Antler Hill Village opens!
After years of planning and months of construction, Antler Hill Village encompasses the estate’s present and past, providing a relaxing place for new historical exhibits and venues to experience Biltmore’s hospitality.
Located between the Winery and Antler Hill Farm (formerly known as River Bend Farm), Antler Hill Village is open to guests as part of daily admission to the estate. Its name comes from Antler Hill, the “fine high ridge,” as noted by Vanderbilt. From the Civil War into the 1930s, the ridge was the site of Antler Hall, a residence and social center for many estate families.
Antler Hill Village stands in homage to an area of Biltmore where many Biltmore farm, dairy and forestry employees and families lived and socialized in the early 1900s. Oral history records reveal fond memories of gatherings for estate employees, including an employee Christmas party, dances, fall fairs and classes in the evenings. With the opening of Antler Hill Village, the old tradition of gracious hospitality is new again.
Today’s Antler Hill Village
Antler Hill Village expands current guest offerings at Biltmore, including a new exhibition space, village green with live entertainment, a new outdoor adventure center and dining and shopping.
New exhibits and activities:
• The Biltmore Legacy – Discover the many sides of Edith Vanderbilt, George Vanderbilt’s wife, or learn how the Cecils preserve Biltmore’s legend of gracious hospitality. This facility includes exhibits filled with slices of estate life such as archival letters, photos and drawings illustrating how the Vanderbilts lived.
A small theater features a film narrated by Dini Cecil Pickering that shares the family story from the Vanderbilts to today. The Biltmore Legacy also showcases products inspired by the estate under the Biltmore For Your Home brand.
• Edith Vanderbilt’s Car – On display for the first time ever will be Mrs. Vanderbilt’s 1913 Stevens-Duryea Model C-Six. Displayed in the Winery, this rare piece is the only car George Vanderbilt purchased that remains in the estate’s collection.
• Winery: A Whole New Light – Guests now enter the Winery from Antler Hill Village where they will walk underground through the old dairy’s original tunnel, designed to immediately engage all of the senses into the winemaking process. As part of the self-guided visit, guests will taste a sparkling wine and then enjoy other wines in the Tasting Room. A new specialty tasting room and a premium wine tasting paired with food in the Clock Tower offer additional tasting experiences. See our Biltmore Winery Guide.
• Village Green and Bandstand – The centerpiece of Antler Hill Village, the Village Green has a gently sloping area perfect for people-watching, listening to live music each afternoon, or relaxing with a snack or picnic.
• Outdoor Adventure Center – When the Vanderbilt’s entertained their guests in Biltmore House, their guests also experienced all sorts of outdoor and sporting activities such as walking, croquet, hunting, fishing, horseback and carriage riding, biking and hiking, camping expeditions and treks up to Buck Spring Lodge on Mt. Pisgah. The new Outdoor Adventure Center carries on the family’s tradition of exploring the outdoors, with Segway rentals, Land Rover excursions, bike trips, horseback rides and carriage rides.
• Antler Hill Farm – With the reorganization of the Antler Hill Village area, the entire farm is more convenient to explore. The farm offers a glimpse back at Biltmore’s agricultural past. Traditional farming demonstrations take place in the Barn, including authentic blacksmithing by local craftsman Doc Cudd. The Farmyard continues to house animals that children love, and the Kitchen Garden is now a demonstration area showcasing fragrant herbs and vegetables used in Biltmore’s restaurants.
Shopping and dining:
• Traditions – With her renowned hospitality and sense of style, Edith Vanderbilt was a natural hostess who delighted her visitors with special touches throughout Biltmore House. Within Traditions, our newest retail venue, the inspiration for its graceful mix of products came from envisioning how Mrs. Vanderbilt would entertain her guests today. Traditions includes decorative home accents and local artisans’ work, including pottery and jewelry.
• Cedric’s Tavern – Named after George Vanderbilt’s beloved St. Bernard, Cedric, this warm, relaxing pub reflects the less formal side of Biltmore dining and entertaining. Specialties include shepherd’s pie and fish and chips.
• Creamery – A tribute to the original Biltmore Dairy Bar, guests can indulge in Winky Bar sundaes, signature shakes and root beer floats, as well as gourmet coffee and pastries.
• The Smokehouse – A new addition in the Barn is The Smokehouse, offering smoked pulled pork, beef and chicken; true Southern veggies; bread pudding and other desserts.
• The Mercantile – Remaining in its original spot, the Mercantile offers Appalachian crafts, dry goods and old-fashioned candy.
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