Celebrate with Biltmore Sparkling Wines Posted on May 5, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Marissa Jamison There’s no better time to celebrate with Biltmore sparkling wines than right now! Whether you’re honoring a college graduate, seeking a wedding gift for newlyweds, or adding a bit of sparkle to an afternoon happy hour with co-workers, Biltmore has the best bubbles–handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise–for tasting and toasting. Uncork a bottle of Biltmore Estate sparkling wine for any occasion! Five fun facts about sparkling wine For centuries, sparkling wine has enjoyed a certain mystery and allure. It was so enchanting, in fact, that some called it “devil’s wine” due to the effervescent bubbles. Today, we still love the magical bubbles and appreciate the romance surrounding this delightful wine, and here are the fun facts to prove it: There are 90–110 pounds of pressure per square inch in a bottle of sparkling wine–that’s more than three times the pressure in car tires! Only sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France can officially be called “champagne.” The grapes traditionally used in champagnes are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Dom Perignon, a Catholic monk and avid winemaker, accidentally discovered sparkling wine when some of his wine re-fermented by chance. He thought it was ruined, but the rest is history. There are an estimated 44 to 57 million bubbles in every bottle of bubbly. Celebrate any occasion, large or small, with Biltmore sparkling wines. Serving and storing sparkling wine Sparkling wine may best be known as a celebratory drink, but we believe it’s the perfect everyday wine too. Whatever the occasion, enjoy your favorite Biltmore sparkling wines with these helpful tips: Chill the bottle in the refrigerator prior to opening. The cold temperature helps preserve the bubbles when opening the bottle. Sparkling wines are best when served at 33-40 degrees. When opening a bottle of sparkling, hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle. Loosen the cage and hold the cork. Gently twist the cork until you hear a whisper of a pop. Holding a towel over the cork when opening will help catch any spills that may occur. Double-check your glasses to ensure the glass is free from detergent residue. A perfectly clear glass allows you to appreciate the bubbles. After opening, all sparkling wines begin to lose their bubbles, so it’s best to drink them as soon as possible. To store an open bottle of bubbly, you can use a special champagne topper. These metal caps with a rubber seal keep the bubbles fresh for the next time you want a glass. Most sparkling wines are sold ready to drink, so don’t hang on to bottles in an effort to further “age” the wine. For the best bubbles, be sure to chill your sparkling wine before uncorking it. An array of Biltmore sparkling wine options Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs: A dry sparkling wine with flavors of Bosc pear and light yeast, plus a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel. Biltmore Estate® Brut: A dry sparkling wine made from traditional champagne grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir: A dry sparkling wine with a light pink hue and flavors of wild strawberry and lemon. Pas de Deux® Sec: A semi-sweet sparkling wine created from fragrant Muscat Canelli grapes. Enjoy Biltmore sparkling wines during your next estate visit or savor them at home. Celebrate with Biltmore sparkling wines When you’re ready to celebrate with Biltmore sparkling wines, you can find them at estate shops and restaurants, online, or close to home with our Retail Locator.
