Looking for a road trip with scenic beauty on the drive, and charm and culture at the destination? If so, a trip to Asheville and Biltmore Estate will check all the boxes. My husband, Rich, and I recently made the eight-hour drive and stayed at the historic four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, which was offering a bed and breakfast package, including tickets to their current exhibit, Tutankhamun:  His Tomb and Treasures, at the estate’s Amherst at Deerpark exhibit venue.

Upon arrival and after checking in, we enjoyed relaxing with drinks and dinner overlooking a scenic view from the Inn’s Library Lounge.  This was a perfect way to unwind after driving all day.  Another option, if you are looking for a more formal dinner, is the Inn’s Dining Room, a white tablecloth, crystal, and china fine-dining experience.  We have dined at the Restaurant for dinner in the past, and also knew we would be having breakfast there each morning during our stay, so we wouldn’t miss out.  If you go for breakfast, try the Appalachian Omelette with savory jam, a delicious way to start your day!

Day Two in the morning of our trip was spent at the Biltmore Estate, the historic home of George and Edith Vanderbilt, billed as ‘America’s Largest Home.’  It is a marvel of elegance and charm, and just as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago when it was built.  We took the self-guided audio tour, which takes about 90 minutes. 

The estate consists of more than 92,000 items – from architectural drawings to works by Monet, Renoir and more.  My favorite room is the Library, which was also George Vanderbilt’s favorite room. It houses his collection of more than 23,000 volumes, of which approximately one-third were antiquarian purchases.  Most of the books collected were sent to one of the great bookbinders of the period, and several months later, were returned beautifully bound in Moroccan leather with gilt lettering and decoration.

After touring the home, we took a leisurely stroll through the grounds, gardens, and greenhouse, which were in full spring bloom with colorful, fragrant tulips, daffodils, and other flowers.  Check out the Estate’s Bloom Report on their website for a current, up-to-date listing of what is in bloom on the days you will be visiting.  There is something beautiful to see year-round, and especially at Christmas.

In the afternoon, we had timed tickets to the Tutankhamun exhibit, which features nearly 1,000 expert-crafted replicas of King Tut’s burial goods, including his burial chamber, sarcophagus, exquisite burial mask, furniture, clothing, and jewelry.  A movie provides the background on Howard Carter’s groundbreaking discovery in 1922, which was funded by Lord Carnarvon. The pair were the first to enter the tomb and witness its treasures, a moment that captured the world’s attention.

The fragile, millennia-old original Tutankhamun artifacts are now permanently housed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and no longer travel.  I did see them when I was a teen at the Chicago Field Museum, which whetted my appetite for Egyptology. The replicas were breathtaking and impressive.  We spent almost two hours at the exhibit, though I would have lingered even longer if my dear hubby had allowed!  However, the Estate Winery was calling us!

So, on it was to visit the winery for a complimentary tasting. Rich and I have been members of the Biltmore Estate Winery for several years, having joined on a previous visit.  We capped off our afternoon by tasting several vintages and enjoying a complimentary glass in the Members-Only Lounge.  Membership has its privileges!

If you are looking for a driving trip, try the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.  Two to three days is plenty of time, however, you can extend your visit and check out Asheville, and also the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains if you would like to linger longer and enjoy the view!