Biltmore Summer Vacations Offer Something for Everyone in the Family

ASHEVILLE, N.C., May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sixty-six percent of families say 'togetherness' is the essential element for a memorable family vacation (PGAV Destinations 2012 study). Addressing the need for a balance of itinerary options that families can truly enjoy together, Biltmore's summer vacation experience is active, fun and educational for all. Adults and children are entertained with a slate of activities in Biltmore's 8,000-acre backyard, while imaginations stay engaged with tours and historic exhibitions.

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Summer travel deals

Plan a great summer day or getaway while stretching vacation dollars with deals at Biltmore. Kids 16 and younger receive FREE admission Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dad receives FREE admission on Father's Day, June 16. Families can also purchase a Summer Family Value Package that includes admission for two adults, two children and a family dining voucher, all for $140. Regular tickets purchased at least seven days in advance receive $15 off the price of admission.

Top eight Biltmore summer to-dos

A destination for rejuvenation since the 1800s, George Vanderbilt chose the outdoor playground of Asheville to build his family estate. Travelers today enjoy the slower pace of summer's backyard season in Biltmore's 8,000-acre landscape.

1. Take the family time travelling.  
   Visit the 250-room Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt's dream home that he lived in more than 100 years ago. Kids stay engaged with a NEW treasure hunt through Biltmore House. Marvel at the sheer size of Biltmore House and the bowling alley and pool in the basement.
   
2. Have a unique adventure.   
   Try your luck at outdoor sports like fly fishing or sporting clays, or go off-road behind the wheel of a Land Rover (our Land Rover Driving School offers courses for adults AND kids!). Go to an awe-inspiring location: the rooftop of Biltmore House. The Architect's Tour goes to the roof of America's largest home for a look at architectural details, to count gargoyles, and for expansive mountain views.
   
3. Reconnect with nature.    
   Set out on a network of 22 round-trip miles of hiking trails. Or, take in views from a bike, the back of a horse, while floating down a river, on a Segway, or on a carriage ride.
   
4. Stop to smell the roses.    
   Biltmore's renowned summer gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls and picnicking spots near tropical palms, roses, giant sunflowers, and colorful lily pads and koi in Italian Garden pools.
   
5. Set the kids free.
   Get lost together in a maze comprised of 500 trees. Run and climb in the NEW Pisgah Playground. At the barn, explore farming life at the turn of the century and antique farm equipment. Play with chickens, roosters, goats, horses and sheep in the farmyard. Demos, crafts and period games available select days.
   
6. Embark on a tasty tour.
   Taste wines at the most visited winery in America (complimentary grape juice for the kids). Pick up a family-themed picnic from the Creamery.
   
7. Rock out!
   Dance under the stars during concerts kicking off July 25. The 2013 line-up includes Heart, Sheryl Crow, Christian group Casting Crowns, the Four Tops and Temptations, the Beach Boys and comedian Bill Engvall. Local bands provide FREE entertainment Fridays June through August at the Antler Hill Village Bandstand.
   
8. Make Biltmore your home away from home.
   Extend your visit at the Inn on Biltmore Estate and take advantage of packages on select dates.

Information on summer offerings can be found at Biltmore.com. View suggested itineraries for more family travel ideas.

SOURCE Biltmore