Tulips in Bloom at Biltmore Estate. Image courtesy of Biltmore.

ASHEVILLE, NC — With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a breathtaking backdrop, Biltmore Blooms is offering a variety of activities for all ages through May 23, 2014. Flowers take center stage with lavish orchid displays and thousands of spring bulbs in bloom in magnificent gardens designed at the turn of the century by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Spring bloom provides constant changes in Biltmore’s gardens. The progression of blooms dictated by Mother Nature constantly unveils different flowers and new color combinations, resulting in a unique show for visitors to enjoy each week during Biltmore Blooms.

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

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

To get the most out of the gardens, join Biltmore’s gardening and design experts as they offer tips and techniques, all included with the price of estate admission. Weekend Ask a Gardener stations in the Walled Garden allow guests to talk with Biltmore’s horticulture experts. Daily free demonstrations on creating beautiful spring arrangements are offered at “A Gardener’s Place” at the Conservatory: Designing Spring Wreaths takes place daily at 1 p.m. and Creating Elegant Centerpieces daily at 2 p.m.

On May 23, a special outdoor dinner party, the Moveable Feast, will take place in the historic Walled Garden surrounded by exquisite spring blooms. Tickets are $160 per person and include tax and gratuity. For reservations call 828-257-5995.

Included with the price of estate admission, Biltmore Winery will offer daily tastings of its limited release spring seasonal wine in addition to other complimentary tastings and a production tour. 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 the Grape Stomp outside the winery Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m.

The Barnyard at Antler Hill Farm, open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., features baby goats, lambs, chicks and bunnies for families to pet and photograph.

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

Spring is the perfect time to take advantage of Biltmore’s mountain surroundings with outdoor activities such as sporting clay shooting, Segway tours, horseback riding, carriage rides, fly-fishing, biking, float trips along the French Broad River and the Land Rover Driving Experience.

The estate’s 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, Deerpark or the Dining Room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate. Call 800.411.3812 for more information.

Purchase estate admission tickets at least seven days in advance of your visit and receive $15 off. Moms get free admission with the purchase of an adult or youth ticket on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11. The four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate is offering a special “Spring Celebration Package.” Call 866-336-1245 or book online.