Tulips at Biltmore Estate
Rooms a Blooms
Historical homes and gorgeous gardens beckon groups
BY PATTI NICKELL
Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North
Carolina has often been called “America’s
castle,” and with 250 rooms it’s easy to
see why.
The French Renaissance chateau was the
vision of George W. Vanderbilt and is the
perfect repository for the Vanderbilt family’s
collection of priceless art and antiques.
The estate is set within 8,000 acres
of landscaped grounds designed by
Frederick Law Olmsted, who also
designed Central Park in New York City.
While Biltmore has always been popu-
lar with groups, tour operators will have
something special to offer clients this
year. An exhibition of glass sculptures by
noted glass designer Dale Chihuly will
be on display from May 17 to Oct. 7.
24
March 2018
Sculptures will be exhibited in the
house’s Winter Garden and throughout
the grounds. Visitors will also have a
chance to see Chihuly pieces illumi-
nated during evening experiences every
Thursday through Sunday.
The Hermitage: Home of President
Andrew Jackson in Nashville is one of
the most-visited presidential homes
in America. The Greek Revival man-
sion and historical site tell the story of
the seventh U.S. president and his wife
Rachel during some of the fledgling
nation’s most turbulent times.
Through a series of exhibits and dis-
plays, visitors learn the history of both
Jackson and the house where he lived on
and off from 1804 until his death in 1845.
In mid-March every year, to mark
the anniversary of Jackson’s birth, The
Chihuly’s Water Drops,
at Biltmore Estate May 17 to Oct. 7
Homes fit for an aristocrat,
a president, a titan and a king
COUNTED AMONG THE MOST POPULAR SITES for both individual and group travelers are historical
homes and landmark gardens. It seems we can’t get enough of seeing where and how the rich and
famous lived, and as for the gardens—well, what could be more beautiful in any season?
For tour operators and their house- and garden-loving clients, here are some of the top
destinations in North America.