Welcome to

TM

Spring/Summer/Fall 2009 Keep this guide during your visit.

LOOK INSIDE FOR

Estate Map, pg 1 Biltmore House, pg 4 Gardens, pg 5 Winery, pg 8 River Bend Farm, pg 9 Deerpark, pg 11 Inn on Biltmore Estate, pg 12

Parking Disabled Access Bus and RV Parking

Restrooms Guest Services Restaurants

Shops Two-way Traffic One-way Traffic

WINERY APPROACH ROAD

LAGOON

BASS POND

BILTMORE HOUSE GARDENS

(page 5) (page 4)

Stable Courtyard Area

Getting Around the Estate

Biltmore House, Gardens, Winery and River Bend Farm are located several miles from each other; youll need to return to your car and drive to your next location. Welcome Center to Biltmore House and Gardens: 3 miles Biltmore House to Deerpark: 3 miles Biltmore House to Winery and River Bend Farm: 5 miles Winery to Deerpark: 2 miles Welcome Center to Inn on Biltmore Estate: 2 miles
1

LOT B

LOT C LOT E

LOT A

LOT D

APPR OACH ROAD

RIVER BEND FARM

(page 9)

Explore Biltmore Outdoor Center

WINERY
(page 8)

INN ON BILTMORE ESTATE

(page 12)

Carriage & Trail Ride Barns

DEERPARK
(page 11)

ADMISSIONS GATE WELCOME CENTER GROUP SALES OFFICE

LODGE GATE GATE HOUSE SHOP

MAIN ENTRANCE & EXIT

Welcome to Biltmore
Parking
There is ample parking at all estate locations. At Biltmore House, parking lots A & B are within walking distance of the house. RV drivers and those with special needs should contact the first available parking host for assistance.

You are our treasured guest today at George Vanderbilts estate, which includes Biltmore House, Gardens, Winery and River Bend Farm. Enjoy your visit and make the most of your time by using this guide to plan your day.

Shopping
Take home a reminder of your day from our unique shops. Shops are located at many estate locations and are identified on the map.

Dining
From a satisfying meal to a quick snack, there are numerous dining options on the estate. Look inside to discover our dining venues.

Guest Services
At our Guest Services locations, you can purchase a guided specialty tour or outdoor activity, make dinner reservations for The Dining Room or Bistro, and reserve lodging or afternoon tea at the Inn on Biltmore Estate. Look for Guest Services in the Welcome Center, Stable Hallway adjacent to Biltmore House, and Winery Welcome Center.

Information for Guests with Physical Challenges

Your visit to Biltmore House includes five floors of the house and numerous staircases. Because of the historic architecture of the house, there are areas that are not accessible by wheelchair. There is an elevator to the Second Floor staffed for guests with mobility disabilities. The Third Floor, Fourth Floor, and Basement are only accessible by staircases. In accordance with the more limited access in Biltmore House for guests with mobility disabilities, we offer a reduced-price admission ticket at the Welcome Center. All restrooms, restaurants, and shops on the estate are accessible by wheelchair, as are the Conservatory, Winery, River Bend Farm, and some parts of the Gardens. Biltmore House and the Winery have a very limited number of wheelchairs available on a first-come, firstserved basis for inside use only. Please bring your own wheelchair to ensure your comfort. Parking assistance is available for guests with stateissued parking permitsplease contact the first available parking host when you arrive. Designated parking for guests with mobility disabilities is available next to the Conservatory, providing access to the Walled Garden and Conservatory. There are drop-off areas and wheelchair access at entrances to the Winery and River Bend Barn. Neckloop Telecoil Couplers and printed copies of the audio guide are available for guests with hearing difficulties. Please contact the Welcome Center upon your arrival if you have any questions regarding your visit.