Restoring Our Roots, One Tree at a Time Posted on April 11, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst When George Vanderbilt first visited Asheville, North Carolina, in 1888 and began envisioning his private estate, the wooded slopes of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains included vast numbers of American chestnut trees. Seeds from one of Biltmore’s hybrid chestnuts encased in a spiny, protective “burr” History of the American chestnut tree Known as an all-purpose tree, American chestnuts grew quickly to great size. The wood was strong and resistant to rotting, making it a prized material for foundations, fencing, and railroad ties while the edible nut was an important source of food for cattle, hogs, and wildlife. Around the turn of the 20th century, a blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) struck the American chestnut tree, effectively destroying the species as a source of food and lumber. The blight doesn’t kill the tree’s underground root system, but once an American chestnut sprouts from an existing stump, it succumbs to blight before it matures into a tree. Scaly, thickened bark on this branch shows evidence of chestnut blight Restoring our roots In 1997, Biltmore partnered with the American Chestnut Foundation (AFC) to provide a test site for hybrid chestnuts as part of the AFC’s work to restore this heritage tree. The AFC collected pollen and seeds from the estate and crossed the genetic material with blight-resistant Chinese chestnut trees. The seedlings were planted on a sunny slope near Deerpark Restaurant. “In a way, we’re restoring our roots,” said Jason Mull, Landscaping Supervisor for many of the outlying historic areas of the estate, including the Approach Road and the chestnut plantings. “This project has a natural tie to the importance Vanderbilt and Olmsted placed on landscaping and managed forestry. Jason Mull indicates one of the original hybrid chestnut trees planted at Biltmore in 1997 The project continues Jason has been involved with the chestnut project since the beginning and has now cared for several generations of trees. The test site includes a mix of American-Chinese hybrids plus full Chinese chestnuts that act as a control group. “There are only three hybrid chestnuts left from the original planting,” Jason said. “They’ve grown pretty well in the last 20 years. They do show effects from the blight, but it hasn’t killed them.” According to Jason, some of the more recent plantings carry a much higher percentage of American chestnut DNA than the originals because the hybrids have served their purpose in helping increase resistance to the blight. Students from a local charter school help plant new hybrid chestnuts at Biltmore in 2013 Planting a legacy “We’re continuing to work with the AFC to establish another planting site on the estate—preferably in the kind of wooded area that chestnuts tend to prefer,” Jason said. “If our trees continue to do well over time, that’s a wonderful legacy to leave for future generations.” Featured blog image: Jason Mull and a student from a local charter school plant a hybrid chestnut tree near Deerpark Restaurant in 2013
Instagram Takeover: Our Curator of Interpretation & “Glamour on Board” Posted on April 10, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux In honor of our latest costume exhibition—Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie—we invited Leslie Klingner, Biltmore’s Curator of Interpretation, to take over our Instagram! In a series of posts shown below, she shared more information about the exhibition, including some exclusive details from our Glamour on Board Premium Guided Tour. A post shared by Biltmore (@biltmoreestate) on Apr 3, 2018 at 7:05am PDT “What a privilege it has been to create the first large-scale exhibition of the original costumes from the film #Titanic! Working directly with @20thcenturyfox, my team members and I were able to select more than fifty costumes that were worn during the production of the film. Much of the costuming had been packed away for safe storage for the last 20 years. From Kate Winslet’s iconic broad-brimmed purple hat to the handsome white tie and tails Leo wore to dinner, we marveled that they had retained so much material from the making of the movie.” A post shared by Biltmore (@biltmoreestate) on Apr 3, 2018 at 7:59am PDT “As a historian, I think it’s fascinating that the film #Titanic featured several prominent historical figures who were on board the ship. Among these were Lady Duff Gordon, a celebrated British fashion designer; mining magnate Benjamin Guggenheim; and socialite Madeline Astor. The stunning wardrobes created for each of these characters give a true reflection of what members of this sector of society would have been