ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Some of us take a break from our everyday lives by taking a long bath. Others may escape to a quiet cabin in the woods. George Vanderbilt played in his 125,000 acre backyard.
Just a 2.5 hour ride from Columbia in Asheville, N.C., Biltmore Estates, which Vanderbilt (yes, of those Vanderbilts) began building in the late 1880s, was a respite for his family and friends. Today, the estate provides a luxurious backdrop for a day trip or weekend getaway.
A recent trip to the estate began with a tour of the Biltmore winery in the estate's Antler Hill Village. Guests may opt for a short guided tour of the winery or for a more lengthy behind-the-scenes tour, both of which end in the spacious tasting room, where they can sample several wines from the winery's nearly 50 selections. Though the shorter tour is included in the price of the estate admission, those who opt for the lengthier tours sample some of the estate's premium wines.
The winery's large gift shop offers visitors a chance to buy the various wines or stock up on wine-related knick knacks, gourmet sauces and beer, also made at the estate.
Though my party decided on an impromptu picnic, Antler Hill Village has its own eating options, which include a tavern that serves two estate-made beers and a creamery that serves ice cream made from the estate's original recipe. Incidentally, the recipe dates back to when cows were milked in what is now the winery.
Antler Hill also includes a farm, where visitors can explore farm life in the early 1900s, the Village Green, with live entertainment and an outdoor shop from which visitors can rent or sign up for a variety of activities, including carriage rides, river trips and Segway tours.
Shuttle buses transport visitors from the village to house, 3 miles away. Grab an ice cream cone and water from the Creamery while you wait; a huge Labor Day crowd - combined with participants in the same day's Ford Mustang show - made shuttle service slow.
Driving up to the house was an experience in itself; massive stone columns and a huge wrought-iron gate welcome visitors into the home and garden area, a popular spot for weddings and wedding photos. The house itself is reminiscent of 16th century France and boasts 250 rooms, a 10,000 volume library, 65 fireplaces, a 70,000 gallon indoor pool, bowling alley and - most interesting to me - three separate kitchens, including one made especially for pastries and one for roasting and smoking meats. Though the estate offers audio tours, the brochure offers lots of history and strategically placed guides can answer any questions. Guided and specialty tours are also available.
The estate's website says to allow at least two hours to explore the house; even a speedy self-guided tour takes at least an hour. For those wanting to stay overnight, there is on-site lodging. Though children are welcome, those under 10 may grow bored quickly if not at the farm or participating in the outdoor activities.
Visit the Biltmore Estates website at www.biltmore.com for more information. Discounted tickets for military are available at Victory Travel.
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