Restrooms
We have restrooms with baby changing stations in the Stable area near the Biltmore House exit, at the Conservatory, Winery, and River Bend Farm. There are no restrooms inside Biltmore House. For specifics on restroom locations, refer to our map.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

As you leave the estate, stop at the Gate House, located near the main estate entrance, for another opportunity to shop for music, collectibles, and wine. Open daily 9:00 A.M.6:00 P.M. Pets (except service dogs) are not allowed in any building. All pets must be leashed on estate grounds for their own safety as well as the comfort of our other guests. Please be courteous of others and pick up after your pet. Biltmore is home to many domestic and wild animals, including raccoons, opossums, deer, coyotes, and bears. For your safety, please do not approach or attempt to feed or pet any animals you encounter and do not allow them to approach you. Please report any animal displaying unusual behavior. For safety reasons, shoes with exposed wheels (such as Heelys) are not permitted in any estate building. Please remove wheels before entering the Welcome Center, Biltmore House, restaurants, shops, and other buildings. Biltmore is dedicated to your safety. Please report suspicious behavior or unsafe conditions to an estate employee. For emergency assistance, call estate security at 828-225-1340. Please note we do not allow food, drinks, or tobacco products inside Biltmore House. Photography, videotaping, sketching, and cell phone use are NOT allowed in Biltmore House. Any reproduction of Biltmore Houses exterior image is limited to personal use only. All commercial uses are prohibited without previous written agreement.

Biltmore House
Completed in 1895, Americas largest home is now even larger with the opening of four new guest bedrooms on the Second Floor painstakingly restored after years of research. During your visit, look for priceless masterpieces and antiques, and intricate architectural details. Refer to your complimentary guide, Your Guide to Biltmore House, for room highlights and information about the house. Pick up your guide at the entrance to Biltmore House.

Guided Specialty Tours

Enrich your visit and discover more about Biltmore with our guided specialty tours, available daily at additional cost. Please register early, as tour space is limited. For prices, times, and reservations, visit our Guest Services locations at the Welcome Center, Stable Hallway, or Biltmore House Front Desk. Tours are subject to change. Audio Guide to Biltmore House: Our digital audio guide brings Biltmore House to life. Neckloop Telecoil Couplers available upon request. Behind-the-Scenes Tour: A guided tour includes stops at the Organ Gallery in the Banquet Hall, Mrs. Vanderbilts Bath and Dressing Area, the Butlers Pantry, and basement areas. Guided House Tour: Knowledgeable hosts guide small groups through Biltmore House. Legacy of the Land: A 90-minute motor coach tour shares stories about the history of the land, structures, and former residents. Rooftop Tour: A guided tour showcases unrestored areas of the houseincluding the atticand provides stunning views of the estate from balconies and rooftops.
Rooftop Tour

Dining
Stable Caf: Housed in the architecturally unique stable complex, the Stable Caf is a gathering spot for Biltmore House guests. Dine on casual fare from the rotisserie, smokehouse, and grill, including barbeque, burgers, roasted chicken, and fresh salads. Childrens menu available. Courtyard Market: Stop in for a quick snack or enjoy a casual meal in our open-air Courtyard, featuring hand-made Sicilian-style pizza, salads, hot dogs, beer , and wine. Bake Shop: Relax with cappuccino, gourmet coffees, freshly baked pastries, cookies, soup, and sandwiches. Ice Cream Parlor: Treat yourself to hand-dipped ice creams, sundaes, root beer floats, and refreshing beverages.
4

ATM
For your convenience, an ATM is located in the Stable Hallway near the shop A Christmas Past.

Shopping
From books to chocolates to Biltmore For Your Home products, the shops adjacent to Biltmore House are your source for great shopping. A Christmas Past Bookbinders Carriage House Confectionery Toymakers

T O PA R K I N G LO T S

BILTMORE HOUSE MAIN ENTRANCE

ESPLANADE

STATUE OF DIANA

ITALIAN GARDEN LIBRARY TERRACE SOUTH TERRACE

SHRUB GARDEN

TEAHOUSE

WALLED GARDEN

SPRING GARDEN

CONSERVATORY AZALEA GARDEN

CAF

3
BILTMORE HOUSE

A GARDENERS PLACE

CONSERVATORY

1 Shrub Garden Path

(1/3 mile loop)
BOAT HOUSE

2 Spring Garden Trail

(1/4 mile loop)

3 Azalea Garden Path

(1/3 mile from Conservatory to Bass Pond)

