How would you spend a winter day at Biltmore? The busy holiday season is over, so it’s the perfect time to consider a quiet and romantic getaway with your valentine to Biltmore in Asheville. During January-March, the magical estate offers a peaceful retreat. (Pic above: A rare big snow at Biltmore.)
Winter Wellness Experiences
Biltmore is offering new wellness experiences designed to connect guests with nature and the great outdoors. The following new activities are now available through the estate’s Outdoor Adventure Center. Advance reservations are required. To make reservations for this activity, guests must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or an overnight stay booked at Village Hotel, The Inn, or Cottage on Biltmore Estate. Call 828-225-1425 for reservations.
- Winter Bird Watch Sessions: In these guided sessions, guests will participate in an ongoing research project by counting and identifying birds at the estate’s winter feeding station.
- Morning Meditation: Enjoy the beautiful setting and calm your mind with a guided meditation experience on the lawns of the Historic Horse Barn (or indoors in case of inclement weather).
- Guided Mindfulness Nature Hikes: Participants will interact with nature on this mindfulness hike on the beautiful setting of Biltmore’s grounds. $5-$20/person. Kids 9 and under are free. Hikes last between 45 mins -2 hours, depending on the hike.
- Nature Games: Perfect for families, this activity includes National Park Monopoly and puzzles.
Ticket Specials
The slowest season of the year at Biltmore brings the best deals.
- Admission is the lowest of the year when you buy on the Biltmore website seven days in advance on many weekdays January-February. Save on other days when you buy on the Biltmore website seven days in advance.
- Children 9 & under always get free admission.
Biltmore Lodging Winter Specials
- The Inn on Biltmore Estate: Go to the Biltmore website to see current Inn on Biltmore specials.
- Village Hotel: Go to the Biltmore website to see current Village Hotel specials.
The Perfect Day
During the late 1800s, George Vanderbilt designed the 8,000-acre estate to be a place of rejuvenation and calm, far away from the busy streets of larger cities. That same feeling comes through today, especially during this season when Biltmore offers a sense of escape and serenity. Here are some ideas for things to do:
Morning: Arrive at the Welcome Center to pick up your tickets and watch the orientation video for a great introduction. Drive the two-mile drive to the house. The Welcome Center opens at 9 AM every day.
Arrive at the Biltmore House. Enjoy a leisurely self-guided tour of the largest home in America. Take advantage of the clear winter days for photo ops and beautiful views from the South Terrace. As always, weekends are busier than weekdays.
Lunch: Rejuvenate with a hearty lunch for two at the Stable Cafe, located beside the house in the restored Stables. The café features slow-cooked rotisserie chicken, fresh salads, and irresistible desserts. And browse the shops.
Afternoon: Stroll acres of peaceful winter gardens designed by America's foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. From the house, take a maze of walking trails to enjoy the peaceful scenery. Head to the Conservatory (1/2 mile walk from the Estate) and warm up in the tropical paradise! Don't miss the orchid section. If you want to take a longer walk, continue another 1/2 mile to the Bass Pond. Enjoy some solitude in the secluded Boat House.
Head to Antler Hill Village and the Winery after your house tour- a great place to unwind and take in the less formal side of the estate. Dine at Cedric's Tavern or Bistro. Tour the farm. Read more about Antler Hill Village.
While you are at Antler Hill Village, the Winery is a must-stop. Warm up with a wonderful, relaxed tasting of robust red and crisp white wines (included in your admission ticket). We especially love the Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting (extra charge). The Winery is open until 8 PM (9 PM during Biltmore Christmas season) Read more about the Biltmore Winery, including tours, specials, and events.
Romantic Spots: See the best places at Biltmore to propose or celebrate with your Valentine.
Hike: Biltmore has many well-maintained trails for hikers of all fitness levels. Bundle up and explore several trails. Our favorites are the Bass Pond and Deer Park Trails. Read more about hiking at Biltmore.
Snow: Since snow is rare at Biltmore (maybe a couple of times each winter), it's very exciting. Biltmore never closes - they plow and shovel immediately.
More Winter Romantic Moments at Biltmore
Here are more ideas to create your fairytale getaway to this 8,000-acre estate.
1. Request a private carriage ride and cuddle under the lap blankets.
2. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Inn on Biltmore Estate.
3. Have a fun adventure with the Land Rover Driving Experience School.
4. Stay for dinner. The estate's restaurants celebrate this romantic time of year with delicious menu offerings and an array of savory and sweet chocolate dishes.
5. Indulge in four-star luxury and romance with an Inn on Biltmore Estate romance package.
6. Saddle up for a guided horseback ride across Biltmore's ridges and pastures.
7. Combine your Biltmore visit with other great things to do... see our Top Asheville Winter Outings & Events.
Spring at Biltmore
This festival of flowers celebrates two months of spring blooms that include 75,000+ tulips, orchids, azalaeas and elaborate floral displays inside Biltmore House.
