Biltmore Estate, Asheville (must see)

Biltmore Estate is a marvel of the Gilded Age and remains the largest privately owned home in the United States. Commissioned by George Washington Vanderbilt II and completed in 1895, the 250-room Biltmore House is a Châteauesque masterpiece designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt.

Drawing inspiration from French Renaissance châteaux, the mansion boasts steep roofs, turrets, ornate stonework, and lavish interiors. Inside, you'll find 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms, and marvels of 19th-century innovation-including an early electric elevator and forced-air heating.

Equally impressive are the 8,000 acres surrounding the mansion. The gardens are a tour de force of botanical artistry-from the formal Italian Garden with reflecting pools to the vibrant Walled Garden, home to more than 250 rose varieties. In spring, the estate bursts into color during the Biltmore Blooms celebration, highlighted by the Azalea Garden’s vast collection. A walk down to the Bass Pond leads visitors past the historic boathouse and a serene waterfall, offering one of the estate’s most peaceful corners and a glimpse of cinematic history-this area famously appeared in The Last of the Mohicans.

Beyond the mansion and gardens, Antler Hill Village provides a more relaxed extension of the estate experience. Home to Biltmore Winery-the most visited in the country-guests can enjoy a complimentary tasting of over 20 handcrafted wines. The village also features luxury accommodations, shops, and restaurants that serve dishes made with estate-raised ingredients and regional delicacies.