4 Rhododendron Loop
(1/8 mile loop)

Parking Disabled Access

5

5 Woodland Trail
(1/2 mile loop)

Bus and RV Parking Restrooms Restaurants Shop Walking Path Walking Trail Estate Road

6 Bass Pond Path

(1/2 mile loop)

7 Meadow Trail
(1/4 mile loop)

BOAT HOUSE

8 Creekside Trail
(1/4 mile loop)

6 7

BASS POND

T O WI N E R Y, R I V E R B E N D FA R M, D E E R PA R K , I N N O N B I LT MO R E E S TAT E , A N D MA I N E X I T

Biltmores Gardens
George Vanderbilt commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted, whose designs included New Yorks Central Park, to create the gardens and grounds for his estate. Explore the gardens to discover the ever changing colors, textures and shapes of flowering trees and shrubs, thousands of flowers, and unusual trees in both formal and natural settings.

Walking Distances
Biltmore House to Conservatory: 1/4 mile (20 minutes) Conservatory to Boat House: 1/2 mile (30 minutes)

Library Terrace offers shade and an arbor of wisteria and trumpet creeper vines.

Italian Garden
On the lower terrace is the Italian Garden. With three formal water gardens and classical statuary, its design concept dates to the 16th century. This area was designed for quiet moments of reflection, but tennis and croquet were also played on the grassy area near Biltmore House.

Esplanade
Biltmores Esplanade was inspired by the gardens at Chteau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th-century chteau near Melun, France. The Esplanade incorporates the Front Lawn, the Rampe Douce, and the grassy slope known as the Vista. The Vistas summit features a statue of Diana, goddess of the hunt, and provides a breathtaking view of Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Shrub Garden
Follow the path through the Shrub Garden, and note the Japanese cutleaf maples, azaleas, and dogwoods. This garden consists of more than 500 different varieties of plants, shrubs, and trees. The gateway at the lower edge of the Shrub Garden leads into the Englishinspired Walled Garden.

Library and South Terraces

Biltmore Houses terraces were designed for guests who preferred to stay close to the house. The South Terrace provides spectacular views of the mountains while the

Visit Our Gardens Again & Again

Purchase a TwelveMonth Pass today at Guest Services and return to our gardens in all seasons. A sample of what youll find: April: tulips, poppies, snapdragons, and pansies, flowering forsythia, dogwood, and redbud May: native azaleas and border plants Late May through October: roses by the thousands and perennials June through July: native rhododendron, yarrow, sedum, and lavender July through August: marigolds, salvia, cannas, impatiens, and other annuals September through October: a stunning quilt of mums
Walled Garden in fall

Mid to Late October: blazing fall colors on hardwoods and shrubs

Walled Garden
The Walled Garden is a four-acre formal garden. The flowerbeds are designed and planted in the bedding out style that was popular at the end of the 19th century. Two arbors totaling 236 feet serve as the spine of the symmetrical plan. The garden is filled with a variety of textures and colors that change with the seasons. Espalier plants include apple, pear, apricot, plum, Rose of Sharon, pyracantha, and wisteria. Pattern beds are alive with seasonal color spring through fall. Victorian border contains Black-eyed Susan, daylily, iris, ornamental grasses, hybrid dahlia, phlox, rose mallow, and bold cannas. Winter border showcases plants with winter fruit or foliage including snowdrop, soapwort, stonecrop, azalea, winter heath, Lenten rose, Russian sage, Scotch heather, and false cypress. Grape-clad arbor boasts Catawba, Concord, Delaware, and Niagara grapes. Scented border offers the rich fragrances of Chinese wisteria, English rose, fennel, harlequin glorybower, lavender, mock orange, peony, pineapple sage, and summersweet. Rose Garden features roses grown at the end of the 19th century plus All-America Roses. Our collection of heirloom roses includes some of the same varieties Vanderbilt originally purchased for the estate in 1895. Butterfly Garden hosts plants for larvae and nectar plants for adult butterflies such as aster, balloon flower, butterfly weed, coneflower, gayfeather, goldenrod, Joe Pye weed, and tickseed. White border reveals a variety of white and ivory plants including candytuft, lilac, crape myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, plume poppy, silver and gold dogwoods, and butterfly bushes. Peonies burst forth with their dramatic blossoms. Our selection includes several varieties of garden and tree peonies.

