Biltmore Forest North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Biltmore Forest, North Carolina.
1. Biltmore Estate
GRAND HISTORIC MANSION
Biltmore Estate is America's largest privately owned home, built by George W. Vanderbilt in the late 19th century. The estate features a spectacular 250-room mansion, extensive gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and beautiful grounds ideal for exploring. Visitors can tour the house, stroll the gardens, and enjoy numerous seasonal events and activities.
2. Antler Hill Village & Winery
WINE TASTING & VILLAGE
Antler Hill Village & Winery offers visitors complimentary wine tastings and a chance to learn about Biltmore's winemaking process. The village provides a lively atmosphere with shops, restaurants, and live entertainment for all ages. Its relaxed vibe makes it a favorite stop on the Biltmore Estate grounds.
3. Biltmore Gardens
STUNNING HISTORIC GARDENS
Biltmore Gardens feature meticulously designed landscapes, including a conservatory, rose garden, azalea garden, and themed walking trails. The gardens, created by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, showcase spectacular blooms throughout the seasons. Guests can enjoy peaceful strolls and breathtaking views across the estate's vast grounds.
4. The Inn on Biltmore Estate
LUXURY ESTATE LODGING
The Inn on Biltmore Estate provides luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests enjoy elegant rooms, fine dining experiences, and exclusive access to estate activities. Staying at the inn offers a truly immersive way to experience the grandeur of Biltmore.
5. Deerpark Restaurant
SOUTHERN BUFFET DINING
Deerpark Restaurant, located on the Biltmore Estate, specializes in Southern-inspired buffets served in a charming, historic barn setting. The restaurant features farm-to-table dishes made with estate-raised and locally sourced ingredients. Its tranquil courtyard and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular choice for lunch and special events.
6. Cedric's Tavern
CASUAL PUB CUISINE
Cedric's Tavern in Antler Hill Village blends classic pub fare with Biltmore estate hospitality, celebrating the Vanderbilt family's beloved St. Bernard, Cedric. The tavern offers a relaxed setting with hearty dishes, local craft beers, and unique cocktails. Its warm, wood-paneled decor creates a welcoming spot for families and groups.
7. Stable Café
HISTORIC STABLE EATERY
The Stable Café is housed in the renovated former horse stables adjacent to Biltmore House. Guests enjoy casual fare such as sandwiches, salads, and barbecue in a uniquely atmospheric setting. It's a convenient lunch spot for visitors touring the mansion and grounds.
8. The Biltmore Shops
ESTATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Biltmore Shops offer a variety of specialty stores located throughout Antler Hill Village and near the mansion. Visitors can shop for Biltmore wines, estate-grown products, books, home décor, and unique souvenirs. The retail areas provide a charming shopping experience inspired by the estate's history.
9. The Salt Spa of Asheville & Himalayan Salt Cave Sanctuary
WELLNESS SALT SANCTUARY
The Salt Spa of Asheville & Himalayan Salt Cave Sanctuary offers halotherapy sessions in a tranquil cave lined with mineral-rich salt bricks. Guests can unwind in a peaceful environment designed to promote respiratory health and relaxation. The spa provides additional wellness treatments such as massages and salt therapies.
10. New Morning Gallery
ARTISAN CRAFT GALLERY
New Morning Gallery in Historic Biltmore Village showcases the work of American artisans in a wide variety of media. The gallery specializes in functional and decorative arts, including pottery, jewelry, glass, and furniture. Its inviting spaces and unique offerings make it a favorite destination for art lovers and collectors.
11. The Flying Bike
ELECTRIC BIKE TOURS
The Flying Bike provides guided electric bike tours through Asheville's scenic bike-friendly neighborhoods and greenways. Riders explore the city's historic districts, River Arts District, and scenic overlooks with experienced local guides. The tours offer a fun and eco-friendly way to see Asheville's highlights.
12. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar is celebrated for its creative takes on Southern classics using regionally sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers brunch, lunch, and dinner featuring dishes like honey-dusted fried chicken and shrimp & grits. It's a lively spot known for its welcoming ambiance and fresh flavors.
13. Basilica of Saint Lawrence
ARCHITECTURAL ICON
The Basilica of Saint Lawrence is renowned for its stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and impressive dome, the largest unsupported ellipse in North America. Visitors admire exquisite stained-glass windows and intricate interior details during self-guided or docent-led tours. The basilica remains an active place of worship and a popular sightseeing spot.
14. Grove Arcade
HISTORIC SHOPPING CENTER
Grove Arcade is a beautifully restored architectural gem that houses a vibrant mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants in downtown Asheville. The building's grand Art Deco design adds to its inviting atmosphere. It's an essential stop for unique shopping and dining experiences.
15. Smith-McDowell House Museum
OLDEST HOUSE MUSEUM
Smith-McDowell House Museum is the oldest surviving house in Asheville, now a museum chronicling the region's history from the 19th century onward. Visitors tour authentically furnished rooms and engaging exhibits on local heritage. The mansion is a must-see for history enthusiasts interested in Asheville's early days.