The Biltmore Flower Festival - A Spring Sensation
Best Places to Go in 2015 - Frommers List December 2014
The Biltmore Estate is a breathtaking mansion located in Asheville, North Carolina. It was built by George Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895. The Biltmore Estate has been featured in several movies including Patch Adams, Forrest Gump and Richie Rich. With 250 rooms, it is one of the largest privately-owned homes in the United States. The estate is known across America not just for its size, but for its grandeur set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Biltmore Estate is Western North Carolina’s most popular attraction for its architectural achievement as well as its wide historical and influential importance in Asheville, as its very construction brought about irreversible artistic, economic, and environmental change to the region. Make no mistake; the mansion is insight into one of America’s richest families part and why they saw Asheville as one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
The Biltmore Estate features many great events year round aimed at attracting visitors who enjoy the rich history and great outdoors. Here’s what’s coming up in the spring:
From February 5th-May 25th - Fans of Downtown Abbey or anyone who enjoys fashion will like: Dressing Downtown: Changing Fashion for Changing Times. The new exhibition explores the clothing worn in the early 1900’s featured on the popular PBS series Downtown Abbey. More than 45 costumes from the series will be showcased in rooms throughout Biltmore House. The price for this exhibition is included with estate admission.
From February 2nd-March 19th - Orchid Talks in the Conservatory happen at 11am on weekdays. Flower lovers can take part in a complimentary 45 minute talk about the estate’s beautiful orchid collection. Capacity is limited to 15 guests daily. Reservations can be made during the day of your visit.
February 1-March 19th - Winter at the Biltmore. When it’s cold outside, you can head indoors at America’s largest home. See the intricate details and artistic touches found in Biltmore House and get a glimpse of the Conservatory filled with palms, ferns and orchids. At Antler Hill Village & Winery, enjoy free guided winter tours and exhibits of the Vanderbilts’ personal belongings.
There are many more reasons why Asheville is repeatedly named one of the best places to live in North Carolina and a great place to find rustic mountain homes. It’s a great area for retirees and young families alike. Asheville is home to moderate weather, outstanding restaurants, numerous cultural events and many fine educational institutions.
With the North Carolina University System's only Liberal Arts College and two first-class community colleges, Asheville's public institutions have affordable programs that provide easy access to the skills and resources you need to earn a quality education. The Asheville university is a small campus of about 3,700 students, but the school has a big influence on retirees. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers more than 300 courses a year, usually in six- to eight-week terms. One of the institute’s most popular programs is its Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend, designed for working people who are considering relocating when they retire. Many of those who attend the weekend end up moving to Asheville at retirement.
It’s not hard to see why. In addition to the extensive educational offerings through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Asheville has a world-class symphony, a vibrant local arts scene, and lots of breweries and restaurants. You can walk downtown and have a wonderful evening out before returning to your quiet rustic mountain home in a safe, Asheville neighborhood near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
If you’re considering a trip to Asheville, spring may be the best time to visit. Gorgeous flowers, clear skies and a gentle breeze will greet you. In March, you can celebrate spring’s arrival by visiting the colorful blooms across Biltmore Estate and check out the lifelong learning programs. More than 1,000 orchids start the celebration in late March inside the Conservator and the Winter Garden of the house. They are followed by 96,000 tulips, daffodils, azaleas and roses. One of the prettiest places on earth, be sure to visit the Biltmore Estate.
Ask us for a free Asheville relocation information to learn more about the area.
