The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is a magnificent destination at any time of the year. It’s especially nice right now because the gardens are bursting with color.
There are over 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds including a formal garden, hiking trails, fields, lawns and forests that seem to stretch on and on.
The Biltmore landscape was designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead. In fact, this magnificent project was the last for the man who gave us New York’s Central Park and the US. Capitol grounds.
Olmstead’s guiding light was a concept called “subordination” which means that all elements of a landscape design should serve the overall effect without overwhelming or overshadowing any other part of the landscape.
These grounds are magnificent but I have only scratched the surface in exploring the outdoors here. The natural beauty seems endless.
In the formal garden, we saw peonies, snapdragons, roses and a host of other beauties. The rhododendron was in full bloom and there were a ton of other shrubs and trees unfamiliar to this Yankee.
The conservatory is home to all sorts of succulents, orchids, hydrangea and tropical plants that are arranged artfully.
If I ever find myself there alone, I hope to sit on one of these benches to read a book or write something smart.
It was nice and cool there in the shade so my friend and I did stop here to rest a while and to simply soak in the beauty of this day.
The house tour is incredible for its history and opulence. As much as I enjoy it though, the time spent outdoors is always my favorite part of a Biltmore visit. If you go, be sure to carve out some time to explore the outdoors.
Our next stop will be inside the house! Check back!
Make the Journey Fun 