Welcome to Spot of Tea with Cedar Crest Inn! Join us on November 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET for a delightful afternoon. Sip on a variety of locally blended teas and enjoy cThef-prepared sweet and savory treats in one of Asheville's most historic and romantic Inns. - Take a break from your day and relax with friends or family. Whether you're a tea connoisseur or just looking to unwind, this event is perfect for everyone. Don't miss out on this opportunity to indulge in "A Spot of tea at Cedar Crest Inn".
Plan your Asheville getaway around one of America's most scenic drives. The Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened a 38-mile section from Mount Pisgah south, offering sweeping overlooks, winding trails, and unbeatable mountain views. Just minutes from the inn, this iconic route is the perfect way to experience the beauty of Western North Carolina in every season. After your drive, return to the comfort and charm of your stay.
Discover why Pisgah National Forest is called "The Land of Waterfalls." Join Blue Ridge Hiking Co. for a small-group adventure through the Blue Ridge Mountains, where expert guides lead you to hidden cascades and share stories of the forest's history and ecology. Experience North Carolina's most scenic trails just a short drive from the inn
Add a spark of creativity to your Asheville stay with Torched AVL. This local jewelry studio offers unique, hands-on classes where you can design and craft your own keepsakes. From custom jewelry to cocktail or coffee spoons and more. Guided by expert makers, each class combines artistry and fun, leaving you with a one-of-a-kind piece to treasure. Just minutes from the our inns, it's the perfect way to experience Asheville's creative spirit.
Make your Asheville getaway even more exciting with a night out at The Orange Peel, one of the city's most iconic venues. Located within a few miles, it's a quick drive, or short Uber ride away. This fall, the lineup includes nationally recognized comedians and legendary music acts. Pair your stay with a night of laughter or live music, then return to the comfort of our historic inns.
This holiday season, add a touch of magic to your Asheville getaway with a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Just an hour's drive from our historic inns, the railroad comes alive with festive excursions through the stunning Carolina mountains. Step aboard and enjoy breathtaking views, charming historic depots, and seasonal favorites like the official Polar Express Train Ride, family tradition that brings the classic story to life. Pair your ride with a stay at one of our inns and enjoy the perfect blend of mountain adventure and timeless hospitality.
Asheville's local businesses and tourism partners are bouncing back, and you can be part of the recovery. Support Western North Carolina tourism by booking a Gray Line Trolley Tour or hopping on the Lazoom Comedy Bus Tour during your visit. These local experiences highlight the area's resilience while offering a fun and immersive way to see Asheville. Plus, as a thank-you for supporting local, you'll receive 10% off your stay when you participate in either tour. Book your Asheville getaway, take a tour, and save!
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.
Once a staple of Asheville's River Arts District, Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food is making a triumphant return after rebuilding from the recent floods. Now serving from their brand-new food truck at Hi-Wire Brewery, this beloved spot is bringing bold flavors, warm hospitality, and a renewed spirit to the Asheville community.
Image may be subject to copyright
Image may be subject to copyright
Experience Christmas at Biltmore
Now through January 4, Biltmore transforms into a winter wonderland filled with candlelight, music, and timeless holiday traditions. Step inside America's largest home to see magnificent trees, twinkling lights, and lavish decorations that capture the spirit of the season. After exploring the estate, return to the comfort of your Asheville stay. Whether you are visiting for the candlelight tours, the holiday wine tastings, or the festive charm of Biltmore Village, our inns offer the perfect retreat to relax and recharge between celebrations.
Since 1992, The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa has hosted one of the nation's most celebrated holiday events: The Annual National Gingerbread House Competition. Bakers and artists from across the country gather to showcase their extraordinary designs, competing for more than $40,000 in prizes and national recognition. This year's entries will be on display throughout the resort from November 18, 2025, through January 4, 2026. Experience the wonder, creativity, and holiday spirit that make this competition a true Asheville favorite, just a short drive from our historic inns. Entry forms are due November 10, 2025. Judging and the Awards Ceremony will take place in person on November 17, 2025, at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa.
Experience the Magic of Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Celebrate the season with an immersive open-air experience featuring more than one million sparkling lights at the North Carolina Arboretum's annual Winter Lights display. Wander through glowing gardens, towering trees, and dazzling new installations, including this year's whimsical Troll exhibit by artist Thomas Dambo. Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Winter Lights offers a breathtaking evening surrounded by nature, artistry, and festive cheer. Plan your stay at one of our historic inns and enjoy this unforgettable holiday tradition just minutes away.
Experience the charm of Asheville's Biltmore Village with two exciting new additions that capture the area's creativity and style. Browse Spartina 449, a coastal-inspired boutique offering handbags, jewelry, and apparel crafted from fine materials and vibrant patterns. Then, explore the Village Artist Market, a new shared gallery space born from community spirit after Helene, featuring local artists, handcrafted gifts, and inspiring classes and events. Whether you're shopping, collecting art, or simply soaking in the beauty of Biltmore Village, there's never been a better time to plan your Asheville getaway.
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.