wearing—and insight into their individual tastes and personalities. The iridescent blue and black beaded dress designed for #LadyDuffGordon is my favorite in the film!” A post shared by Biltmore (@biltmoreestate) on Apr 3, 2018 at 8:50am PDT “Costume designer Deborah Lynn Scott and her team were scrupulous in their research into the historical fashion of the 1910s. They drew inspiration from portraits and periodicals of the time and looked closely at the work of revolutionary couturiers such as Paul Poiret. Poiret first introduced the tapered 'hobble skirt' look that Rose wore on deck. This style narrowed toward the hem and was said to allow women a greater freedom of movement by eliminating petticoats and corsets. #Poiret was a favorite designer of Edith Vanderbilt’s as well, so it’s no wonder the costumes look so at home in Biltmore House.” A post shared by Biltmore (@biltmoreestate) on Apr 3, 2018 at 10:56am PDT “Another of my favorite features of this exhibition are the mannequins’ wigs, which were custom-made to match the actor and actresses own hairstyles. Constructed of watercolor paper and curled by hand, each wig is a work of art in its own right! They also give us the perfect opportunity to show off the fanciful hats, feathered headpieces, combs, and tiaras that were the height of fashion at the time.” A post shared by Biltmore (@biltmoreestate) on Apr 3, 2018 at 12:36pm PDT “Seeing the exhibition in person reveals a level of detail in the costumes in #Titanic that can’t be fully appreciated just by watching the film. Though there are some tight shots of Rose’s red dress as she perched precariously on the edge of the ship, you would never have a true sense of its beauty or detail. Each bead on this dress was hand-applied and there are enough of them to make it quite weighty! With all of this exceptional ornamentation, the dress weighs almost ten pounds!” A post shared by Biltmore (@biltmoreestate) on Apr 3, 2018 at 12:39pm PDT Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie is on display in the grand rooms of Biltmore House now through May 13. Follow us on Instagram @biltmoreestate for exclusive info about #titanicatbiltmore and more!
From the Ground Up: Preparing for Chihuly at Biltmore Posted on March 20, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Chihuly at Biltmore was on display in Biltmore’s gardens from May 17 to October 7, 2018.Please enjoy this archived content. While still in high school, Clare Cottrell discovered two important things that would help shape her future: 1) it was possible to have a career in Public Horticulture, and 2) the location of her dream job was Biltmore. Clare joined Biltmore’s landscaping team in 2007 after earning her degree in Horticulture Management at Bob Jones University. She served in a number of garden-related roles before becoming Supervisor of Gardens and Conservatory in 2017. Clare at work in the Conservatory Chihuly at Biltmore In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities supervising these areas, Clare was also involved with the preparations to host Chihuly at Biltmore—the first art exhibition in our historic gardens and the first North Carolina garden exhibition by artist Dale Chihuly whose works are included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide. “The preparation for this exhibition was intense,” Clare said, “but it is wonderful to have our gardens be a focal point for guests in 2018.” Base for one of the Chihuly sculptures in the Walled Garden Planning and preparation Planning for Chihuly at Biltmore—and its special evening component Chihuly Nights at Biltmore—began nearly two years ago and includes the addition of major infrastructure in our gardens. Power and data lines had to be in place before last year’s spring tulip bulbs were planted, and in a carefully timed three-month period during fall 2016, two crews spent three months installing underground utilities. In November 2017, the foundations for Chihuly’s sculptures were installed, and some of the complimentary garden plantings were completed. Chihuly sculpture mounted on its base (shown above) in the Walled Garden “Specific types and colors of plants were planned around the sculptures and will change with the seasons,” said Clare. “Many of the botanical elements help provide a protective buffer for the artworks, such as low-growing juniper and sedges planted around the foundation of one of the large pieces in the Walled Garden.” Towering palm in the Conservatory Palm project According to Clare, some long-term garden maintenance projects had to be completed ahead of schedule to prepare for the exhibition. “Because of the sculptures that are displayed in the Conservatory, we went ahead with a major overhaul of the Palm Room,” Clare said. “There are more than 200 palms in the Conservatory, and some of them are very old. We re-potted and repositioned them to focus the view on the ends where Chihuly’s Chandeliers are installed.” Walled Garden and Conservatory at Biltmore The future looks bright Even with the demands of the extra planning and preparation, Clare is excited that the estate is hosting Chihuly at Biltmore now through October 17, and she looks forward to the future. “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to upgrade the infrastructure of the gardens, and that means we can try new ideas and events,” said Clare. Featured blog image: Clare Cottrell, Supervisor of Gardens and Conservatory
