travel
holiday travel
Seasonal Splendor
There’s no better time than the holidays to visit The Biltmore
House in Asheville, N.C. Fully dressed up in seasonal finery,
this grand home is the closest thing America has to a castle.
Our country has never had any real royalty, but tucked away in
the Blue Ridge Mountains, the massive size and majestic beauty of
The Biltmore House and its grounds rival that of palaces around
the world. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt to serve as
his country estate, the Biltmore was finished just in time to host
family and friends on Christmas Eve in 1895. The magnificent
250-room mansion was once the largest private residence in the
country.
There’s Even More
Today, it welcomes thousands of visitors and offers a look back in
time, showcasing the artistry of skilled stonemasons, carpenters,
seamstresses and more. A member of one of the richest families
in America, Vanderbilt was a successful businessman himself, and
his wealth is obvious in the opulence of the 90 perfectly preserved
rooms open for touring. Every room, floor to ceiling, is outfitted
with priceless paintings, statues, rugs and antiques. The house has
cozy, intimate spaces and those that are beyond impressive: The
main banquet room boasts a 70-foot high barrel vaulted ceiling.
The annual Christmas at The Biltmore event invites visitors
to celebrate the season amid extravagant décor. Weeks of
preparation and hard work create a holiday wonderland complete
with dozens of elaborately ornamented Christmas trees, miles of
fresh garland and myriad sparkling lights softly illuminating the
house and grounds.
In addition to tours of the house, visit The Biltmore’s
gardens, the winery and shops and even grab a
bite at one of several restaurants on the property.
At night, the scene becomes even more beautiful. During the
Candlelight Christmas Evenings, hundreds of luminaries cast a
golden glow on the already stunning decorations, including lovely
hand-blown glass ornaments. It’s an unforgettable experience for
the entire family.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings at The Biltmore go on
from November 7-January 3, 2015. Visit Biltmore.com
to reserve your tickets and explore special packages that
include accommodations at the charming Inn on Biltmore,
which is on the Biltmore Estate grounds.
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