For WNC natives like me, it isn’t officially spring in the mountains until Biltmore Estate is drenched in brilliant, blossoming flowers. City Editor Brook here, and I recently tiptoed through the tulips and explored the benefits of being an Annual Passholder, which includes unlimited daytime visits to Biltmore year-round. (Pro tip: Passes are on sale now until April 30.) Read along to discover how you can Try This.

What we tried:

We took a complimentary-for-Passholders daytime tour of Biltmore. While it's always awe-inspiring, it's currently resplendent with dazzling greenery + blooms galore.

Trust us: the Conservatory is just as fragrant as it is gorgeous. | Photo by AVLtoday

What not to miss:

The gardens and the Conservatory. Featuring thousands of colorful tulips and home to the estate's annual Biltmore Blooms display, the gardens are simply stunning.

The glass-enclosed Conservatory boasts an array of exotic, tropical, and rare plants — including the breathtaking Orchid Room featuring more than 500 orchids — and is so lovely it's nearly impossible to tear your eyes away. That is, until you find you've worked up an appetite and need sustenance, which you can find at Antler Hill Village.

Pro tip: Annual Passholders enjoy discounts on shopping, dining, and lodging, plus discounted tickets for their friends + family and free entry for kids 16 and under.

Tour Italy's iconic artworks sans passport via the Italian Renaissance Alive exhibit. | Photo by AVLtoday

What we’re still talking about:

The Italian Renaissance Alive Exhibition. With a soaring operatic score and a fascinating narrative, this multi-sensory art experience immerses you in the works of some of Italy's most iconic artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli sans the passport.

Bonus: Biltmore Annual Passholders enjoy discounted exhibition tickets.

How you can experience this:

To enjoy all the Passholder perks, purchase an Annual Pass — and take advantage of special pricing for a limited time.

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Touring Biltmore as an Annual Passholder
Price: $209 plus tax on sale (normally $299)
Website: biltmore.com
Address: 1 Lodge St., Asheville, NC 28803
Hours: Hours vary
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