Romantic Asheville from February 10 through 16 proves winter romance does not have to be quiet. The long weekend brings live music, including the Billy Strings concert, alongside candlelit dinners and seasonal events around town. Fewer crowds mean more access to Asheville's favorite spots and attractions. Cedar Crest Inn offers a historic stay with personality, color, and plenty of stories to tell. Winter adds texture to the experience. Valentine's week feels layered, lively, and memorable.
Winter Has Layers
Winter in Asheville is full of surprises. Explore Asheville highlights seasonal itineraries packed with live music, festivals, theater, scenic hikes, and limited time attractions nearby. With fewer crowds, winter opens the door to experiences that feel more accessible and relaxed. Cedar Crest Inn offers a vibrant home base while you explore everything the season has to offer. Award-winning dining, iconic attractions, and mountain views all feel within reach. Winter adds depth to Asheville's story.
Discover the flavors that put Asheville on the culinary map. Asheville Food Tours, the city's longest-running and original walking food tour, takes you on a guided stroll through downtown with up to seven handpicked stops. Taste everything from Southern favorites to global bites, enjoy craft cocktails, and meet the makers behind Asheville's most beloved restaurants like Rhubarb, White Duck Taco, and French Broad Chocolate Lounge. After a day of delicious exploring, return to the comfort of our historic inns just minutes away, your perfect retreat after a foodie adventure.
Experience Luminere: Biltmore's New Evening Light & Sound Spectacle
In celebration of Biltmore's 130th anniversary, an extraordinary new experience is coming to life. This spring, on select evenings starting March 26, 2026, as day turns to dusk and the mountain sky deepens to twilight, witness the Biltmore House transform into a living canvas. Luminere illuminates the story of America's largest home and the people who once called it home through breathtaking artistry, immersive light displays, and a captivating original score. Wander the historic gardens and watch them come alive in this unforgettable outdoor spectacle of light, sound, and history.
Experience the Magic of Winter Lights and the Trolls Exhibit at The North Carolina Arboretum
Discover a dazzling world of light and imagination at The North Carolina Arboretum this season. Wander through over one million sparkling lights, festive displays, and whimsical wooden Troll sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo. Located just minutes from our historic Asheville inns, this immersive holiday experience brings art, nature, and wonder together for guests of all ages.
The Cedar Crest Inn is the closest of all the bed and breakfasts in Asheville to the Biltmore Estate. To get to the entrance gate, it literally takes just a few minutes by car (about an half mile). We hate to brag, but our Victorian Mansion was completed four years BEFORE Biltmore opened in 1895. We will be delighted to answer any questions about your tour. Below are plenty of tips so you can plan ahead for the perfect visit.
On top of our wonderful location we can also brag that the same artisans that helped build the Biltmore were contracted to build the Cedar Crest Inn. When you stay in our mansion and visit the Biltmore House, you will see the many similarities in the woodwork and other intricacies (see our photo gallery). Pretty neat stuff!
Biltmore Tour Tips
There's more to Biltmore than America's largest house! Allow time to explore the sprawling gardens, trails, conservatory, winery, shops, restaurants and working farm. You will need a least a full day - if not two.
Plan ahead. Purchase tickets in advance to secure the house tour time that fits your travel schedule the best. Peak days sell-out in advance. See ticket specials below.
The Christmas season is the busiest at Biltmore. If possible, visit midweek for less crowds! Book with us well in advance especially on weekends and for candlelight tours.
Even though you purchased tickets in advance, stop by the welcome center past the Biltmore gate to watch the intro video and get last minute updates.
From the main entrance to the Estate, you will drive about 2 miles to parking areas. Shuttles are available from the parking lots to the front door of the house. You can also park closer to the house and walk.
Take the self-guided house tour first. Take your time inside the house, since there is much to see. Allow about 2 hours. Wear comfortable shoes!
When you exit the house tour, you'll be near the Stable Courtyard with shops and the Stable Cafe - a fantastic spot for lunch.
From the house, walk to the gardens. The gorgeous Italian Gardens and ponds are adjacent to the house. The Walled Garden is the top spot - along with the adjacent Conservatory. It's an easy one-mile walk round-trip from the house.
Find a network of walking paths to explore more gardens, including the beautiful stroll through the Azalea Garden to the Bass Pond.
After touring the house and gardens, head to the Winery and Antler Hill Village area (by car or shuttle). A wine tasting is included in your ticket. Browse the shops, wine store and rotating exhibition at the Legacy building.
Next to Antler Hill Village, check out the Farm with animals and the historic barn with interesting farm equipment.
To explore more of the Biltmore grounds, book an outdoor activity or rent a bike to ride the Greenway by the river. Hike on your own on their network of scenic trails.
After a day of exploring Biltmore, return to the Cedar Crest Inn to relax in your room or enjoy a glass of wine on the veranda. It's the perfect place to stay for your perfect vacation.
Biltmore Ticket Specials
Planning your Biltmore tour in advance pays in many ways! Save up to $10/person on Biltmore tour tickets if you buy them on their website at least a week ahead. Also find other specials, like adding a second day for $25. They also have discounts for Senior Citizens and U.S. Military. Go to the Biltmore Website to see current ticket specials. Also, create your own package for your stay with us.
