The country's largest privately-owned home, and Asheville's number-one tourist attraction, the Biltmore was built in 1895 for shipping and railroad heir George Washington Vanderbilt II. He modeled it after the grand chateaux he'd seen on his various European jaunts. Viewing the estate and its 250 acres of gorgeously manicured grounds and gardens takes several hours.
Tours of the house are self-guided. To get the most out of your visit, pay an extra $10 for the informative audio tour. Also available is a behind-the-scenes guided tour ($17) covering the servants, guest rooms and parties. In summer, children visiting with an adult are free.
Beyond the house, there are numerous cafes, a gift shop the size of a small supermarket, a hoity-toity hotel, and an award-winning winery with free tastings. In Antler Village, the new Biltmore Legacy exhibit, 'The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad' provides a more personal look at the family.
