Biltmore Blooms – a time when Biltmore celebrates the return of warm weather and its historic gardens and grounds – is slated to begin April 1, 2021. 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, 2021.
Biltmore Blooms
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.
Inside Biltmore House
- Art in Bloom – New this year!
Inside Biltmore House, the Art in Bloom exhibit pairs pieces of art from the Vanderbilt collection with floral arrangements created by the estate’s expert floral staff. Dozens of arrangements are planned, and each will interpret the colors, textures, form and shape of each work of art it is paired with. Detailed descriptions of the artwork will be shared with guests. Art in Bloom will run the same dates as Biltmore Blooms.
- Costumed Vignettes
Additional Biltmore House enhancements this spring include costumed vignettes in several rooms depicting important moments and interactions of the Vanderbilt family and the household staff. The clothing was reproduced by Academy Award-winning costume designer John Bright from archival photography of the Vanderbilts when they lived in Biltmore House in the late 1800s-early 1900s.
Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty – New this year!
Unique outdoor sculptural works by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, known as “Stick Man,” will reside in Antler Hill Village. 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.
Biltmore Gardens Railway
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.
Easter Scavenger Hunt – An old favorite reimagined for 2021!
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.
A new edition to Biltmore’s lodging offerings: The Dairy Foreman’s Cottage
The Cottages on Biltmore Estate are the most exclusive and customized lodging experiences the estate has to offer. The Market Gardener’s Cottage has been open a number of years to guests. The Dairy Foreman’s Cottage has recently joined the collection of Biltmore’s exclusive stay experiences.
The Inn and The Hotel
The Inn on Biltmore Estate invites guests to enjoy world-class service and luxurious spa treatments. At Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, guests are just steps away from the Winery in an ideal home-base for enjoying a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities.
Enjoy three nights for the price of two on the Spring Break Mountain Escape Stay Package. Available March 21–April 20, 2021 for Sunday through Tuesday arrivals at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, this package offers a one-of-a-kind Blue Ridge Mountain escape where 8,000 acres of natural beauty await your exploration.
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.
Guest & Employee Safety
Top of mind is Biltmore’s commitment to guest and employee safety now in this time of COVID-19. More information about our safety protocols may be found here.
For more information on tickets and reservations, please visit www.biltmore.com.
About Biltmore
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 BiltmoreFor Your Home, the company’s licensed products division. To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.
