The house - the largest privately owned residence in America - is truly amazing. The optional audio tour details the collections and contents in the home including Renoir paintings and Napoleon's chess set. The audio adds insights into the family history and their daily life, which could include changing ones clothes six times in a single day. Servant quarters and their tasks are described as it was those behind the scenes people who maintained the scope and scale of the Vanderbilt's hospitality and household.

In addition, The Biltmore has a Summer Concert Series held on the South Terrace of the Biltmore House. In 2010 - their seasonal series expanded to feature acts from early Spring to mid-Fall. A fantastic new venue was also opened on site called the Vista at Diana which is elevated featuring tremendous views of the mansion and the mountains. Both are elegant settings showcasing an eclectic choice of music.

In 2010 - the Biltmore, with its stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains - hosted The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Original Drifters, Brandon Heath, Gaither Vocal Band, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Clay Aiken with Ruben Studdard, Steve Miller Band, The Legendary Temptations, Christopher Cross and Kathy Mattea.

A variety of ticket, dinning and accommodation packages are available for all concerts. There is also a Twelve Month Passholders program that includes special discounts for the concert series, which is scheduled to grow in the coming years.

So, if you're heading to Asheville, North Carolina - or, if you're a music fan looking for a new concert experience - don't forget to add the Biltmore Estate to your itinerary. And, be prepared to be swept away by the music and the majesty of the place!

Related Links: For more information on the THE BILTMORE ESTATE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- www.biltmore.com

(Originally Published on November 07, 2010)