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We are heading up to Statesville this weekend for the hot air balloon festival. We have a few hours Sunday morning before heading home. Our daughter would like to see the Biltmore Estate, but we don't have the time to really explore to justify the admission fee.
My question is, can you drive through the estate to just see the house from the outside? Maybe wander some of the gardens or shops? Or do you have to pay the admission in order to even drive in that close? I've looked at the website, but can't find the answer! Thanks!
You will not be able to see the house at all without paying. IIRC there is a gate well before the house you must go through with your admission ticket. Even making it to the parking you cannot see the house. You have to walk a trail to it, which is quite a lead in as once it appears the view of it is amazing!
it is well worth the admission just to see the gardens alone. We aplurged one time to stay at the Grove Park Inn only to get a room next door to a screaming infant!!!!
If you are a AAA member, contact them about discount tickets. You can pay for and pick them up at AAA, but you will still need to make a reservation through Biltmore for an entry time.
I guess I am the only one that didnt really care for Biltmore. It was so pretentious and obnoxious to see all the over-the-top stuff. Yes, the house is big, big deal. My fave part was the basement with the servant quarters, laundry, kitchen and recreation facilities. We were there Oct 8 and the gardens were ok, but not outstanding, must have been in between plantings or end of season. The Deer Park buffet for lunch was awful, food not fresh or delicious in any way. Skip it!
I guess I am the only one that didnt really care for Biltmore. It was so pretentious and obnoxious to see all the over-the-top stuff. Yes, the house is big, big deal. My fave part was the basement with the servant quarters, laundry, kitchen and recreation facilities. We were there Oct 8 and the gardens were ok, but not outstanding, must have been in between plantings or end of season. The Deer Park buffet for lunch was awful, food not fresh or delicious in any way. Skip it!
I understand the "...pretentious and obnoxious..." and don't recommend the visit to admire or to hope to emulate the lifestyle.
But I also know that the Vanderbilts gave up the core land holding, about 90,000 acres, that became Pisgah National Forest, and also helped attract tourism to the Asheville area.
And I know that the estate represents some irreplaceable history.
I don't care for the carny stuff that has popped up in the last 10-12 years, but they have bills to pay too.
Cool thing about North Carolina?
"From Murphy to Manteo," there is something for just about anyone!
i agree it's become a bit over-commercialized in the past few years especially, but we've always enjoyed our trips there when we've gone. there's a ridiculous amount of things to see & do when there, meaning it's definitely a full day's trip.
i also second the motion for AAA tickets. the price of admission is pretty steep but you get a lot more bang for you buck with it then with some other places (plantations, etc.) where i've been.
I went to the Biltmore Estate a couple of months ago. I chalked it up to a "been there, done that" thing. As far as I'm concerned it was way overrated and overpriced. I wouldn't waste my time.....
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