Savoring Antler Hill Village: How to Make Every Minute Count

14 Ways to Wander the Biltmore Estate

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Nestled amid the ethereal landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a precious gem that takes you back in time while offering modern delights – Antler Hill Village. This quaint village, part of the famed Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, weaves historical charm with contemporary comforts, creating a travel experience like no other. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit to this timeless destination.

Even in the winter, the Biltmore Estate provides hours of entertainment for the hiker or casual walker. Antler Hill Village, with its playground, chickens, ice cream, winery, and shopping, is a great place to start. You can also explore the 30+ acres of gardens, which are beautiful in any season. If you’re looking for something more active, you can go for a hike on one of the many trails that wind through the estate. And if you’re looking for a place to relax, you can always enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in one of the many cafes or restaurants on the property.

Morning Splendor: Greeting the Sunrise at Antler Hill Village

Watch the Sun Rise Over the Blue Ridge Mountains: There’s no better way to start your day than by witnessing the soft morning light drape over the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Find a peaceful spot and let the colors of dawn kindle a day of exploration.

A stay at the Biltmore estate is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With several beautiful options to choose from, including the 4-star Inn, the family-friendly Village Hotel, and the intimate cottages, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay. And when you stay on the property, you’ll get all-day access to the gardens, 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, and more. Be sure to book direct to take advantage of special offers, which change seasonally and include options for guided tours and local entertainment.

If you’re not staying on the property, don’t worry – access is conveniently granted with the purchase of a daytime ticket or an annual pass.

A Day in Nature: Trails, Gardens, and Greenhouses

Walk the Trails and Gardens Around the Biltmore House: 

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding Antler Hill Village. Wander through the network of trails, letting the gentle sounds of nature accompany your steps. The moment you arrive, make your first stop at the Bike Barn or Outdoor Adventure Center. These information centers provide a wealth of resources, including thorough trail maps that will guide you through this green paradise. You can also download a trail map directly to your device, giving you access to your outdoor adventure while you’re on the road.

Feel the hush of the lush green forests envelop you as the sound of rustling leaves plays a symphony in the backdrop. As you meander further, the dense woodland opens up to sun-drenched meadows, painting a picture of idyllic countryside nostalgia.

But the exploration doesn’t stop at self-guided tours. The property offers an impressive array of guided and active tours for an additional fee, each promising a unique perspective of the estate.

For nature lovers and bird enthusiasts, the Bluebird Walk is a must. This immersive tour delves into the life patterns of the Eastern Bluebird, one of the many winged inhabitants of the estate. Learn fascinating details about their behavior, their nesting habits, and their role in the ecosystem, all while taking a refreshing walk in the beautiful outdoors.

Release your inner artist with the creative and meditative activity of making a nature mandala. Use elements of the environment to craft a unique, personal symbol of harmony and balance – a keepsake of your time at Antler Hill Village.

For a more leisurely exploration, take a step back in time with a 30-minute carriage ride. The gentle clip-clop of horses’ hooves and the slow, unhurried pace allow you to fully absorb the beauty of your surroundings.

If you crave an adrenaline rush, then the Land Rover experience is the perfect choice. Navigate off-road obstacles under expert guidance, and feel the thrill of tackling the rugged terrain. This pulse-pounding adventure showcases another facet of the diverse offerings at Antler Hill Village.

Find a Bench to Sit on in the Garden: 

As you wander through the garden, take a moment to appreciate the serenity. Find a bench and sit down, enjoying the quiet moment. Let the tranquil ambience seep in and wash away all your worries. Listen to the birds singing, the wind blowing through the leaves, and the fountain’s quiet trickling. Close your eyes and take in the fresh air and the calming aromas around you. Allow your mind to wander and simply be in the moment, cherishing the quiet and tranquility.

Bask in the Grandeur of the Biltmore Estate

The magnificence of the home in the distance from the gardens is breathtaking. The white pillars and lofty windows stand out against the blue sky, and the beautiful green lawn in front of them. The house is large and imposing, but it also has a certain elegance. The gardens are equally impressive, with their meticulously kept lawns and vibrant flowers. It is a place to unwind and take in the natural beauty.

Feast Your Eyes on Perfectly Maintained Flowers in the Greenhouses: 

The greenhouses of the Biltmore Estate are a must-see. The greenhouses host a diverse collection of beautifully grown blossoms that provide a magical touch to your visit. The greenhouses are a genuine rainbow of color, with blooms of all kinds and sizes. You can roam through them and view the flowers on your own, or you can take a guided tour to learn more about the plants and their history. They provide a lovely and serene area to unwind and appreciate nature’s magnificence.

You can even time your visit with the bloom report. During the summer there are hydrangeas in bloom in almost every garden.

Get a Little Creeped Out by the Cacti Collection When Exiting the Greenhouses: 

As you make your way out of the botanical garden, you are greeted by a prickly surprise. A collection of cacti, some of which are quite large, line the path. The cacti are slightly eerie, with their sharp spines and strange shapes. However, they also add a touch of whimsy to your botanical journey. You can’t help but smile as you admire the unique plants.

