As locals to the Asheville area, we’re huge Biltmore fans. For the past three years, we’ve purchased Biltmore season passes which allow us to visit frequently and enjoy various displays, events and activities offered by the Estate throughout the year. Whether picnicking in the gardens, biking one of their many trails, touring the house, or enjoying live music in Antler Hill Village, there’s always fun to be had at Biltmore.
Biltmore’s newest displays involve LEGO® bricks and trains. As the mom of little boys, I was immediately intrigued when I learned of this. Yesterday evening we were near the Estate having dinner with my dad so we stopped by to visit the two displays. We’ve attended several LEGO® KidsFest and have seen a number of master builder models so we were all excited to see the LEGO® model of the Biltmore House. Featuring more than 50,000 bricks and 600-plus hours of work, the ten-foot model is truly amazing.
I’m always impressed with the intricate detail of LEGO® models and this one was no different. The toy model looks identical to the actual house. You’ll even find a tiny toy man atop one of the iconic lion statues outside of Biltmore House, much like a picture from the Biltmore archives showing a guest of George Vanderbilt’s sitting on the same lion statue. I’m sure you’ve even posed with the lions out front if you’ve visited before. I know we have!
After we oohed and aahed over the LEGO® model, we walked over to the train display. The Vanderbilt Travels Railway, a 250-foot model train display, is handcrafted from leaves, twigs and other natural materials. There are five separate trains threading through miniature versions of well-known landmarks (all stops on past Vanderbilt travels). These include the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe, London Bridge and more. The Vanderbilt railway was constructed by Applied Imagination, which creates an annual holiday train display in the New York Botanical Garden. It’s such a cool, unique display. We were all quite enamored with the blend of rustic materials, technology and rich history.
The boys asked to play on the playground and have ice cream at the creamery once we finished looking at the displays. And I have to admit, we adults ended up playing and having ice cream as well. They have a flavor called Cappuccino Crunch. For a coffee and espresso lover like myself, it’s truly mouthwatering.
The LEGO® and train displays will be open through Labor Day, so try and see them if you can. I’m always impressed with Biltmore’s vision, ingenuity and ability to evolve with the times. The house itself draws visitors from all over the globe, but there’s so much more do to at Biltmore Estate than simply tour the house. If you’re thinking about visiting Biltmore this summer, be sure to set aside an entire day or even two days to fully embrace and enjoy all they have to offer. Everyone in the family will be glad you did!
The marketing team at Biltmore Estate contacted me about the new displays, but this is not a sponsored post. I offered to write this post because I adore Biltmore and want you all to experience the wonder and enchantment of this incredible Asheville gem.
Oh my gosh!! So cool!! This would be such a fun weekend trip – my son would love this!
I wish you guys could come up. We could totally all meet for some LEGO fun and lunch at the Biltmore. That would be amazing!