by Judy Bereza, guest blogger

Thomas Wolfe wrote “You Can’t Go Home Again”, but what about America’s  largest home, the legendary Biltmore Estate? I did pause as I was reading the visitor’s brochure describing this massive property as a “home”, but it was actually built as a permanent home for George Washington Vanderbilt.  I am also straying from the meaning of the phrase a bit, because my husband and I visited it for the fourth time this Spring.  What is the reason for all these return visits?  Well, somewhat like Disney World, the Biltmore Estate, while honoring it’s history and legacy, keeps adding to it’s attractions and expanding the experiences of its 1.3 million visitors annually.

THE GARDENS

Spring flowers in the Biltmore Gardens are a destination in itself.  Biltmore Blooms, a monthly report of what is blooming on the estate, tantalizes visitors with what to  expect each month. Our visit coincided with flowering shrubs and Wisteria.  Each month. brings its own rewards, as listed in the Biltmore’s official website.

THE HOUSE

The house tours are self guided with audio narration available.  The history of the house is fascinating, and two hours are barely enough to do it justice.  We wereentranced by a special exhibit that was part of the house tour.  Each spring, theresident floral designers create costumes for mannequins entirely out of dried botanicals.  These floral costumes recreate fashions of the periods in which the Vanderbilts occupied the house.  They were delicate and delightful, especially the adorable puppy in the dining hall created from hydrangeas.  There was even amannequin dressed in a costume which replicated the dress that Edith Vanderbilt was wearing in a nearby portrait.

LUMINERE

A new feature added this year is a video projection accompanied by music and narration which is screened on the exterior of the house.  The audience gathers on the lawn in front of the mansion for this immersive evening experience.  The gardens are also transformed with light, color and music to entice an evening stroll.

DINING AND STAYING AT THE BILTMORE  

There are seven restaurants at the Estate, from fine dining to casual tavern fare.The estate has its own winery, with opportunities for tasting.  If your taste runs more toward pastries and ice cream, you will not be disappointed. If you live close by, an annual pass would be well used.  The gardens and walking trails are always beckoning.  For the rest of us, return visits will always be rewarded.

We’re already thinking about next spring.

Judy loves to travel with family and friends, taking off on adventures far and near with her husband, family and friends.  A retired interior designer, Judy divides her time between Michigan and Florida, while making many trips each year to visit grandchildren in other states.  

HERE’S A LINK TO A BLOG POST LINDA LAUGHTER WROTE TEN YEARS AGO ABOUT THE BILTMORE.