Biltmore Holiday: Asheville NC

Trip Duration: 4 Days

Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

Tour Director: Yes 

 

 

Highlights Include:

 

The Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate is a historic house museum and tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina. Biltmore House (or Biltmore Mansion), the main residence, is a Châteauesque-style mansion built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895 and is the largest privately owned house in the United States.

 

Candlelight Christmas Evening Tour of Biltmore House

A majestic Norway spruce and pathway luminaries welcome you to America's Largest Home. Inside, thousands of ornaments reflect the soft glow of candles, fireplaces, and twinkle lights. The magic continues in Antler Hill Village, which is festooned with a glittering cascade of lights, ornaments, and displays.

 

Asheville, NC Sightseeing Tour

Spend time discovering downtown Asheville, the most architecturally diverse city in North Carolina. Visitors will find more Art Deco architecture here than in any other southeastern city outside of Miami Beach. Consistently ranked on American Style's list of the nation's top 25 arts destinations, Asheville is known as a collector's and shopper's paradise. Also view the Basilica of St. Lawrence, D.M. Roman Catholic Church and the Vance Memorial.

 

The Grove Arcade

Built by E.W. Grove, the visionary and creator of the Grove Park Inn, the Grove Arcade opened in 1929 and thrived until World War II as one of the country's leading public markets. The historically renovated Grove Arcade reopened to the public in 2002 as a destination featuring boutique shopping, exciting dining and regional crafts in a beloved downtown architectural wonder.

 

The Grove Arcade features a well-rounded shopping experience. From sophisticated furniture to American and Italian designer clothing to arts and crafts straight out of the mountain valleys.

 

There are several eclectic dining options, all under one roof. Be it a simple burger or an entree from Latin America, Italy or Thailand, enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Grove Arcade.

 

Folk Art Center

The Folk Art Center in Asheville is home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild.  The center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians. In addition to an Eastern National bookstore and Blue Ridge Parkway information desk, the center houses three galleries, a library and Allanstand Craft Shop.

 

Gingerbread House Display & Holiday Decorations at Omni Grove Park Inn

The National Gingerbread House Competition is a favorite Asheville holiday tradition that has taken place for 30 years.  This nationally-known competition and display features whimsical and elaborate, handmade gingerbread houses of every size, shape, complexity and theme. You'll find quaint rustic cabins, gumdrop-adorned castles and sugar spun landscapes that'll likely inspire your own gingerbread traditions.

As you enjoy the Gingerbread creations, you'll notice The Omni Grove Park Inn and its Great Hall entrance way come alive with gorgeous decorations, music and the smells of evergreen, sugar and spice.Make sure to see the The Great Gingerbread House, a life-sized Gingerbread House modeled after the historic hotel.

 

WNC Farmer's Market

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region's best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers.

 

Smith-McDowll House Museum

Smith-McDowell House Museum is Asheville's first mansion and oldest surviving structure restored as a history museum.  It was once the home of mayors, a Confederate Major and friends of the Vanderbilts at nearby Biltmore Estate.  In addition to restored period rooms, the Museum also features special history exhibits in its Gallery Rooms. 

 

Biltmore Village

Historic Biltmore Village is a quaint collection of shops, and dining both fine and casual.

 

Winter Lights at North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year's event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.

 

Need to Know:

This trip contains time on own with walking.

 

-Biltmore does not accept cash. Acceptable forms of payment are credit or debit cards at this time. Guests may carry small personal bags no larger than 19” x 14” x 9” Backpacks/ wheeled bags are prohibited.

 

-Your visit to Biltmore House includes three floors and several flights of stairs. Because of the historic architecture, only the First and Second Floors are accessible by wheelchair. Guests who are unable to go to the Third Floor and Basement may visit the designated Second Floor rest area and watch a video of the rooms they are unable to access.

 

Eyre has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Comfort Suites Outlet Center, Asheville, NC

 

The Comfort Suites Outlet Center is conveniently located by the Asheville Outlet mall and just minutes from Biltmore Estate and downtown Asheville. The hotel features a Fitness Room.

 

The Harbor Inn Seafood Restaurant is located adjacent to the hotel and there are several restaurants within walking distance.

 

Guestrooms include coffee maker, hair dryer, iron/board, microwave, and refrigerator. Hotel is 100% non-smoking.