Sue Angell, a GPI employee who loves to share with us her knowledge of the hotel, has been leading historical walking tours during the Arts & Crafts Conference for several years - and knows much about its Arts & Crafts heritage. After meeting you at the north fireplace in the Great Hall, Sue will take you on an informative journey through the Grove Park Inn and back in time. You'll discover why the elevators are hidden inside the fireplaces, and where F. Scott Fitzgerald lived for two years - and nearly died. You'll climb up to the Palm Court - the hotel's hidden lobby - and learn about their ingenuous ventilation system and see how the original Arts & Crafts stencils were uncovered and restored.
Meet at the north fireplace for this free tour throughout Friday on the hour.
9:00am - 9:45am
10:00am - 10:45am
11:00am - 11:45am
1:00pm - 1:45pm
2:00pm - 2:45pm
3:00pm - 3:45pm
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Begun in 1901 as a woodcarving class for the sons of Biltmore Estate workers, Biltmore Estate Industries soon grew to include the weaving of homespun cloth on oak looms, carving bowls and bookends and building handmade furniture. Founded and supported by George and Edith Vanderbilt, the Biltmore Estate Industries won several awards and honors at national competitions and expositions. In 1917, after the death of George Vanderbilt in 1914, the business was purchased by Frederick L. Seely, designer and manager of the Grove Park Inn.
Each free tour will start at the Biltmore Industries Museum, the third building on the right as you enter the grounds. Not all buildings are handicap accessible, nor are they all heated, so please dress appropriately.
Directions: Take the Vanderbilt glass elevator down to the lowest level, then exit through the doors and across the terrace. Take the steps down to the road and across to the flagstone sidewalk. Allow ten minutes time for the walk from the Great Hall.
Friday
10:00am - 11:00am
Saturday
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday
1:00pm - 2:00pm
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