The Top 10 Ways to Experience the Perfect Summer Visit at Biltmore
ASHEVILLE, N.C., May 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- What could be more perfect than spending the summer in an 8,000-acre backyard that offers glorious gardens, mountain views, horseback riding, standup paddle boarding, fly fishing and Segway tours? With so much to see and do at Biltmore, where do you start? The following list, The Top 10 Ways to Experience the Perfect Summer Visit at Biltmore, should help with itinerary setting.
1. Stroll through glorious gardens
Biltmore's formal gardens erupt in bright colors each summer, with towering tropical foliage, flowers that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, and the heady scent of the historic rose garden. Hikes along meandering paths lead to the Bass Pond, and beyond that, a gentle waterfall with bamboo all around.
2. Visit NEW displays in Antler Hill Village
- George Vanderbilt's railway travels are highlighted in a 250-foot long model train display featuring landmarks from Vanderbilt's international travels. A construction team with Applied Imagination handcrafts architectural elements using leaves, twigs, and natural materials. Five model trains run along five track loops, passing by miniature versions of the Biltmore Rail Depot, the USS Vanderbilt Steamship, Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe, London Bridge, and more.
- An intricate model of Biltmore House and other estate buildings created from thousands of Lego blocks will be on display at the Wine Shop in the Winery, and Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate.
3. Enjoy music in the evenings: The Biltmore Concert Series, and Live After Five
- Select nights this summer will bring stars to the South Terrace of Biltmore House for the Biltmore Concert Series presenting nationally- and internationally-known performers on the grand stage with views of Biltmore House. This year's line-up includes Kool & The Gang, The Commodores, The Beach Boys, Tony Bennett, REO Speedwagon, and Goo Goo Dolls.
- Antler Hill Village & Winery comes alive on weekend evenings when Live After Five takes place. Live music on the Village Green features jazz and pop.
4. Saddle up for a horseback ride
In addition to hikes and strolls, guests may ride horses along trails with views of Biltmore House.
5. See the estate on a Segway, in a Land Rover, or on a bike
Modern modes of transportation are available at Biltmore's Outdoor Adventure Center, which serves as the jumping-off point for Segway tours, bike rentals, stand-up paddle boarding, rafting and kayaking. Land Rover off-road driving experiences are available, as are fly-fishing and sporting clays instruction.
6. Check out treasures in Biltmore House, and down at the farm
From the Kids Audio Tour of Biltmore House to the Biltmore Treasure Hunt, younger guests can see the Vanderbilts' grand home from a different perspective designed to entertain. Kids of all ages will want to check out Antler Hill Barn and Farmyard, with blacksmithing and woodworking demos and friendly animals.
7. See "Designed for Drama: Fashion from the Classics" before it leaves Biltmore House
Summer is the last opportunity to see the "Designed for Drama: Fashion from the Classics" exhibition, which ends July 4. Award-winning film costumes are showcased in Biltmore House, alongside the books from George Vanderbilt's Library that inspired the movies.
8. Enjoy delicious meals made from estate-grown ingredients
Biltmore's seven restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, with menus that feature fresh produce and meats from the estate itself, as well as award-winning Biltmore Wines.
9. Vanderbilt family stories
The Biltmore Legacy features an exhibition of 60 years of Vanderbilt family wedding fashion. A highlight is the first ever display of the Lee family wedding veil worn by Mary Lee Ryan at her marriage to George Vanderbilt's grandson in 1957, and also worn by her cousin Jacqueline Lee Bouvier at her 1953 marriage to future president John F. Kennedy.
10. Stay overnight for the ultimate summer escape
Choose from two distinctive properties to reap exclusive benefits like waking up on George Vanderbilt's mountain estate. Experience gracious hospitality with a luxurious package celebrating summer holidays at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, or relax with a more casual stay at the new Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate.
Purchase tickets in advance at www.biltmore.com, or call 800-411-3812, or visit the Reception and Ticketing Services Center at Biltmore.
SOURCE The Biltmore Company
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