Asheville NC News | Biltmore Blooms in Asheville

Published on May 4, 2018

Spring is the ultimate time to rejuvenate the soul and explore nature’s way of celebrating life through its rainbow collection of blossoms that decorate the planet this time of year. There is no better place to experience this awakening then one of the most visited Asheville NC attractions found at the world-famous Biltmore Estate. Nestled in the austere Blue Ridge Mountains, the Biltmore Estate is the place to be this season for the highly anticipated “Biltmore Blooms” event that is currently ongoing from now through May 24.

Red, gold, purple, pink and apricot tulips literally cover the picturesque landscaping with over 100,000 bulbs planted to accent the luxurious gardens and forestry that surround the statuesque home built for George Washington Vanderbilt II. The grounds that surround this spectacular sprawling 10-square mile private estate were originally created by Frederick Law Olmsted and is open to the public making it one of the most popular Asheville neighborhoods to visit.

There is no better time to explore one of the best cities to live in North Carolina, than in springtime. The Biltmore is surrounded by mountainous terrain decorated with thousands of exotic wild flowers, cascading waterfalls and preserved wildlife species which is the reason why the Vanderbilt family chose this location to build this spectacular limestone mansion. Biltmore Estate set the “standard of excellence” when it began development in 1895 and today is still considered the largest private home built in America. With its impressive French Renaissance architectural design, rich decor and a spectacular collection of vibrant flora and lush topography, this prime destination draws nearly 250,000 visitors just for this event.

This majestic mountain region is literally covered with a spectacular kaleidoscope of blooming flowers and budding trees offering endless fun outdoor adventures for the perfect “getaway from reality” retreat. Within an hour of Asheville, outdoor enthusiasts love to explore Mount Pisgah, Sam Knob and the numerous waterfalls that can be found here. This is the perfect time to explore the colorful city of Asheville and discover the impressive master planned Asheville neighborhoods. Be assured that this is indeed one of the best cities to live in North Carolina and one of the fastest growing mountain towns in the country.

While Holland is the ultimate destination for tulip extravaganzas, let it be known that it is also a part of the ancestry of the Vanderbilt family, so there is no need to travel abroad to discover the tulip treasures found at Biltmore Estates. With pristine gardens and its superior first-class amenities offered for travelers looking for the ideal spring getaway or potentially relocating to the area, this is the ideal package for folks looking to discover paradise found in North Carolina. Upon entering the property, guests are awestruck by the radiating colors of the 20,000 tulips that welcome them. Other indigenous plants include flowering shrubs and trees such as forsythia, magnolia, cherry blossoms, dogwoods and redbuds. Azaleas are also in bloom and provide a perfect balance to this landscaped painting of reality found at Biltmore Estate and the beautiful surrounding Asheville neighborhoods.

May is the month where poppies, snapdragons and pansies appear around the property providing yet another adventure for horticulturists looking for garden ideas or simply an ideal place to enjoy some of the finest things life has to offer. From the Estate Entry to the Walled Garden and throughout the Winery beds, flowers are the theme of Biltmore Estates throughout this glorious season and is definitely “the go-to” place to get away and find your Zen.

Another noteworthy event coming on May 17th is, “Chihuly At Biltmore” which is the first fine art exhibition that will be strategically displayed throughout the prestigious Biltmore Gardens. Featuring the works of the world-renowned American artist Dale Chihuly, this event is drawing art lovers from all over the continent to come and enjoy the best of artistry and spectacular landscaping, blending the best of both worlds at the Biltmore Estate. This is the ideal time to visit to discover why this destination is one of the premiere Asheville NC attractions with over 1.4 million visitors annually.

The Biltmore Estate has a very rich history embedded in Asheville. This private 6950-acre private estate is the largest single private residence in the USA. Built between 1889 and 1895, this massive “little mountain escape” was built by George Washington Vanderbilt II because he loved the exquisite mountainous scenery, lush forestry and favorable year-round temperatures when he visited his mother Maria who lived in Asheville. George decided, unlike his siblings, to preserve this historical property and make it his own summer estate dwelling. The main residence called the Biltmore House is the anchor of the estate. The property, currently owned by his descendants, represents real estate of the Gilded Age ranging from the 1870’s to the 1900’s depicting the socio-economic problems that were masked by the thin realm of gilding survivors. Featured in an 1873 novel by Mark Twain, “The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today” the Biltmore Estate was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1963.

