May 19 – 21, 2023

Join Our State for a spring Renaissance weekend at Biltmore with garden walks, a guided tour, and a special presentation from Elizabeth Hudson, Our State editor in chief.

From the fresh spring air to the luxurious accommodations at The Inn on Biltmore Estate® to the immersive experience of Italian Renaissance Alive, created and produced by Grande Experiences, the weekend contains elements that will rejuvenate your senses and inspire your soul.

 

Package Includes:

• Two nights’ accommodations at The Inn on Biltmore Estate®
• Welcome reception with light hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine
• Chef’s Breakfast daily in The Dining Room
• Our State packaged tours
• Estate and Biltmore House daytime admission
• One daytime reserved admission to Biltmore House, timed entry required. Guests will be provided entry time at the time of booking.
• Three-course dinner with wine
• Valet parking at The Inn
• Gratuities for packaged meals

 

Itinerary Highlights:

• One daytime reserved admission to Italian Renaissance Alive, created and produced by Grande Experiences
• One evening admission guided tour of Biltmore House
• Special presentation and book signing by Elizabeth Hudson, Our State editor in chief.
• Pre-dinner reception at Lioncrest with wine and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a three-course dinner inspired by a lavish dining experience hosted by the Vanderbilts

 

Itinerary:

Friday, May 19

3:30-5 p.m.  – Welcome Reception at The Inn, Olmsted Room. Light hors d’oeuvres, wine, and beer. Meet your fellow travelers and Our State staff as you anticipate the upcoming weekend.

 

Saturday, May 20

7-11 a.m. – Enjoy a delicious Chef’s Breakfast daily in The Dining Room | Peak breakfast dining from 8:30-10 a.m.

9-10:30 a.m. – Exclusive Our State Event at The Inn, Vanderbilt Room

Private presentation by Elizabeth Hudson, Our State editor in chief – Our State: North Carolina’s Monthly Renaissance.

Take this opportunity to meet with Elizabeth Hudson, Our State editor in chief. North Carolina’s Renaissance, a revival of art and literature, a glimpse into the rebirth of Our State magazine each month, the inspiration and passion that empowers the team and creates that connection with all its readers.

11-11:15 a.m. – Reservation Time, one daytime reserved admission to Italian Renaissance Alive, created by Grande Experiences, located in Amherst at Deerpark. Travel at your leisure, individual vehicle, or Biltmore on-site transportation.

This afternoon enjoy the Estate gardens, shopping at the Estate shops or Antler Hill Village, lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants, strolling the grounds, or simply relaxing during this free time.

5:15 p.m. – Depart The Inn for your House Guided Tour, shuttle service provided to Biltmore House. Meet at the front of The Inn.

6-7 p.m. – Evening Guided Tour of Biltmore House.

7 p.m. – Depart Biltmore House, travel to Lioncrest.

7:15-8 p.m. – Pre-Dinner Reception, 90th Anniversary Celebration and Book Signing with Elizabeth Hudson, Our State Editor in Chief, Lioncrest Veranda. Light hors d’oeuvres, wine, and beer.

8-9:30 p.m. – Dinner, Lioncrest Veranda. Three-course plated dinner inspired by a lavish dining experience hosted by the Vanderbilt’s at Biltmore House. Features beer, wine, and entertainment. Biltmore departure gift presented at Saturday evening’s dinner.

9:30 p.m. – Depart Lioncrest, returning guests to The Inn on Biltmore.

 

Sunday, May 21

7-11 a.m. – Chef ’s Breakfast Buffet in The Dining Room daily | Peak breakfast dining from 9-10 a.m.

8:30-10 a.m. – Our State magazine farewell and departure gift — Registration Desk, Inn Gallery Rotunda

 

Tour Rates:

Prices start at $2,500, plus taxes, based on room availability and type. The cost is for two people and is based on double occupancy.

 

For reservations and more information:

For reservations and pricing information, please call the Biltmore at 800-408-4397 and ask about the Our State package. Or you may book online here.

 

Additional Information:

What to expect on an Our State trip:

Traveling with a group of Our State readers is an enriching, enjoyable, and safe way to experience new cultures, people, and places. In addition to the informative narration from the tour director and local guides, an Our State host will be available to assist in making your trip successful.

We usually fly to our destination, then travel by a comfortable motor coach with anywhere from 35 to 50 people who appreciate learning about new regions. Your entire trip will be guided, planned, and arranged for your upmost enjoyment. Many activities are things you can only do because you are traveling with Our State. There is some free time built in for you to explore on your own.

You can also choose not to attend an activity if you prefer something different. Please let your tour director know if you are not coming on a scheduled day.

Many meals are included. Where you have meals on your own, suggestions will be provided.

Most of the motor coaches have restrooms but every effort will be made to make regular rest stops.

One of the best parts of traveling with Our State is that you will meet new people, many of whom you will already have much in common with since most travelers read the magazine. Many guests often develop friendships that go on long after the tour is finished. Our State trips are generally filled with dynamic and friendly people.
 

Physical requirements:

Our tours are physically active but not meant to be strenuous.

Please be aware you will be on your feet, walking and standing for much of the day, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions and terrains. There will also be extended time on the motor coach when we travel from place to place. If there are any mobility issues you will need to have an able-bodied traveling companion to accompany and assist you.

Most days are moderately paced with approximately two to three total miles of walking, possibly including some hills and stairs.

We regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Trip Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

If you have additional questions, please call Our State’s Travel Director Amy Wood Pasquini at 336-286-0600, or email apasquini@ourstate.com.

 

COVID-19 Travel Precautions – Update:

Effective January 1, 2023, Our State highly encourages, but no longer requires COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters for travelers on our domestic tours. This policy goes into effect for international travelers on April 30, 2023. We will keep all participants updated of any changes to these requirements.