Wintertime Serenity and Chilly-Weather Specials
January 1 through March 31
See our Winter at Biltmore Guide
In the early months of the year, Biltmore Estate offers a peaceful retreat following the hectic pace of the holidays. During the late 1800s, George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre estate was designed to be a place of rejuvenation and calm, far away from the busy streets of larger cities. That same feeling comes through today, especially during this season, when Biltmore provides a sense of escape and serenity.
New this year, through March 26, Biltmore will partner with six of Asheville’s performing arts venues as part of the Asheville Encore Ticket program. Those looking to enhance their Biltmore visit with a live musical performance or stage show may bring their ticket stub or playbill to Biltmore’s Welcome Center to receive a free Biltmore House Audio Tour or a Buy One Get One Free Specialty Tour with the purchase of an adult daytime admission ticket. The Specialty Tours include “Behind the Scenes,” “Rooftop Tour” and “Legacy of the Land.” Participating venues are:
- Diana Wortham Theatre
- North Carolina Stage Company
- Asheville Bravo Concerts
- The Asheville Lyric Opera
- The Asheville Community Theater
- The Asheville Civic Center
This season is also the best time for Biltmore packages and values. Admission to Biltmore is $40, or $35 if purchased online. Children 16 and younger get in free with an accompanying adult. The Winery is offering free daily “Red Wine and Chocolate” seminars, and The Inn on Biltmore Estate is offering special Winter pricing, with rooms starting at $169 per night.
25th Annual Festival of Flowers
April 3 – May 16, 2010
See our Festival of Flowers Guide
More than 100,000 tulips will herald the start of Biltmore’s 25th Annual Festival of Flowers on April 3. Through May 16, the stunning floral displays across the estate celebrate the majesty of Frederick Law Olmsted’s legacy. Floral décor will focus on iris, fleur de lis and silver, all symbolic of the 25th anniversary. Expect live music daily in the Winter Garden in Biltmore House and the Conservatory, and daily seminars at A Gardener’s Place. Biltmore’s restaurants will feature special silver anniversary menu items, drinks and desserts, with the Winery offering a commemorative Festival of Flowers wine, wine programs and children’s activities on Saturdays and Sundays.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 4, 2010
The Easter Rabbit makes his annual appearance on Biltmore’s Front Lawn on Easter Sunday, along with special children’s entertainment including magic shows, music, storytelling, crafts and photos with the Easter Rabbit. Highlighting the day are the grand Easter Egg Hunts at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Children ages 9 years old and younger may attend the hunt for free when accompanied by an estate pass holder or a ticketed adult. Day-of registration will be required. Bring your own basket or bag to collect eggs!
The Winery’s 25th Anniversary
May 20, 2010
See our Biltmore Winery Guide
2010 marks Biltmore Winery’s 25th year of winemaking, and on May 20, the estate will celebrate the anniversary and the opening of Antler Hill Village with special activities and events, including the debut of an updated self-guided tour and expanded tasting areas. William A. V. Cecil, the grandson of Biltmore’s original owner George Vanderbilt, started the winemaking program as part of his vision for the estate to remain self-supporting. It all began as an experimental project located under the Conservatory on the property. Eventually the dairy barn was converted into today’s modern facility and America’s Most Visited Winery. The vineyards moved to the estate’s West Side, and through the years, Biltmore cultivated partnerships with other growers across the country to enhance its portfolio and ensure consistent availability. In 1985, Biltmore Winery produced 10 different wines totaling about 350,000 bottles. Today, Biltmore offers more than 50 different wines and produces 2 million bottles each year. The future for Biltmore® Wines includes plans to expand availability nationwide.
Antler Hill Village Grand Opening
May 20 – 23, 2010
See our Antler Village Guide
Biltmore celebrates its newest guest venue, Antler Hill Village, with a weekend celebration featuring live entertainment and fun for the whole family. This pedestrian-friendly village will function as “the living room” of the estate – a location for gathering, socializing and entertainment. Stories of Biltmore’s past, present and future will be central to this area, featuring historical exhibits and new ways to experience Biltmore’s legendary hospitality. The village connects the Winery and River Bend Farm; and as part of this project, Biltmore Winery has been enhanced to offer a newly designed tour and tasting areas. The village will be open to guests as part of daily admission to the estate.
Biltmore Concert Series
June 4 – October 1
See our Biltmore Concert Series Guide
Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains serve as the backdrop for amazing musical experiences during the annual Biltmore Concert Series. Held on the South Terrace of Biltmore House and the new Vista at Diana, the series will offer guests an incomparable setting for enjoying an eclectic variety of music under a canopy of stars. Ten concerts are scheduled this year, five of them to be held on the South Terrace of Biltmore House and five to be held at the Vista at Diana. Reservations are required for these programs. Below are the dates and venues. Performers will be announced in April.
- June 4: Vista at Diana
- June 11: Vista at Diana
- July 16: Vista at Diana
- July 17: South Terrace
- July 22: South Terrace
- July 23: South Terrace
- July 29: South Terrace
- July 30: South Terrace
- Sept. 24: Vista at Diana
- Oct. 1: Vista at Diana
Flower Carpet
August 20 – September 12
See our Biltmore Flower Carpet Guide
This 14,400-square-foot design features thousands of plants woven together on the South Terrace of Biltmore House to form a one-of-a-kind lush floral carpet. Fredrick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame, began the tradition of beautiful landscaped gardens and natural forests on the estate. Biltmore continues to expand this legacy with this imaginative twist, featuring colorful summer blooms covering the ground in a design inspired by one of many historic treasures at Biltmore.
36th Annual Christmas at Biltmore Estate
November 5, 2010 – January 2, 2011
See our Christmas at Biltmore Guide
Holidays arrive at America’s largest home® in style. More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt chose this magical season as the time to unveil his new home to family and friends. On Christmas Eve 1895, he opened Biltmore House’s doors for a regal yuletide celebration. This year’s Christmas at Biltmore promises another extravagant celebration, complete with more than 40 Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland and lights, live music and inspirational holiday demonstrations await our guests.
27th Annual Candlelight Evenings at Biltmore Estate
November 5 – January 1, 2011
See our Christmas at Biltmore Guide
As daylight fades into dusk, candlelight and firelight accent Biltmore House’s extravagant holiday décor, accented by live entertainment and outside illuminations. Biltmore House glows with holiday spirit, appearing much as it would have at the turn of the 19th century. Priceless treasures, from richly woven tapestries to antiques and rare artwork, glisten in the gentle light. Tunes from the Banquet Hall’s 1916 Skinner pipe organ and carols from choirs and ensembles fill the halls with festive sounds. Candlelight Christmas Evenings tickets are available by reservation only, and include an evening self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day visit to the gardens and Biltmore Winery. Advance reservations are required.
Ongoing: If These Walls Could Talk
Recognizing that preservation is not just about preserving interiors and objects but also about preserving stories, Biltmore’s If These Walls Could Talk exhibition, located on the Second Floor Living Hall of Biltmore House, infuses the guest experience with more real stories about George and Edith Vanderbilt, their daughter Cornelia, their friends and family, and the many servants who worked in Biltmore House. The exhibition reveals how museum services staff preserve the incredible history of Biltmore by providing a snapshot into restoration projects. Photos and videos showcase conservators at work and the care that goes into preserving America’s largest home.
For more, go to the Biltmore Estate Web site.
Download and print a PDF guide of Biltmore House. | Download and print a PDF overview of Biltmore Estate. |