Spring is a Special Time to Honor Olmsted Posted on March 8, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Spring is a special time to honor Frederick Law Olmsted, Biltmore’s landscape designer. A quiet spot near the Bass Pond highlights Olmsted’s landscape design When designing Biltmore’s historic gardens and grounds, Olmsted knew that spring would set the stage for all the glorious seasons to come. Today, the meticulously maintained landscape still stand as a timely tribute to Olmsted’s springtime birthday. Born April 26, 1822, Olmsted is known as “the father of American landscape architecture,” with premiere projects including Central Park in New York City and the grounds of California’s Stanford University. The Lagoon is one of Olmsted’s many landscape designs for Biltmore “There are many beautiful American parks and landscapes that reflect Olmsted’s genius,” said Parker Andes, Director of Horticulture, “but it’s the design for Biltmore that is considered Olmsted’s masterpiece.” According to Parker, Olmsted had already worked on several Vanderbilt family projects when George Vanderbilt approached him in 1888 for advice on the North Carolina property he’d already purchased. “Now I have brought you here to examine it and tell me if I have been doing anything very foolish,” Vanderbilt reportedly told Olmsted. Olmsted’s frank assessment The Approach Road to Biltmore House is lined with azaleas each spring “Olmsted was frank in his assessment, advising Vanderbilt that the soil seemed to be generally poor, with most of the good trees having been culled already,” Parker said. “He noted that the topography was unsuitable for creating the type of park scenery that characterized the English country estates that Vanderbilt admired.” Colorful spring blooms in Biltmore’s Shrub Garden Plans for both the house and landscape changed in 1889 when Vanderbilt and architect Richard Morris Hunt toured France together and the scale of Biltmore House and its surrounding gardens expanded. Olmsted wrote that he was nervous, not sure how to “merge stately architectural work with natural or naturalistic landscape work,” but Olmsted biographer Witold Rybczynki says that the landscape architect achieved something completely original at Biltmore: the first combination of French and English landscape designs. White wisteria blooming in the Walled Garden “You can see Olmsted’s creativity and skill in the transitions between Biltmore’s formal and natural gardens, and his use of native plants, small trees and large shrubs, and color and texture year-round,” said Parker. Now that Biltmore welcomes 1.7 million guests each year, the historic gardens and grounds must be protected and preserved as carefully as Biltmore House and all other original parts of the estate. Guests of all ages love discovering Biltmore’s “outdoor rooms” like the Azalea Garden “In addition to the impact of so many visitors, the landscape has changed and matured over the past century,” said Parker, “and the challenge for today’s landscaping team lies in determining what Olmsted intended.” Landscaping crews at work to carry on Olsted’s vision for Biltmore “The team uses archival resources such as early plans, original plant lists, letters of correspondence, weekly reports written during the construction of the estate, and information about Olmsted’s design philosophies to help them preserve the landscape style while remaining true to Olmsted’s vision,” Parker noted. Plan your visit this spring Prepare to be dazzled as the splendor of spring unfolds across Biltmore’s historic gardens and grounds and thousands of blossoms create a tapestry of color across the estate. Featured blog image: A couple enjoys a visit to the estate’s historic gardens and grounds