The estate itself is far more than a “little mountain escape” and had evolved since its fruition. The Biltmore Estate is a 6950.4-acre parcel which equates to a 10.86 square mile property including the massive 178,926 square foot structure with 135,280 square feet of living area. Hardly considered a quaint mountain cabin retreat this abode has four acres of floor space and a total of 250 rooms in the residence which offers 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, 3 working kitchens, and electric elevators. This was not the norm for houses built in the region of the era when it was erected and still stands as proof that the legend continues. This Chateau themed mansion features amazing artifacts from around the world reflecting the European elegance immersed within the guild of American aristocracy. Tapestries, carpentry, artwork, linens and collectibles bought overseas between the 15th through 19th centuries adorn the household, considered one of the most opulent properties in the country enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and is one of the most visited Asheville NC attractions.

Since the estate opened its doors to guests on Christmas Eve in 1895, many famous people have been invited and have stayed at Biltmore including several presidents including William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and most recently Barack Obama. It is not a requirement to be a president to enjoy the luxuries found at Biltmore. Today, the property offers incredible accommodations and awesome amenities for folks who would like to experience the Vanderbilt lifestyle firsthand and explore the options of living in this unbelievable mountain oasis found in Asheville.

Here is a brief history of the Biltmore Estate:

1930 – The Biltmore is opened to the public with hopes that doing so would increase tourism during the Depression, their efforts were a success with over a million visitors annually.
1983 – The Biltmore Estate Wine Company is established formerly the estate’s dairy farm is transformed and is now one of the major draws for travellers venturing to this admirable winery adding incredible value when visiting this spectacular mountain mecca.
2001 – The Inn on Biltmore Estate opens inviting guests to come experience the lifestyle and beautiful scenery that abounds at this first-class retreat that is hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Folks discover that this is not only a superb place to visit but ultimately the ideal spot to retire in one of the most spectacular regions of the country, hands down. Not only is it one of the best cities to live in North Carolina, but the Asheville neighborhoods provide exquisite architecture, superb prime locations and some of the most incredible landscaping in the entire country. It is no surprise why the Vanderbilt family dropped “anchor” here over a century ago.
2010 – Antler Hill Village opens expanding the options of entertainment for guests which includes shopping, multiple dining venues, outdoor adventures and the Vanderbilt exhibition for folks to imbibe and experience the lifestyle enjoyed living at this majestic estate.
2015 – Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate opened to the public providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a casual and relaxed stay while enjoying all the extracurricular activities found at the Biltmore.
There are 6 restaurants scattered throughout the property providing a mouthwatering array of estate-raised delicacies which range from fine to casual dining options. With a theme of “farm to table” many of the items featured are grown at Biltmore gardens and local farms. Add estate-raised lamb and beef, spectacular regional wines and craft beers and indeed, the vacation is complete.

Travelers new to Asheville will enjoy taking the time to explore this quaint and funky artistic city in North Carolina. The Land in the Sky has an impeccable reputation of great artwork, stellar restaurants, superb shopping and a rich historical ambiance which makes this spot a “go-to” destination on every bucket list. With the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains and strategically located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, this journey to the “Land of the Sky” is a must this season to discover a place that developed over 100 years ago because of the natural beauty which drew the original residents to call this home. With nonstop outdoor adventures at your door step this highly elevated community with an average of 2,165 feet above sea level there are incredible views that will virtually take your breath away. Mount Mitchell sits at 6,685 feet and is the highest peak. Chimney Rock Park only 30 minutes away offers outdoor activities that will challenge your stamina and captivate your soul which adds to the overall life enrichment found living here. The Vanderbilt family knew when they discovered the land it now occupies that this is the place to be in North Carolina. Take the time to see, know and feel the lifestyle of the “rich and famous” of Asheville and realize that your dream can become reality for a fraction of the price.

Now is a beautiful time to book a trip to discover one of the best cities to live in North Carolina and visit the Biltmore Estate’s “Biltmore Blooms”, one of the main Asheville NC attractions. To explore some of the many Asheville neighborhoods that accentuate living the best life has to offer in this affordable pristine and happening mountain community.

If this is your first time visiting Western North Carolina, ask for our complimentary Asheville relocation information to help you learn more about the area.