News

Biltmore Blooms explode with color next week

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 22, 2021

Biltmore Blooms – a time when Biltmore celebrates the return of warm weather and its historic gardens and grounds – is slated to begin April 1.

In addition to the ever-changing array of spring color that emerges across the estate’s 8,000 acres, Biltmore Blooms this year will include two new experiences, and the return of two favorites. Biltmore Blooms runs through May 27.

During the season, the genius of Frederick Law Olmsted’s vision for the estate’s gardens and grounds is on display. For Biltmore Blooms this year, estate horticulturists planted around 110,000 bulbs in preparation. Tulips, the hallmark flower of springtime at Biltmore, account for around 78,600 of those bulbs. Later in the season, azaleas begin to bloom followed by rhododendrons and mountain laurel while buds of every shade appear in the Rose Garden – all framed by lush greenery and a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

New this year is a unique outdoor sculptural work in Antler Hill Village by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty. Known as “Stick Man” and renowned worldwide for his monumental creations, Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. The visual appeal of these large-scale artworks may be appreciated up close as guests are encouraged to walk through and around the creations, affording the opportunity to admire the artistry and technical skills required to make the sculptures.

Returning to the Conservatory this spring, Biltmore Gardens Railway pays homage to Biltmore’s founder George Vanderbilt, who was born into a well-known railroad family. Hundreds of feet of track carry G-scale locomotives and railcars through multiple rooms in Biltmore’s Conservatory and weave through exotic botanicals and miniature replicas of estate landmarks. The exhibition was created by Applied Imagination, an award-winning crew of artists, botanical experts, and landscape designers known for exhibitions at the New York Botanical Garden and the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C.

The grand Easter Egg Hunt on the Front Lawn of Biltmore House has been a springtime tradition for many years. Because of Biltmore’s commitment to guest and employee safety, the hunt will take on a new format in 2021 to allow for social distancing. An Easter Scavenger Hunt featuring super-sized Easter Eggs inside Biltmore House and around the estate will be offered April 1 through April 4, and is free for children 9 and younger to participate. Participating children will receive a Scavenger Hunt Guide to check off each egg they spot while on their hunt. Head to Antler Hill Village after the hunt for a treat bag that includes candy, crayons and coloring pages, and a commemorative Easter Egg. A limited number of treat bags will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day of the event. The Easter Scavenger Hunt is included in daytime admission.

Located in Asheville, N.C., Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, America’s largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Today, Biltmore includes Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; The Inn on Biltmore Estate, a four-star property; Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and Biltmore For Your Home, the company’s licensed products division.

Spring Savings

• Purchase estate admission tickets online seven days in advance of your visit and receive up to $8 off.  
• Admission for kids 9 and under is free with paid adult admission. Youth 10-16 are half price of adult ticket.

To learn more about Biltmore, visit www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.