A Sneak Peek at “The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad” Posted on February 13, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Please enjoy this archived content from 2018 Premiering March 15 at The Biltmore Legacy, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad details George Vanderbilt’s youth and boyhood travels, his courtship and marriage to Edith Stuyvesant Dresser, and the birth of their daughter, Cornelia Vanderbilt. In addition to family life, stories about their travels and lives on the estate are chronicled, and a variety of rare objects and personal photos from the Biltmore House collection are showcased. In honor of this upcoming exhibit, here’s a sneak peek at some of the items that will be on display: 1. Louis Vuitton travel trunk Edith Vanderbilt’s elegant Louis Vuitton travel trunk, ca. 1900, has her initials E.S.V. engraved on the top. This fashionable piece served as her luggage for many of the Vanderbilt’s frequent trips to Europe. 2. Edith Vanderbilt’s Personal Cameras Edith was an avid photographer who chronicled the lives of her family while living at Biltmore and traveling the world. Two of her personal cameras will be on display: her No. 4 Panoram Kodak camera Model B, ca. 1900-1903 (pictured); and her No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak camera Model G, ca. 1912. 3. Samurai Armor This suit of Samurai warrior armor dates to Japan’s Edo period (1615-1868). Made of iron, lacquer, leather, textiles, and silk, the armor caught the eye of George Vanderbilt during his travels in the Far East. 4. Japanese Daggers Also souvenirs from George Vanderbilt’s travels in the Far East, these ornate daggers were prized by Western collectors and are exquisite examples of traditional lacquer and metalwork. They are made of steel, lacquer, gold, bronze, and silk from the Meiji period (1868-1912). 5. Cartier Hat Pin In addition to the antique books, tableware, and decorative objects that Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil and Honorable John F. A. Cecil received for their 1924 wedding, they also received jewelry, including this Cartier hat pin, made of carved jadeite, sapphire, diamond, and platinum. Join us for The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad—included in your estate admission—to view these items and other exceptional pieces while learning more about the fascinating family that called Biltmore “home.”
Take Flight Now with Vertical Vintages! Posted on February 5, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Danielle Withrow In 2018, Biltmore Wines was very excited to offer a rare opportunity exclusively to our Vanderbilt Wine Club® members: the chance to experience a true vertical tasting of our Vanderbilt Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. While the wines were available, Wine Club members could purchase this particular Pinot Noir in its 2012, 2013, and 2014 vintages! What is a vertical flight and why is it so unusual? Horizontal flights Most wine flights are horizontal, meaning that you’re tasting several wines (often three or more) that are similar in nature (think “flight of geese” or “flight of stairs” and you’ll see how the name refers to a collection of similar things). This is a great way to learn more about wines in general and to discover interesting differences that you might not notice otherwise. Vertical flights What happens, then, when a flight goes vertical? That’s a very different type of tasting, and one that doesn’t happen every day. For a vertical flight, you’ll be tasting three or more wines of the same varietal from the same maker in a series of different but close or sequential vintages. From varietal to vineyard to winemaker, the vintage is the only variable. Here are some of the things you can expect to experience: Taste the obvious effects of how the wine matures over time Note subtle differences made by the year’s weather in which the varietal was grown Understand how aging affects the color, aromas, and flavors of the wine, and how it becomes more smooth as tannins and acidity decrease Hosting a vertical flight A vertical flight is an exciting way to experience the terroir of a vineyard, the skill of the winemaker, and the characteristics of the varietal over time. It’s also a fun way for a small group of friends to learn more about a particular varietal together, so consider hosting a vertical tasting in one of two ways: Youngest to oldest (most common vertical flight tasting style): Discover the evolution of aging in a natural progression Experience the varietal from a simpler, younger phase to a more mature and complex one Oldest to youngest (more unusual; offers different insights): Learn how decreasing levels of alcohol, acidity, and tannins in more mature wines affect your tasting experience Keep your palate fresher longer by tasting younger wines last Join the club! Ready to enjoy exclusive offers available only to our Vanderbilt Wine Club® members, such as receiving three hand-selected vintages each season, a dedicated section of Biltmore’s Winery, and members-only events? Become a Wine Club member today, or give someone special a gift membership!