You can even time your visit with the bloom report. During the summer there are hydrangeas in bloom in almost every garden.  

Unearth Hidden Gems: Bridges, Waterfalls, and Reflections

Find a Bridge: 

Amid the lush landscape, stumble upon quaint bridges. These hidden gems offer delightful views and make for excellent photo ops.

Catch a View of a Waterfall: 

Listen for the calming sounds of cascading water leading you to secluded waterfalls. Embrace the tranquility of these tucked-away wonders.

Look for the Blue Sky to Reflect on the Water: 

Discover moments of awe as you observe the vast blue sky mirrored on serene water bodies. These picturesque scenes are sure to leave an indelible impression.

Fun and Frolic: Playtime and Posing

Let the Children Play: 

A visit to Antler Hill Village is like entering a place where time slows down and the energy of youth and the thrill of exploration reign supreme. The Village is a playground for both the young and the young-at-heart. Watching children run free, exploring the open spaces, their laughter reverberating through the air, you too might find yourself slipping back into the freedom and wonder of your own childhood.

The village has been thoughtfully designed to inspire and captivate children, as well as those still in touch with their inner child. Begin your family adventure at the Pisgah Playground. This enchanting play area is a haven for little explorers, offering an array of interactive elements designed to stimulate the imagination and encourage physical play. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Antler Hill Village, it is the perfect setting for kids to let loose, inventing their own adventures under the watchful eyes of towering trees.

From the Pisgah Playground, venture to the Farm in Antler Hill Village, where children can meet and greet a variety of friendly farm animals. This experience fosters a sense of connection to the natural world and allows for a fun, educational experience. 

Once they’ve had their fill of the farm, draw them into the past with craft demonstrations at the Barn. Here, the kids can watch with wide-eyed wonder as blacksmiths, broom makers, and woodworkers ply their age-old trades. These live demonstrations offer a tangible link to the past, teaching children about the timeless nature of these skills and crafts.

Then, to cap off your exploratory day, why not go on a family bike ride around the picturesque grounds? With easy bike rentals, e-bikes, and even kids trailers available, traversing the estate becomes an adventure unto itself. Experience the thrill of the wind rushing past as you pedal through stunning landscapes, the laughter of your children echoing around you.

Antler Hill Village offers a variety of experiences that create the perfect blend of learning, exploration, and fun. Watching the kids discover, grow, and laugh is a heartwarming experience, making a visit to this place a memory to cherish. By the end of the day, you will not only have created lifelong memories but may also find yourself rejuvenated, having partaken in the infectious joy and unbridled enthusiasm of youth.

Let the kids explore at the Pisgah Playground and visit the animals at the farm.   Then, wow them with the craft demonstrations at the Barn: a blacksmith demo, a broom maker demo, and a wood worker demo. Spend some time riding around the grounds with easy bike rentals, e-bikes, and even kids trailers available.

Pose with a Vintage Truck: 

Add a dash of nostalgia to your photo album. Strike a pose next to a vintage truck and travel back in time, even if just for a moment.

An Evening of Indulgence: Wine Tours and Miniature Trains

Make Reservations to Tour the Winery: 

Completing your adventure-laden day with a winery tour is the perfect way to indulge in a different facet of Antler Hill Village’s charm. As the afternoon mellows into evening, meander your way to the Biltmore’s renowned winery. Be sure to book this experience in advance to ensure a place in this popular activity. Amid the winery’s ambient setting, you’ll learn about the fascinating intricacies of the winemaking process. As you tour the vineyard and production areas, soak up the stories of viticulture, harvest, and artisan winemaking techniques, each narrative more intriguing than the last.

However, the true highlight of this tour is the moment you get to savor a glass or two of the estate’s fine vintages. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, each sip brings with it the rich, nuanced flavors of the estate’s vineyards, an embodiment of the dedication, skill, and passion that goes into creating these masterful blends.

Although all guests are welcome to engage in a complimentary wine tasting, those who prefer the sweeter things in life should not miss the Chocolate and Red Wine Tasting. This unique match combines the powerful, complex tastes of red wine with the rich, velvety sweetness of chocolate, producing a comfortable and exhilarating experience. Every sip of wine, every mouthful of chocolate is a sensory thrill, enveloping you in a cocoon of cognitive bliss.

Please remember, it’s essential to reserve your complimentary wine tasting in person on the day you wish to partake. Whether you choose the complimentary tasting or the Chocolate and Red Wine Tasting, this experience promises to be the perfect, indulgent conclusion to a day filled with discovery, fun, and the simple joys of life.

Watch the Replica Trains in the Village Railway: 

As the sun begins to set, head to the Village Railway. The replica trains chugging along the tracks will rekindle childhood memories and leave you with a sense of whimsical wonder.