Cardinal Migration Activities and Cost
The basic Migration Weekend Package is $275.00 and includes the following:
The Biltmore Estate.
9:30 am - 3:30 pm
A visit to the Biltmore Estate is a must!
Be inspired by the relaxed elegance of George and Edith Vanderbilt's 250-room family home and country retreat in Asheville, N.C. Discover original art from masters such as Renoir, magnificent 16th- century tapestries, Napoleon's chess set, a library of 10,000 volumes, a Banquet Hall with a 70-foot ceiling, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley, and priceless antiques. Immerse yourself in history and explore the mansion on your own with a new storytelling audio self-guided tour that leads you room-by-room, sharing stories about the Vanderbilt's family history, unique artifacts and more.
Take a break from touring to enjoy lunch as a group in the Deerpark Restaurant originally a dairy barn right on the estate property. Renovated into a unique open-air restaurant in a beautiful pastoral setting, the menu features their Field to Table program that brings the freshest estate-raised and local beef, lamb, vegetables and fruits to the restaurant.
Special afternoon feature to your exclusive Otterbein visit is the Red Wine and Chocolate Seminar at the Biltmore Winery.
Evening on your own in appetizing Asheville
The evening is yours to experience appetizing Asheville. You'll have your pick of top-notch eateries that make the food scene as fun as it is flavorful. More than 70 independent restaurants believe the Asheville dining philosophy should be about quality and conversation. Experience Asheville's growing culinary reputation.
Option #1 - Historic Inns of Asheville Tour
9:30 am - 12 noon
An exclusive historic inn tour of four Asheville Legendary Inns will offer striking examples of their styles, from historic Victorian to Arts and Crafts to Greek Revival. We will be greeted by the inn keeper who will share the history of the Inn and the architecture followed by a tour of that Inn specialty. All of the bed and breakfast inns are on the National Register of Historic Places and several are Landmark Properties of Asheville and Buncombe County. All have fascinating-often award winning gardens and landscaping. We'll enjoy refreshing herbal tea in one of the gardens.
Option #2 - Back to the Biltmore for More
9:00 am - 12 noon
Want to spend a little more time at the Biltmore mansion? You have the option to return to explore on your own. Shuttle provided.
Lunch on your own - 12 noon - 1:30 pm
Option #1 - River District Artists - An Asheville Original
1:30 - 3:45 pm
As an artist's hub, Asheville prides itself as a home to more than 50 studios and galleries. In century old buildings - former warehouses and factories - are a haven for some of the best artists in Western North Carolina. Within these time-worn buildings, you will see art being created. Selected River District Artists will host a mini-Studio Stroll for you to experience the sights and sounds of creativity. www.RiverDistrictArtists.com
Option #2 -
An Afternoon at the Historic Biltmore Village District
1:30 - 4:15 pm
This is a community of unique shops, restaurants and galleries. Built by George W. Vanderbilt on the south bank of the Swannanoa River at the edge of his vast estate, his intent was to complement his estate and grounds and as a practical solution to solving the housing problem of estate workers and servants. This model village, English in flavor with its Tudor buildings, features the Cathedral of All Souls, Biltmore Depot and the Biltmore Village Historic Museum.
Today the former cottages have been converted into gift shops, restaurants, art and craft galleries and clothing stores. Village merchants delight in showcasing unique merchandise that combines quality and value.
Option #3
Explore on your own to experience Asheville . . . any way you like it. The Thomas Wolfe Historic Home is across the street from the hotel or walk the Asheville's "museum without walls" consisting of 30 bronze sculptures around downtown (1.7 miles); or browse through an eclectic assortment of galleries, boutiques, antiques shops and regional crafts.
Saturday Evening, September 26
6:00 p.m. Evening Banquet, Renaissance Asheville Hotel