Conservatory
At the base of the Walled Garden is the Conservatory. Designed by Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt, this glass-roofed building nurtures exotic species and provides flowers and plants for the house, just as it did in George Vanderbilts time. Open daily.

Azalea Garden
Beyond the Conservatory is the Azalea Garden containing one of the countrys largest selections of native azaleas. Covering 15 acres, this is the largest of Biltmores gardens and was the site of an old farm before Vanderbilt bought the property. The azalea collection represents a lifetime of work by Chauncey Beadle, a horticulturist who came to the estate in 1890 to supervise Biltmores nursery and landscape plantings. He later became the estates superintendent and worked at Biltmore for 60 years.

Bass Pond
The Bass Pond is below the Azalea Garden. Be sure to look for fine views and the many species of birds that abound on the nearby trails. Your walk to and from the Bass Pond is moderately strenuous.

Spring Garden
Use the path through the Spring Garden to return to Biltmore House. The slopes rise to the woodlands planted with various spring-blooming shrubs and trees. The sheltered valley is surrounded by a grove of white pines and hemlocks. It is filled with an array of spring-blooming shrubs including forsythia, spirea, deutzia, and mock orange.

Dining
Enjoy a light bite and refreshing beverage at the Conservatory Caf, located on the Conservatorys back patio. Open weather permitting.

Shopping
Indulge your green thumb at A Gardeners Place located on the Conservatorys lower levelwith a variety of Biltmore plants and garden accessories.

Biltmore Winery
Discover the pleasures of food and wine at Americas most-visited winery. Included in your estate admission, the Winery is a must-see for anyone who loves food, recipes, and entertaining.

Your Winery Visit

Learn about the art of winemaking at our Winery. Begin with an informative film, followed by a self-guided visit through our Cellars. Finish with the opportunity to sample wines in the Tasting Room. Conclude your visit by enjoying complimentary food and wine seminars; simply sign up in the Winery Welcome Center.

Shopping
If you love the unusual and unique, browse our Wine Shop for a complete collection of Biltmore wines, an array of wine glasses and corkscrews, gourmet food items, and kitchen necessities.

Wine Bar
Relax in our wine bar located in the Wine Shop, where you can nibble on a cheese plate and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Try a wine flight to experience the delicious variety of Biltmore wines.

Tasting Room
A visit to the Winery isnt complete without time in our Tasting Room. Enjoy complimentary samples of our award-winning wines to find out if you prefer red to white or sweet to dry. If youre new to wine tasting, dont worry; our friendly hosts guide you through the process. Afterwards, you can purchase your newly selected favorites in the Wine Shop.

Dining
Bistro: Located beside the Winery, the Bistro offers cuisine inspired by the estates gardens, vineyards, and farm. For lunch, enjoy gourmet wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta. Dinner features steaks, seafood, lamb, and classic bistro fare. Childrens menu available. Arbor Grill: Enjoy al fresco dining outside the Winery at this casual spot. Live music adds to the atmosphere on weekends. Open weather permitting.

Arbor Grill

River Bend Farm

Our rich agricultural legacy is displayed through hands-on fun at River Bend Farm. More than a century ago, this area was the center of the estates farming community. Discover what life was like in the early 1900s by interacting with our knowledgeable interpreters and exploring River Bend Barn, Kitchen Garden, and Farmyard.

River Bend Barn

This historic structure was meticulously restored to preserve this facet of Biltmore history. Inside are informative exhibits that reveal the stories behind the families that lived, worked, and played on the estate.

Dining
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Creamery at River Bend Barn with hand-dipped ice cream, snacks, refreshing beverages, and seasonal treats.

Farmyard
Meet a variety of animals ranging from chickens to goats to Belgian draft horses in the Farmyard.

