The City of Asheville is a vibrant, eclectic community which has been called the "Paris of the South" and the "place to live in the Eastern US". However you describe it, it is a beautiful and festive city that surprises virtually everyone with its vibrant culture and weekly festivals celebrating music, culture, arts & crafts, outdoor sports, food, and restaurants. Surrounded by mountains, streams, and lakes, it provides the perfect environment for a quiet vacation getaway or memorable celebration.

In 2007, Asheville, North Carolina was named one of the top seven places to live in the U.S. by Frommer's Cities Ranked and Rated. The area provides a colorful palette of experiences ranging from Asheville's signature attraction, the Biltmore Estate and Gardens (described below) to an extensive list of activities, a sampling of which are highlighted here:

• Outdoor events
• Restaurants and dining
• Arts and music
• Local events and festivals

The Biltmore Estate and Gardens

Enjoy a visit to the world-famous Biltmore Estate, one of the most visited historic sites in the country. This French Renaissance-inspired chateau built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1888 and 1895 is the largest privately owned home in the United States at 175,000 square feet. Experience the magnificent gardens, award-winning winery, great shopping, and delicious dining, just a few minutes (2 1/2 miles) from The Beaufort House Inn.

Most of the original furnishings have been faithfully preserved and give the unique feeling that the family is still in residence. Filled with the art treasures Mr. Vanderbilt collected throughout his world travels, the mansion is a museum in itself, complete with indoor pool and bowling alley.

Biltmore House took 6 years and 1,000 men to build. With just over 4 acres of floor space, it contains 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms, 34 bedrooms, and 3 kitchens. The Banquet Hall is huge, with a dinner table that can seat 64 guests. The meals served there were usually 8 courses and required 15 utensils per person to eat.

Still privately owned by the Vanderbilt family, it stands today as one of the most prominent remaining examples of the Gilded Age. In 2007, it was ranked eighth on the List of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects.

We can have tickets to the Biltmore Estate waiting for you upon check-in. These discounted day passes are available through our partnership with the Biltmore Estate, and give you two consecutive days admission for the price of one . . . and also include a free wine tasting at the Biltmore Winery.