Biltmore Estate is technically in Asheville, but it warrants a day trip of its own. I've been dozens of times with kids of all ages (and without) and it never disappoints. Biltmore is America's largest home built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s. Today, its as grand as a visit to European castles and the 8000 acres surrounding it make it a must see.

Tip 1: Don't rush it. You need a day, a car, and a plan. 

Taking a car is easy. There is plenty of parking and the shuttles take you right up to the entrance of the house. Having a car there allows you to visit the home, the gardens, the winery, and the petting zoo on your own schedule. If you're staying in Asheville without a car, Uber certainly works. Just know you'll likely want transport during your visit.

Make your reservations ahead of time. You'll need estate tickets just to get in the gates, so even if you plan to skip the house tour, buy tickets before arriving. You save $10 with 7 day advance purchase and this summer kids are free! When you select your tickets, you'll select an entrance time to tour the house. Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before your tour time to allow for will call pickup, parking and shuttle, restrooms, etc. 

Tip 2: Opt for a specialty tour and see a lot but not everything.

The audio self-guided tour (separate audio option for adults and kids) takes 1.5-2 hours and is worthwhile, interesting and I recommend it....just not my first choice with kids. Instead, I book a specialty tour each trip  (can't book online so call). These are small groups with amazing guides (who know how to keep kids engaged) and totally worth the $25 cost. These behind the scenes tours include parts of the house not seen on the self-guided tour and are filled with interesting bits of history. There are lots of stairs so leave the stroller outside and bring a carrier for non-walkers. The pace is perfect for little walkers to take their time holding your hand through the tour and each stop is pretty confined and away from the crowds. Afterwards you can grab a paper guide and wander through the house while attention spans hold. Kid favorites are the indoor pool, workout rooms, bowling alley, grand hallway (with outdoor access to views of the grounds - photo op), and library.  The docents all throughout the house are happy to help you skip along the route, or open ropes for you and guide your party out when littles are done. 

Tip 3: Save the best kid friendly activities for after the house visit.

Now, you'll surely have the need to get some little's wiggles out. Walk left when exiting the house to visit the gift shops, which are beautifully curated and fun for kids. Don't miss the children's books with stories about the estate and its pup, Cedric. An ice cream break at the Biltmore Dairy Bar (the estate used to have huge commercial dairy operation) is a delicious reward for good listeners!

The next stop kids (and I) love is Antler Hill Village. Its about 5 miles from the house so unless you've planned a long hike, you'll want to shuttle back to your car or Uber. There is parking for the farm and winery so its a great last stop before heading out. There are kid friendly demonstrations and crafts, play area, and a petting zoo for the littles and plenty to see and do (and eat). 

There is so much more at the estate and if you have older kids or more than a day, explore it all. I've just found a way to explore a little and keep everyone happy on a day trip!

Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock is a dream for a mother and daughter on a shop small mission! It's easily walkable, filled with local treasures and friendly shopkeepers, and there are sweet treats all along the streets to keep little ones fueled. We checked off a bunch of Christmas gifts from the list, and filled up and extra roll-aboard to bring them home. Here are some of our favorites to visit and follow.

The Last Straw - This shop has it all...women's apparel, gifts, garden and home decor, and more. Follow  @thelaststrawinc.

Sunny Day Park - Home to a children's author on a mission to spread the message: Kindness Wins.

The Mountain Thread Co. - A crafter and quilter's heaven with the most beautiful handmade catch-all baskets! Follow @themountainthreadcompany.

Prayer Garden - Words just can't capture this beautiful place. Read the story behind it and about the business that burned down next to it this summer, then follow the rebuilding of Bless Your Heart boutique.

Tweetsie Railroad - Somehow I skipped this spot for 10 years traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains with kids and I never will again. It is so charming and so worth a drive and the ticket price. There is a day full of fun for everyone from toddler to grandmother. Start with the Wild West Train Adventure. Its a three mile shady ride with a live action performance kids will love. Then take the cutest little chairlift up to miners mountain and enjoy the rides (some even toddlers can ride alone and some you can ride with them), the Mouse Mine Train, the shows, and the petting zoo. All the live entertainment is interactive with audience involvement and no expectation that the kids stay still and quiet. The petting zoo was the highlight of our day with the tamest goats wandering free. With a handful of food they would sit in your lap and let you pet them! After all the fun on the mountain, take the chairlift back down to the Country Fair for more rides including a carousel and ferris wheel and more shows. We went on a weekday and there were no lines and no crowds, and because Boone is 3,000+ above sea level there was a bit of a temperature break and a nice breeze.

Foggy Mountain Gem Mining - This is the place for hands on fun and learning. You can experience it all in an hour or two so its the perfect add on to a day at Tweetsie. You take a bucket of ore (the Big Daddy is the perfect size for a family of 4-6) to the water flumes and sift through the dirt and rocks to find your treasure. After you've made it to the bottom of the bucket you go inside to see what you've uncovered (this is the best part)! The staff are highly trained and excellent at teaching kids (and grown ups). They go through your gems explaining each one and really get the kids engaged. The ore mix is so good that we've never mined without finding a ruby, emerald, and sapphire, along with a dozen other gemstones. You can pick one stone to have cut and polished as a souvenir (included in your bucket price) or even have your favorites made into jewelry.