See the Downton Abbey Exhibit at Biltmore Estate before it leaves on April 7th. Biltmore is the second location for this traveling exhibit which originally opened in Boston with the release of the movie. I daresay, this has to be one of the perfect locations as it compliments the real life story of the Aristocratic lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family, owners of Biltmore with the contrasting lives of the servant staff. I have seen this exhibit twice and can't wait to go back. Scroll through some of the pictures on this page for some insight. The exhibit includes stories of each of the characters, video (you'll love the one featuring Violet), artifacts, stage sets, costumes and even some interactive activities (hint: would Carson hire you?). Additionally, the trip features a visit to the 250 room Biltmore House itself. You will have time to tour the House on your own as well as enjoy a special "Servant's Eyes" tour designed to compliment the Downton Exhibit. Other Estate activities include time to visit the Gardens for early spring blooms, the Conservatory, the Winery and Antler Hill Village for lunch and shopping. The Lady Countess Violet Crawley would say "“It seems a pity to miss such a good pudding" but I will simply say "it seems a pity to miss this trip".
Day One - Departure times TBA. Locations will be Wilmington, Leland and St. James. Don't worry the times won't be too early. I need my sleep too!
Approx. 4pm - Arrive at the hotel. Freshen up for the evening with a group dinner in the Biltmore Village
Day Two - This is your day to enjoy everything that the Estate of Biltmore has to offer. There will be structured times of touring and also time on your own to go at your own pace. We start the morning with our check-in at the Biltmore House where we have time on our own for a little while. Mid-morning offers the Servants Eyes Tour. Following this you have more time for self exploration of The House before we drive through the Estate grounds to Antler Hill Village where you can enjoy the Costume Exhibit of Downton Abbey, the Winery, a little shopping and lunch. We cap the afternoon off with the main portion of the Downton Abbey Exhibit.
We enjoy another group dinner this evening in Downtown Asheville.
Day Three - Following breakfast we depart for the coast and should be back to each of the pick-up locations prior to dark.