Housekeeping in America’s Largest Home® Posted on January 25, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton What happens in America’s Largest Home® after we un-deck our massive halls from the splendor of Christmas at Biltmore? Our housekeeping team “sweeps into action!” Deep cleaning Biltmore House post-Christmas is in need of the kind of deep cleaning that can’t be accomplished during the busy holiday season. “It’s my favorite time of year,” said Connie Dey, housekeeping supervisor. “We jump right into some of our biggest cleaning projects, from the Basement all the way to Fourth Floor.” Lights, dusters, action! There are plenty of smaller jobs, too, and for these, Connie relies on her flashlight that busts dust in all its hiding places, a soft goat hair brush, and a Swiffer-style duster created in-house to meet Museum Services standards. Armed with these trusty tools, Connie and her team can carefully clean even the most delicate pieces in the collection. “It takes several weeks of special training to learn how to care for the objects in Biltmore House,” Connie said, “and even then, it can be a little scary to start handling things on your own.” Housekeeping by the numbers According to Connie, it takes three members of her seven-person team approximately four days to clean the books and shelves in the Library. We did the math: it works out to be about 833 books—plus shelf space—per person, per day! “We’re used to working at a fast pace and not getting in the guests’ way during their visit,” said Connie, “but lots of people are fascinated by the process, and they want to watch us work.” Safety first While hard hats aren’t the most common sight in Biltmore House, some cleaning projects require extra safety precautions. To reach the Grand Staircase chandelier or the arched doorways of the Banquet Hall, Engineering Services puts industrial scaffolding in place to help Housekeeping reach new heights in cleaning. “It’s a strange feeling to have that enormous chandelier move slightly as you vacuum the cups around the lights,” Connie said, “but we have work to do, so we keep going. I can only imagine how difficult some of these tasks must have been for past housekeepers, without today’s safety controls and technology to make it faster and easier.” Part of our preservation story Although Connie has been a member of Housekeeping for nine years, she says she never gets tired of the work. “My team takes great pride in cleaning Biltmore House,” Connie explained. “We’re not only keeping it clean, but we’re also looking at things constantly to detect possible problems, and that makes us an important part of Biltmore’s preservation story.” Plan your Biltmore getaway Winter is a wonderful time to visit the estate, and you may catch Housekeeping “brushing up” on their deep cleaning projects! Blog imagesFeatured image: Connie Dey uses a soft brush to dust an intricate clock in the SalonFirst image: Connie cradles a lamp base close to her bodySecond image: Freshly-dusted books and shelves in the LibraryThird image: Mildred Florence of Housekeeping at work in the Banquet HallFourth image: Connie checks to make sure no dust has settled on the linens in the Breakfast Room
Biltmore’s Top 5 Most Naturally Romantic Spots Posted on January 9, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico Biltmore Estate’s year-round natural beauty and long tradition of hospitality have earned its recognition as a romantic destination for more than a century. But with 8,000 acres to explore, it can be hard to pick the perfect must-see romantic spot to share with your loved one. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a scenic date, or even proposing to your sweetheart at Biltmore, get inspired with this list of the top five most naturally romantic spots on the estate! 📷 by @sasha_playz_musik 5. Tea House Strategically set on the far west corner of the South Terrace, this romantic spot offers sweeping views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain vistas. 📷 by @jason.rosa 4. Tennis Lawn & Pergola Tucked away between the Pergola and the Shrub Garden is the Tennis Lawn, an often overlooked “outdoor room” with a fairy-tale view of America’s Largest Home®. 📷 by @rongriswell 3. Conservatory Indoor enchantment awaits in Biltmore’s Conservatory, a private tropical oasis that houses a wide variety of exotic plants beneath its grand glass roof. This romantic spot offers multiple greenhouses to explore with your sweetheart! 📷 by @avidavlhiker 2. Bass Pond Waterfall & Trails An easy stroll down our Azalea Garden path leads to rewarding views of our Bass Pond bridge, Boat House, and, of course, the Bass Pond Waterfall—a picturesque backdrop for many Biltmore proposals! 