Biltmore Estate
Asheville, North Carolina
Encompassing more than 8,000 acres, the stunning gardens surrounding the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, are merely an extension of one man’s aesthetic passions. The Biltmore is a National Historic Landmark and America’s largest privately owned home. The estate was established in 1895 by George W. Vanderbilt, an avid art and antiques collector. It may have been Vanderbilt’s passion for collecting beautiful things that inspired him to hire famed master planner Frederick Law Olmsted — who designed Central Park in New York — to create the European-inspired and naturally landscaped masterpiece.
“Exploring the estate always results in new discoveries,” said Marissa Jamison, public relations manager for the Biltmore Estate. “I love visiting the conservatory, but the gardens constantly unveil different flowers and new color combinations, so there is always a brand new experience for groups to enjoy.”
Today, the Biltmore remains privately owned by Vanderbilt’s descendants, and sees more than 1 million visitors annually. The variety of Biltmore’s gardens attracts garden lovers, master gardeners and hobbyists from all over the world. In addition to the gardens, Biltmore has outdoor activities, several restaurants ranging from barbecue to fine dining, a four-star inn and tours of the Biltmore mansion.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Richmond, Virginia
With a rich past steeped in cycling — the property was originally used as a bicycle club in the late 1800s and will be the site of the 2015 World Road Cycling Championships — the Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden offers groups numerous ways to spin through that expansive garden.
“The garden has more than a dozen themed areas covering 50-plus acres,” said Beth Monroe, public relations and marketing director for the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. “It is designed to surprise and delight at every turn and offers a real sense of place through landscaping and architecture. The conservatory is another favorite; it’s the jewel of the garden and the only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic.”
Led by friendly Garden Guides, the organization offers a wide-ranging variety of themed tours, among them fall color and horticultural history, as well as the annual Festival of Lights.
Monroe’s favorite aspect of the grounds is that they hold the natural power to delight both young and old.
“It’s a place all generations of my family can enjoy,” she said. “I’d encourage people keep an open mind about best times to visit a garden; rainy days can be lovely and provide good conditions for photography.”
