Land Rover: Experience Driving School
By Becky J. Beall
 If
you are the proud owner of a vehicle from the Land Rover family (LR3, Range
Rover, etc.) then chances are you have heard of the Land Rover Driving School
located at the beautiful Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Here
owners of these vehicles, and other off-road enthusiasts, come to be immersed in
vehicle knowledge—and a special way of life—the Land Rover
 Experience.
Taking a vehicle off-road is entirely different from merely driving down the
highway, as I learned. This experience teaches owners how to handle their
vehicle in not-so-common situations.
As a novice off-road driver, I wasn't sure what to expect
in terms of the actual course. I quickly realized that skill level was less
important than
 paying
attention to the instructors, who were wonderful! Under their direct
supervision, I safely navigated steep, deeply rutted trails and tight hairpin
turns with no room for error. It was quite a rush to scale across a side-hill
traverse and teeter over a mind-boggling trail with only two or three tires
touching land and little traction.
 Land
Rover Driving School uses purpose-built trails across the scenic property of the
Biltmore Estate. And whether you have come for an hour long lesson or a full day
adventure, one thing is for sure…you'll enjoy breathtaking views and learn
within your skill level. It matters not if you are a Land Rover owner or just
want a thrilling experience, I highly recommend this program.
Full-Day Package
Jump start your day with a skill-development session amidst
the challenging obstacle course in the lessons training area. Your skill level
will be determined at that point and you'll hit the trails! This is where your
adrenaline kicks in and you'll maneuver your vehicle (LR3, Range Rover, or Range
Rover Sport) through various terrains until you come to a secluded, remote area
where you'll be treated to a fabulous picnic lunch.
If You are a Woman…
Women ask me all the time if I think they are "capable of
handling this kind of driving." My answer is: "Yes, yes, yes…not only can you do
it, but you will thoroughly enjoy it!" In fact, I questioned one of the
instructors about the teachability of women in these classes and he commented
that women tend to listen and follow the instructions better than the male
students, often making them easier to teach. So come on ladies! Let's go
off-roading!
About Land Rover
Land Rover vehicles have been around for close to 60 years
and with each new model, there are improvements and astonishing new
capabilities. In fact, the capabilities are the reasons behind the terrific
off-road appeal. On a more personal, everyday note, Land Rover, Range Rover, and
Range Rover Sport offer a luxury, comfortable feeling. Each model has amenities
that are uniquely Land Rover and yet they are distinctly different.
About the Biltmore Estate
 The
Biltmore Estate, America's largest home, is a 250-room French Renaissance
chateau, once the home of George W. Vanderbilt, whose family fortune came from
shipping and railroads. The current-day family-owned mansion sits on some 8,000
acres in the mountainous Asheville, North Carolina.
 The
Inn on Biltmore Estate is a warm and welcoming place to retreat for a vacation
or just a quick getaway. A stroll through the gardens is just the ticket for
unwinding and taking in some gorgeous scenery. A trip here wouldn't be complete
without a tour of the most visited winery in the United States—and, of course, a
wine-tasting to top it off.
The cuisine at the Biltmore is a culinary delight! Guests
can choose from a more formal dining atmosphere in the Inn Dining Room or
something a bit more casual like the Bistro (HINT: Get the fresh mountain trout)
down by the winery. Other options are Stable Café, Bake Shop, Ice Cream Parlor,
Creamery, and Deerpark Restaurant.
Fall is a wonderful time to visit (as is any time) during
the annual Harvest Home Celebration—crafters, music, dancing, and children's
activities are all part of this event. Also, Christmas at Biltmore Estate and
Candlelight Christmas Evenings are inviting times to visit as well. During this
time, the chateau is transformed into a fairytale-like castle with miles of
evergreen garland, hundreds of poinsettias, dozens of Christmas trees, and a
splendid 35-foot tall live Fraser Fir completely decorated with lights,
ornaments, and gifts.
If YOU GO…
Flights from all over are available to Asheville, NC
For reservations:
Biltmore Estate Inn
One Antler Hill Road
Asheville, NC 28803
800-624-1575
www.biltmore.com
For more information on Land Rover Driving School:
Biltmore Estate
1 Approach Road
Asheville, NC 28803
800-239-0533
www.landroverusa.com/drivingschools
All photos courtesy of Becky J. Beall
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