful landscape design make it one of the most picturesque Biltmore tours available.
- One of the most flavorful Biltmore winery tours, the Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting, pairs handcrafted Biltmore wines with thoughtfully selected artisan chocolates. Guests learn how flavor profiles interact as they taste several red wines alongside chocolate designed to complement each pour.
- For those who prefer an active adventure, the guided bike tour explores scenic trails across the estate grounds. It offers a refreshing way to see forests, fields, and river views beyond the mansion itself.
- Nature lovers gravitate toward this guided birding excursion across the Biltmore estate. Expert guides help identify local and migratory species while sharing information about the estate’s conservation efforts.
- The Artistic Legacies Tour explores the remarkable art collection inside the Biltmore House, offering deeper insight into the Vanderbilt family’s passion for fine art and culture. Guests view select pieces while learning about the artists, historical context, and how these works became part of the Biltmore Estate. This guided experience is one of the most enriching Biltmore tours for art enthusiasts.
- The Farm to Table Tour and Taste highlights the estate’s agricultural roots and its ongoing commitment to sustainable farming. Guests visit working farm areas to learn how fresh ingredients move from field to table, and finish with a tasting of estate-sourced products.
- A peaceful way to explore the landscape surrounding the Biltmore estate is on horseback. Knowledgeable guides lead riders through scenic forest paths while sharing stories about the land and its history. This Guided Trail Ride is one of the most memorable Biltmore tours for nature lovers.
Best Place to Stay Near Asheville, NC
Choosing where to Stay Near Asheville, NC, should feel as luxurious as your day at the Biltmore Estate.The most refined option awaits in Saluda, where thoughtfully designed rooms, spacious suites, and private cottages create an atmosphere of comfort and intimacy. Each morning begins with a complimentary breakfast that highlights fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Guests wake to the aroma of coffee and a menu that often includes seasonal fruit, house-made pastries, and satisfying hot selections. On Sundays, the experience expands into a leisurely brunch with classic favorites and chef-inspired dishes.
Romance and relaxation come naturally here, whether you are planning a cozy winter retreat or a summer escape filled with adventure in Western North Carolina. Spend the afternoon at the on-site spa, unwind in the sauna, then enjoy an exceptional dinner at Newman’s before returning to your room for a fireside night in. Our warm, considerate hospitality ensures that every detail is handled with care, allowing you to focus on each other and the memories you are creating. Reserve your stay today and experience mountain luxury at its finest.
