Asheville’s number one attraction, the Biltmore Estate is astonishingly opulent: 175,000 square feet, 250 rooms, sited among 8,000 acres of forest and meticulously manicured lawns with 75 acres of beautiful gardens. Here, in a gorgeous spot, Vanderbilt created his dream replica of a great European working estate … super-sized. Biltmore Estate (NC) (Images of America)

Today its best-known side operation is its highly regarded winery, which, it surprises most people to learn, is America’s most visited winery. Adjacent Biltmore Village is now home to boutique shops and fine restaurants. Visitors to Biltmore marvel at its sheer size - the footprint of the mansion covers four acres. What lies inside is equally amazing: an incredibly massive foyer, priceless art and antiques, 65 fireplaces, a huge indoor pool, a bowling alley and an immense two-story, wood-paneled library that would be the envy of many cities.

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