The Browns Do Biltmore

When I visited Asheville the for the first time in January, Liz and Lina took me to Biltmore Estate. To be honest, I wasn’t too jazzed up about visiting, until we drove through part of the grounds and walked up to this beautiful, massive, French-looking mansion that is set on acres of land with perfect views of my beloved Blue Ridge Mountains.

However, since it was January, the gardens weren’t blooming, or even green. When my parents came to visit, seeing Biltmore Estate was high on their list. With all the people visiting, I was saving it for them. My dad isn’t a fan of flying, so this is the closest thing to a European Castle he’s ever seen. Plus, it’s a freakin’ cool house! I mean, there’s a bowling alley and a swimming pool inside, and this house was completed in the late-1800’s. Pretty innovative, if you ask me.

I’ve now gone through the house with and without the audio guide, and it was much better with the audio guide. There is so much more information than what’s provided on the little handout they give you. Biltmore Estate is not a budget friendly site. The tickets (when there isn’t a special happening) are $47-$59 a piece depending on how far in advance you purchase them, and it’s an additional $10 for an audio guide, but in this case, I’ve decided it’s a go big or go home thing. Totally worth the extra information if you’re interested in it.

The big highlight of this particular excursion for me, was getting to walk through the gardens and the greenhouse. My parents own a stunning greenhouse in Missouri, so I’ve grown up learning all about flowers, and sharing their love for them. The fact that my parents were with me to see all the flowers for the first time, made it an extra-special experience.  The gardens were so beautiful and varied: an English garden, an Italian garden, a water garden, a rose garden and so much more!

The most beautiful greenhouse I’ve ever seen! I mean, look at those windows!

Orchid Room

The succulents were a highlight for me!

The cutest little potting station ever!

My beautiful mama taking photo after photo in the orchid room! 

The other must-do when you visit Biltmore is to go to the winery for the free wine tasting! My dad told me beforehand that he had very little interest in doing this, but since it was part of the experience he would. He was so cute once it started. He was trying all kinds of different wines, taking notes and he even bought my mom and I each a bottle of wine! He admitted that he actually had a lot of fun!

We left satisfied and smiling! We got to tour this amazing home, see spectacular gardens, sip wine and share a new experience together!

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