Biltmore summer vacations are a thing of the past, literally

ASHEVILLE, N.C., April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- More than a century ago, young George Vanderbilt was an adventurous man who embarked on building a home for his family and friends far away from the hustle and bustle of city life in New York.  All these years later, visitors to Vanderbilt's creation in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains may vacate their own everyday lives with a summer trip to that exact same place:  Biltmore.

Summer at Biltmore begins on May 24 and runs through Sept. 1, 2014. Summer's slower pace sets the tone for adventures along the estate's 8,000 acres, a space that has been preserved and perfected over time. The castle-like, 250-room Biltmore House is open for exploration, enhanced this year by a NEW kid's audio tour for ages 7 to 13.

Summer 2014 vacation deals at Biltmore

• Kids 16 and younger receive FREE admission Memorial Day Weekend (starting May 23) through Labor Day, Sept. 1.
• Dads receive FREE admission on Father's Day, June 15, with purchase of an adult or youth ticket.
• Seniors receive $15 off admission on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Save $15 off ticket price by purchasing tickets at least 7 days in advance of visit; save $10 by booking online 1 to 6 days in advance of visit.

Biltmore's great outdoors
Meander through the colorful and ever-changing manicured gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, or explore the miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through wooded areas and open fields. Take in mountain and Biltmore House views from a bike, on the back of a horse, while floating down a lazy river, on a Segway, or on a carriage ride. Try your hand at fly-fishing, sporting clays or get behind the wheel of a Land Rover.

Fun in Antler Hill Village
Admission includes access to Antler Hill Village, which harkens back to the 1890s when families lived on the estate raising crops and livestock, and tending to milk and ice cream production at Biltmore Dairy. Kids can explore the barnyard, Pisgah Playground, the Children's Maze, the Land Rover Course for Kids and a Kids Grape Stomp.  "The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad" exhibition is housed in the Legacy building and sheds light on the time the Vanderbilt family made Biltmore House their home, and their world travels.

The Winery
Entry to Biltmore Winery is also included, with free tastings and a production tour.  Specialty tours like the Vine to Wine Tour, Biltmore Bubbles Tour and Red Wine and Chocolate seminars are available at an additional cost.

Music under the stars
Dance under the stars on select summer nights during Biltmore's Concert Series, staged on the South Terrace at Biltmore House.  The 2014 line-up will be announced on May 1, 2014, on www.biltmore.com, with series kick-off scheduled for July. Past performers have included Sheryl Crow, Heart, The Beach Boys, Bruce Hornsby, Alison Krauss and more! Weekend evenings will feature Live After Five in Antler Hill Village with musical performances by area musicians. A variety of culinary options will be available at Cedric's Tavern, the Bistro and the Creamery.

Make Biltmore your home away from home at Inn on Biltmore Estate
Extend your visit with an overnight stay at the award-winning Inn on Biltmore Estate and take advantage of packages on select dates this summer.

Call 866.336.1245 for more information, or visit Biltmore.com. View suggested itineraries for more family travel ideas.  

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140424/78164

SOURCE Biltmore