Kitchen Garden
Discover how our garden grows and admire the diversity of herbs and vegetables by strolling through our Kitchen Garden, which provides fresh produce for our Field-to-Table program in our restaurants.

Shopping
Bring a bit of country home with made-in-America pottery, kitchen utensils, framed pictures, and other unique necessities from the Mercantile.

The blacksmith at River Bend Barn

RIVER BEND BARN

EXPLORE BILTMORE OUTDOOR CENTER

WOODWORKER LAND ROVER EXPERIENCE DRIVING SCHOOL MERCANTILE

SMITHY

KITCHEN GARDEN

CREAMERY

WALKING TRAIL TO WINERY

FARMYARD

Explore Biltmore Outdoor Center

Located adjacent to River Bend Barn, the Outdoor Center is the place for outdoor fun. Make reservations here or at Guest Services at the Welcome Center, Stable Hallway, or Biltmore House Front Desk. Explore Biltmore Tours Biking: Daily trail passes available if you have your own bike, or rent a bike from us. One-hour, fourhour, and eight-hour rentals offered. Guided Segway Tours: Explore the estate on these fun, simple-to-use machines. Group and private sessions available. River Float Trips: Inquire about guided raft trips, follow-a-guide trips, and self-guided kayak trips on the French Broad River. River Bend Farm Tours Morning Woods Walk: See historic sites and structures off the beaten path. Wagon Tour: View rolling pastures, forests, and sites not open to the public. Guided tour: Learn what it was like for families living and working on the estate in George Vanderbilts time. Outdoor Adventures Fly-fishing School: Learn the basics of this beautiful, peaceful sport in a two-hour lesson; equipment and materials provided. Land Rover Offerings: Navigate off-road obstacles with the Land Rover Experience Driving School.

Biking on estate trails

Fly-fishing

Land Rover Experience Driving School: choose from one to six-hour adventures. Land Rover Ride-Along Expedition: experience the thrill of the ride from the passengers side Kids Land Rover Adventure Course: treat the kids to this once-on-a-lifetime opportunity

Sporting Clays School: Learn the techniques of shooting clay targets with a Beretta shotgun. Private two-hour lessons available.
Land Rover Experience Driving School

10

Deerpark Area
Our carriage and trail ride barns and one of our delicious restaurants call this scenic spot home. Stop by for a leisurely lunch and then explore the estates meadows and forests with a guided trail ride or carriage ride.

Deerpark Restaurant
Housed in a historic barn original to the estate, Deerpark Restaurant offers a bountiful buffet spread inspired by Southern and Appalachian cuisine. On Sundays, enjoy a classic brunch buffet. Children ages nine and under dine free when accompanying an adult.

Guided Trail Rides: Join others on an hour-long ride through estate woods using Western-style saddles. Your guided expedition provides the opportunity to explore rustic trails, green meadows, and shady forests and includes unique views of Biltmore Houses west faade. Trail rides not available for children 7 and younger.

Deerpark Carriage and Trail Ride Barns

Continue a Vanderbilt tradition by discovering the estate with a carriage ride or trail ride, available at additional cost. Private carriage and trail rides are available with advance reservations. Make reservations here and at Guest Services at the Welcome Center and Stable Hallway, Biltmore House Front Desk, and the Outdoor Center. Carriage Rides: Climb aboard a 6 or 12-passenger wagon for a 45-minute ride that showcases estate grounds. Be sure to bring your camera to capture magnificent views of Biltmore House and rolling pastures. One child 5 years and younger free per paying adult.

Guided Trail Rides

Bring Your Group to Lioncrest

Wondering what the red-roofed barn next to Deerpark Restaurant is? This renovated historic structure is Lioncrest at Deerparkone of Biltmores many locations for weddings, group, and corporate events. To learn more about private events on the estate, contact us at 800-211-9805.

11

Inn on Biltmore Estate

Four Diamonds from AAA.

Continue your Biltmore visit by spending the night at our luxurious inn. Treat yourself to our Vanderbiltinspired hospitality and elegant accommodations that earned us Four Stars from Mobil Travel Guide and

Lodging
Our 213-room inn is the perfect end to your day on the estate. Ask about reserving one of our getaways for a memorable stay. Make reservations today at a Guest Services location. For future visits, call 800-858-4130 or check biltmore.com.

Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a delightfully English tradition by requesting afternoon tea in the inns library. Order a pot of tea and savor a delightful array of finger sandwiches, pastries, and tarts. Afternoon tea is available 2:30 P.M. 4:30 P.M. daily. Advance reservations are recommended and available at Guest Services locations.

Stay at the Cottage on Biltmore Estate

For a more private retreat, stay at the Cottage on Biltmore Estate. The two-bedroom and two-bath historic home envelops you in warmth the moment you step through the door. Rich hardwood floors, bold colors, and furnishings from Biltmore For Your Home make every room cozy and inviting. Every day of your stay is exquisite with personalized service from your butler and chef. Your butler coordinates your schedule during your stay, serves evening cocktails, while the chef creates gourmet meals featuring seasonal flavors. Make reservations for your return visit by calling 800-411-4063.

The Dining Room

Indulge your love of fine food with a meal at The Dining Room that captures the Vanderbilt tradition of formal entertaining. Sit down to dinner with a menu featuring continental cuisine with a regional flair. Evening dining is available to estate guests by advance reservation. Make reservations at Guest Services locations or by calling 828-225-1699. Collared shirts and slacks are suggested for men. Dresses, skirts, or dress pants are recommended for women.

The inns lobby

12

Visit Biltmore Again and Again

There are so many reasons to return to Americas largest home. Upgrade todays ticket to a TwelveMonth Pass to enjoy these upcoming events and learn more at biltmore.com.*

Opening of Biltmore Houses New Rooms

April 4 Discover more about life at Biltmore with the opening of four newly restored rooms that showcase the artistry of design, dcor, and craftsmanship on a grand scale.

Festival of Flowers
April 4May 17 Spring arrives at the estate with a stunning tulip display in the Walled Garden, cascades of native and exotic blossoms in the gardens, and floral displays inside Biltmore House.

Summer Evening Concerts

Late Julyearly August Enjoy a magical evening on Biltmores South Terrace with your favorite performers. Previous performers included Tony Bennett, the Beach Boys, Bruce Hornsby, and Gladys Knight. Check with Guest Services for details on performers, dates, and tickets, or visit biltmore.com.

Flower Carpet
August 1430 See how our garden experts weave together more than 140,000 begonias, coleus, and marigolds to create this 14,400 square-foot living carpet on the South Terrace.

Christmas at Biltmore
November 6January 3, 2010 Dazzling displays, dozens of trees, decorations, and live music bring the Yuletide season to every corner of Biltmore House. Holiday splendor continues in our shops and restaurants where you can enjoy special menus and shop to your hearts content. During Candlelight Christmas Evenings, see Americas largest home aglow with candlelight and firelight (reservations required).

*Events and dates are subject to change. Please visit

biltmore.com/events for the latest information. 13

Continue Your Biltmore Visit Online

Your visit doesnt end once you leave the estate!
At biltmore.com, you can learn more about the history of the Vanderbilts and their estate, plus bring Biltmore home through our wide range of products. Discover Biltmore For Your Home products inspired by the estate, and peruse our wine section to find award-winning wines that complement every occasion from casual cookouts to grand celebrations. If theres a wedding in your future, or if you have a group to bring to Biltmore, see how easy it is to get just the information you need at

biltmore.com
WOODWARD + RICK PHOTOGRAPHY

BILTMORE FOR YOUR HOME

WINES

WEDDINGS

GROUPS

every season
Purchase a TwelveMonth Pass to Biltmore and receive unlimited daytime Unlimited daytime estate visits for a year Dining, shopping, & ticket discounts And much more! visits for a full year, dining and shopping discounts, and more! With your pass you can return for our spectacular Christmas at Biltmore daytime celebration for free! Purchase your TwelveMonth Pass today at Guest
Services in the Welcome Center, Winery Welcome Center, and Stable Hallway next to Biltmore House.

Rediscover Biltmore

biltmore.com 800-543-2961
2009 The Biltmore Company 09-1519-1009