📷 by @georgebassen 1. Shores of the Lagoon Perfect for a picnic or a pleasant stroll, the shores of Biltmore’s Lagoon offer a number of quiet, romantic spots with a marvelous view of Biltmore House in the distance. 📷 by @t_r_a_v_e_l_n_o_w BONUS! One of our onsite lodging properties An overnight stay on the estate offers the opportunity to wake up on George Vanderbilt’s magnificent estate with your sweetheart. Our four-star Inn, cozy Village Hotel, and private Cottages on Biltmore Estate each offer a distinct and memorable experience for your next romantic getaway. 📷 by Camryn Glackin Romantic Spots on Biltmore Estate to Propose If you’re planning to pop the question during a visit to Biltmore, consider this list of romantic and picturesque locations for your proposal: In a Horse-Drawn Carriage: Couples wishing for some privacy (and a very discreet driver) may take one of our horse-drawn carriages for a gentle journey through forests and pastures, and stopping at the top of a hill that features a stunning view of the back of Biltmore House. At the Statue of Diana, Goddess of the Hunt: After an easy hike to the top of the hill where The Statue of Diana stands, catch your breath and take in the majestic view of Biltmore House with sky and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. Then proceed! In the South Terrace Tea House: With its gorgeous views of Mount Pisgah and the southern end of Biltmore House, the Tea House is a charming, open-air structure. On top of Biltmore House: The guided Rooftop Tour takes you to the roof for up-close inspections of the home’s structure and intricate carvings. Don’t let the gargoyles and grotesques scare you. They’re harmless. By the Bass Pond Waterfall: This is a more secluded location, below the formal gardens. This location is great in springtime or during October when the leaves are changing colors. During a candlelight dinner: Our estate chefs create incredible meals using fresh ingredients grown right on the estate. On The Inn’s Veranda: Relax with your sweetheart on a grand outdoor veranda where the estate’s sparkling wine can be delivered for your big moment. Under the Pergola next to the South Terrace: This spot by Biltmore House is particularly romantic in springtime when Wisteria vines are blooming. In the Italian Garden: Pop the question by one of the semi-secluded benches in the Italian Gardens. The reflecting pools full of lily pads and other exotic blooms set a soothing tone for an early summer evening proposal. On a scenic picnic: If you like to bike or hike, you can pack a picnic, rent bikes or take one of our many hiking trails for an exciting adventure. Stop at the Lagoon to picnic and pop the question.
And the Winner is… Titanic Posted on January 8, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Please enjoy this archived content from 2018. Our newest exhibition, Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie, features costumes from the iconic production, which holds the record for the most Academy Award® nominations and the record for the most Oscars® won by a single film. The 1997 movie was nominated for 14 Academy Awards, tying All About Eve (1950) for the most Oscar nominations. Additionally, it won 11 of those awards, tying Ben Hur (1959)—and later matched by The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)—for having won the most Oscars. Titanic’s Academy Awards include: Best Picture Best Director Best Art Direction Best Cinematography Best Costume Design Best Film Editing Best Original Dramatic Score Best Original Song Best Sound Best Sound Effects Editing Best Visual Effects Needless to say, the award we’re most excited about is “Best Costume Design”—which means that each and every costume on display in our exhibition is a true Academy Award-winner! While key costumes from the film have been shown in other places, this is the first large-scale display—including outfits of background characters, shoes, accessories, and more. Here’s a sneak peek at the detailing on a few of those fabulous pieces that’ll be displayed during Glamour on Board. 1. Rose DeWitt Bukater’s Yellow Breakfast Dress will be on display in the Oak Sitting Room during Glamour on Board. 2. Rose’s red shoes, along with the famed Jump Dress, will be on display in the Library during Glamour on Board. 3. Rose’s iconic Boarding Hat from the start of the film will be on display near the Winter Garden during Glamour on Board. Join us for the exhibition beginning on February 9, 2018 until May 13, 2018. Also, be sure to ask about our limited-time Glamour on Board Premium Guided Tour. In this 90-minute tour, you’ll learn captivating stories behind the costumes’ creation, and get fascinating insights into the elegance of the era’s fashions, culture of the times, costume design, and making of the film.