When you say "guided tour," what do you mean? If it's the audio thing you use with headphones, it's absolutely worth it. I saw people who didn't have them and they would just sort of cruise through every room without really knowing what they were seeing. Using that method, it would be really easy to see Biltmore as just a gigantic house with a lot of old furniture.
The audio tour has commentary for each room, and some general sections on life at Biltmore, construction, etc. You enter a number for the room you're in, or for the general commentary you want to listen to, and stroll around at your own pace. I read the pamphlet later and am very glad we ponied up for two audio tours--one for each of us.
If you're talking about a tour with a real tour guide, that would no doubt be interesting, but I think the audio tour would suffice for someone's first (and possibly only) visit, and allow you to move at your own pace.
What was particularly interesting to me at Biltmore was the craftsmanship. When you know what to look for, it's simply amazing. Definitely a one-of-a-kind place, and I greatly enjoyed it.
Would I go back? Probably not, because I've seen it in enough depth for me to think I really have a handle on the place. But that doesn't mean I think it wasn't worth it.
We were there in October and I felt it was worth it.I think they had a deal where you could come after 2pm and for 10.00 come back the following day.It's a chance to see how someone worth the euivilant of $92 billion dollars lived.If you don't go it's the eqivalant of going to Paris and not seeing the eifel tower.
I live in NC and have visited the Biltmore many times and yes, I think it is worth it. We have also visited many other mansions and nothing compares to the Biltmore. The house is unbelievable, (especially at Christmas with all of the decorated trees, to live choirs singing, harpist playing, etc) the grounds are beautiful, the winery is great, and some of the shops are nice. There is a restaurant at the winery that is good also. I would do it but it isn't my money. Also go to Grove Park Inn - very unique hotel. Try to find time to go to the Southern Guild of Arts on the parkway. Very upscale items for sale that are handmade by artisans. Asheville is a wonderful city that I enjoy and hope you will also.
The biggest rip off to me in this type of stuff, is the MILITARY MUSEUM in Branson Mo, where they charge EVERYONE $25.00 PER HEAD. But Biltmore is getting close.
It is very much worth visiting. Save your money on the guided tour. Ask about any discounts for AAA or senior citizens. Maybe you can do better than $45
'08 Toyota Tundra 5.7L with tow package/Prodigy
'09 Heartland North Trail 26RKS
2 campers + 1 spoiled golden retriever, Daisy
Yea do it one time. It is a lot of money, but some things are worth it one time. Another poster saud they would not go back, well neither would I. But that doesn't mean it wasn't a great thing to see ONE TIME!
For ten years we had season tickets, so it is worth it. They change and add different exhibits. The Behind the scenes tour is very interesting. Hoe they cooked, had the house set up for both AC and DC electric. There are four restaurants pricey but great food. The Inn is also very nice and has a restaurant and they serve Tea everyday. You can ride bikes, ride horses ect. Biltmore is a private company and receive no funds from any government and they pay taxes on everything that they take in. One of the best deals is eating at the Deer Park Inn, it is all you can eat.
I first visited the Biltmore with my grandfather when I was 8 years old. My family and I have been at least 5 times since that time. I still marvel at the house and the grandeur that was afforded the rich back in the time that it was built. The history of the building and the village and workers is amazing. The sights from the huge balconies is breathtaking. Would I pay $45 to see it again, YES. IT IS SPECTACULAR , especially during the Christmas holidays. The price of the ticket includes the gardens, greenhouses and a chance to see a part of America's history. I still like to read Lady on the Hill, a book about the entire process and the family. It is truly an American treasure.
We did the Biltmore Estate for the Fall Colors.
It was excellent.
We bought a 2 day ticket and needed it.
The first day was touring the house and gardens
The seconday we went to the farm and winery.
They have lots of stuff to do.
If you stay at Rutledge Lake RV park they had discounts for tickets...last year.
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