Biltmore’s gardeners are preparing for an early flowering season in Asheville for Biltmore Blooms, the estate’s annual spring celebration. Biltmore Blooms begins March 20 and runs through May 25, 2017. Expect the showstopper of more than 50,000 tulips to kick off this year’s celebration, blooming in mid to late March.
A progression of flowers takes center stage with lavish displays inside Biltmore House and thousands of spring bulbs blooming in gardens designed at the turn of the century by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Crocus, forsythia and daffodils are among the first flowers. After March’s grand tulip show, April and May promise irises, roses, acres of azaleas, and mountain laurels and rhododendrons close behind.
For trip planning, stay up to date with what’s currently flowering with weekly reports from the estate’s Director of Horticulture at Biltmore.com/bloomreport.
This spring visitors have an additional reason to visit Biltmore House: a special exhibition, “Designed for Drama: Fashion from the Classics.” Inspired by George Vanderbilt’s love of literature, “Designed for Drama” showcases more than 40 award-winning movie costumes from films based on favorite books in his collection. The exhibition runs through July 4, 2017.
Seasonal activities
- Annual Easter Egg Hunt: April 16
Easter Rabbit makes an appearance on Biltmore’s front lawn Easter Sunday. Easter egg hunts are at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. - Gardening tips
Weekend ‘Ask a Gardener’ stations in the Walled Garden from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. give an opportunity to talk with Biltmore’s horticulture experts. Daily free demonstrations on creating spring arrangements are offered at A Gardener’s Place at the Conservatory: “Orchids for Everyone” and “Creating a Butterfly Garden.” - Live music
- Wine tastings
- Spring break adventures
The Outdoor Adventure Center offers a great way to see Biltmore’s 8,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Register for sport clay shooting, Segway tours, horseback riding, carriage rides, fly-fishing, hiking and biking, float trips along the French Broad River and the Land Rover Driving Experience. - Farmyard fun
The farmyard comes alive with baby goats, lambs and chicks.
Spring dining experiences
- Spring Wine release: March 24
The release and tasting of the 2017 Spring Wine is Friday, March 24. The rosé features fruit-forward notes of persimmon and blood orange. - “Designed for Drama: Fashion from the Classics” tea series
The Inn on Biltmore Estate is the location to celebrate Biltmore’s “Designed for Drama: Fashion from the Classics” exhibition with a tea series. Enjoy themed menus, lively entertainment, and imaginative décor that bring the literary classics to life.
March 26: “Beauty and the Beast”
April 15: “Far from the Maddening Crowd”
May 13: The Works of William Shakespeare, “Twelfth Night” - Easter Sunday Brunch: April 16 and Mother’s Day Brunch: May 14
Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day brunches are served at three estate restaurants: The Dining Room at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Deerpark and Bistro.
Purchase tickets in advance at Biltmore.com, or by calling 800-411-3812.