Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the great outdoors and unique activities at the historic Biltmore Estate. From the sublime gardens to the lush landscapes to the thriving wildlife, there are endless outdoor adventures to embark on and treasured sights to behold.
Summer at Biltmore Experiences:
Chihuly at Biltmore- From March 25, 2024, through January 5, 2025, you'll have the chance to see glass artist Dale Chihuly's iconic creations up close. Presented in the Amherst Gallery at Deerpark®, this colorful and iconic glass display will feature pedestal works, drawings, large-scale chandeliers, towers, and much more. Prepare to be captivated!
Additional Summer Events & Activities:
• Friday Night Bikes- On Friday nights during the summer, embark on the only guided bike ride offered in the evening hours at Biltmore. This relaxing 3-6-mile ride follows mostly flat gravel and paved trails from the Bike Barn in Antler Hill Village to the Lagoon. You'll experience a gorgeous sunset at the estate, and when darkness falls, the bikes (each outfitted with their very own set of light-up wheels and frames) will provide a luminous light show!
• Naturalist Talks- Join the estate's knowledgeable Outdoor Adventure Center guides for an engaging and informative talk about the wildlife that calls the estate home. Hosted in Antler Hill Village’s historic Horse Barn, these brief presentations will introduce you to different wild Biltmore inhabitants each month (May will cover Skunks, June will cover Bears, July will cover Turtles, August will cover foxes, and September will cover snakes). Learn fascinating facts about each creature and how they interact with humans. It will certainly inspire a deeper connection to the natural world around you!
• Crafter Workshops- Offered on select mornings throughout the week and weekend, Biltmore's art and craft workshops are a fun way to connect with your creative side. Create a framed take-home floral masterpiece in the Flower Petal Art Workshop, a one-of-a-kind piece in the Basket Weaving Workshop, or a handmade memento from the Wood Carving Workshop. Not only will you learn the history behind time-honored craft traditions, but you'll also learn fun new skills and take home a special souvenir to remind you of your time in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Goats taking it easy in the farmyard.
• Farmyard Visits- Visit Antler Hill Farm for a complimentary introduction to farm life and farm animals that were an integral part of life on the estate. Animals residing at the Farmyard may include laying hens, lambs, calves, goats, and draft horses.
• Guided Raft Trip- Cool off from the summer heat by sitting back and taking in the breathtaking beauty of the estate while a knowledgeable guide paddles your raft down the French Broad River.
• Westover Woods Hike- This 2-mile classic-style hike through the woods and meadows behind Antler Hill Village will be led by an expert guide from the Outdoor Adventure Center who will share interesting facts about the wildlife, birds, and trees you’ll see along the way. Crossing dirt rails with uneven terrain, possible roots, rocks, and mud, this hike is recommended for more experienced hikers in good physical condition.