Just got back from there. Plan on spending a full day at Biltmore...there's lots to see. It still ranks as the largest privately-owned residence in the US. The audio tour is just OK but the guided tours are excellent and well worth considering. The docents are very knowledgeable and really bring the place to life. We did the self-guided tour in the morning, then booked two guided tours for the afternoon. As mentioned earlier, the roof tour is pretty cool and the views from up there are quite spectacular. In between, we left time for lunch at the Courtyard Market right there next to the house. Service at the bake shop was quicker but neither place is gourmet dining. The Stable Cafe (also right at the house) probably has the best food but you'll need a reservation and more time. All other dining options on the estate are either in Antler Hill Village or at the Inn, both of which are a ways from the house. Antler Hill Village looked very touristy and crowded.
Be sure to go down into the basement to see period photos of the estate under construction and the artworks painted on the walls of the Halloween Room.
Buy all your admission and tour tickets in advance. Crowds are lighter in the morning but the place was buzzing by early afternoon. Try to park in lots A or B and walk to the house...only takes a few minutes. The outer lots require a shuttle ride. If you wind up leaving in the late afternoon, be prepared for a VERY slow ride out of the estate due to limited routes and lots of traffic.
The Halloween Room
We stayed at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, about 20min. from the Biltmore estate.
