Yes, I Live in Asheville. Yes, I'm a Biltmore Regular. Here's Why.
I know what you’re thinking. “You live in Asheville and you actually go to Biltmore? Isn’t that just for tourists?”
Fair question, and my answer is a happy yes. I go regularly, and I think every local should at least consider an annual pass. Here’s what keeps me coming back.
The gardens and conservatory
While tourists rush through to see the house, the real magic for me is in the gardens. The Walled Garden changes completely with the seasons. Thousands of tulips in spring, roses that practically glow in summer, chrysanthemums in fall, and in winter, blessedly few crowds.
The Conservatory is my quiet escape. It’s full of tropical plants and orchids year round, which makes it the perfect place to thaw out on a gray February afternoon. Plenty of visitors walk right past it without knowing it’s there.
The winery at Antler Hill Village
The complimentary tasting alone is close to worth the price of admission. Past the free pour, though, the winery is just a genuinely relaxed place to be. Grab a glass, find a seat on the patio, and watch the sun drop over the estate. It’s hard to beat.
The trail system
This is the part most people miss entirely. Biltmore has more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, and I’ve spent whole afternoons on the riverside paths without passing another soul. For a local who likes being outside, that alone pays for the pass. When I want bigger mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a short drive away, but Biltmore’s trails are the easy everyday option.
A few tips for locals
- Go on weekdays. A Tuesday morning and a Saturday afternoon are two different worlds.
- Go off-season. January through March is my favorite stretch. Quiet, mild, peaceful.
- Skip the house once you’ve done it. After your first time through, put your energy into the grounds. That’s where it really shines.
- Bring out-of-town friends. Your pass gets you in, and you get to show off the place a little.
Biltmore isn’t only a tourist stop. It’s a real asset to this community, and for those of us who call Asheville home, it’s right here in the backyard waiting to be used.