Spring ushers in Biltmore Blooms

ASHEVILLE, N.C., March 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- March 20 through May 23, 2014, Biltmore Blooms offers a variety of activities for all ages in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Flowers take center stage with lavish orchid displays and thousands of spring bulbs blooming in gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Flower bloom schedule
Spring provides constant changes in Biltmore's gardens. The progression of blooms constantly unveils different flowers and new color combinations. To stay up-to-date about what's in bloom throughout the season, see weekly bloom reports and notifications of Biltmore's featured 'flower of the week' at Biltmore.com/WhatsBlooming.

Orchids
The earliest spring days kick feature two opulent orchid displays – one in the Winter Garden inside Biltmore House, the other, a year-round orchid display in the tropical Conservatory. Visitors can expect to see close to 1,000 orchids in bloom.

For a limited time March 20 through April 6, guests will be given the rare opportunity to step into the Winter Garden in Biltmore House to admire a special orchid collection. This light-filled, glass-domed garden room was once used by the Vanderbilts to relax and entertain in their home while surrounded by exotic plants. The room is typically roped-off to guests during tours of Biltmore House, but will be open for a limited time.

Outdoor gardens
Among the first plants to bloom across the estate will be the sunny glow of daffodils and forsythia. The spring blooming schedule continues with 96,000 tulips throughout the estate, while later in the season will see many other flowers take hold such as azaleas, rhododendron, roses and vibrant annuals and perennials.

Gardening tips
To get the most out of the gardens, join gardening and design experts as they offer tips, all included with the price of estate admission. Weekend Ask a Gardener stations allow guests to talk with Biltmore's horticulture experts. Daily free demonstrations on creating beautiful spring arrangements are also offered: Designing Spring Wreaths at 1 p.m. and Creating Elegant Centerpieces at 2 p.m.

Food, wine & entertainment
Join us for a special outdoor dinner party on May 23, the Moveable Feast. Wine and dine surrounded by spring blooms in the historic Walled Garden. Tickets are $160 per person and include tax and gratuity.

Included with the price of estate admission, Biltmore Winery offers daily tastings of its limited release spring seasonal wine in addition to other tastings and production tours. Specialty tours like the NEW Vine to Wine Tour, Biltmore Bubbles Tour, and the Red Wine and Chocolate Tour are available at an additional cost. Kids will enjoy a grape stomp outside the winery Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m.

The barnyard at Antler Hill Farm comes alive with spring's baby goats, lambs, chicks and bunnies for families to pet and photograph.

Enjoy live music daily in the Conservatory, during tours of Biltmore House as well as on the bandstand in Antler Hill Village.

Spring is the perfect time to take advantage of Biltmore's mountain surroundings with outdoor activities like Segway tours, horseback riding, carriage rides, fly-fishing, biking, stand-up paddle boarding, river float trips and the Land Rover Driving Experience.

Easter egg hunt & Easter brunch
The annual Easter Egg Hunt for children ages two to nine takes place on Easter Sunday, April 20, on the front lawn of Biltmore House. Special children's entertainment includes music, storytelling, magic shows, games, crafts and taking photos with the Easter Rabbit. Hunts begin at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Registration begins two hours before each hunt and closes 15 minutes prior to the hunt. Parents should bring their own baskets for children to collect eggs. Reservations are recommended for Easter brunch at estate restaurants.

Spring savings

• Purchase estate admission tickets at least seven days in advance and receive $15 off.
• Moms get free admission on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11.
• The Inn on Biltmore Estate is offering a special "Spring Celebration Package" with midweek rates starting at $289.

For more information go to Biltmore.com, or call 800.411.3812 for reservations and visitor information.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140318/CL85575

SOURCE Biltmore