ASHEVILLE, N.C. (March 26, 2026) — Tonight, Biltmore debuts Luminere, a first-of-its-kind outdoor evening experience that illuminates the estate’s historic grounds with light, imagery, and sound. As Blue Ridge Mountain sunsets fade into starlit skies, the experience unfolds.

Created with acclaimed Philadelphia-based experiential design studio Klip Collective, Luminere blends cutting-edge projection mapping with the estate’s architecture and landscape, creating a dreamscape of color, motion, and sound. The studio has also worked on projection mapping for Sundance Film Festival, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, and Longwood Gardens outside Philadelphia, among others. Luminere runs on select evenings through Oct. 18, 2026, and marks a new era of evening experiences at Biltmore.

A New Chapter for Biltmore After Dark

Debuting during Biltmore’s 130th anniversary year, Luminere reflects both legacy and innovation. It is Biltmore’s first large-scale original evening experience beyond the holiday season. Inspired by an enduring appreciation of art and design, as well as by archival accounts of lantern-lit garden parties held on the estate in the 1920s, Luminere draws on the past while embracing modern storytelling.

“Opening Luminere is an incredibly meaningful moment for us,” said Chase Pickering, vice president of guest experience and great-great-grandson of Biltmore’s founder, George Vanderbilt. “My family has always believed in preserving the past while embracing the future. With Luminere, we’ve created something entirely new. It honors our legacy while inviting our guests to see the estate through a lens of wonder and creativity.”

Storytelling Through Light, Sound & Design

Luminere unfolds along a self-guided path through seven outdoor settings, including the façade of Biltmore House, gardens, the Conservatory, and a treescape. Each area is brought to life through projection, custom lighting, and an original musical score.

The gardens are integral to the experience. Plantings are designed to interact with light and evolve across the seasons, blending technology with the natural landscape.

Music is central to the storytelling. The original score, composed by Julian Grefe and featuring the Asheville Symphony among other orchestras, includes some recordings captured inside Biltmore House, inspired by its acoustics and legacy as a home for appreciating the arts.

Biltmore House becomes both a canvas and a character during Luminere. Cinematic projections reveal key moments in the estate’s history, from its construction to the Vanderbilt family’s enduring story.

“Using Biltmore as our canvas, we’ve created a visual and emotional journey that honors the estate’s history and natural surroundings,” said Ricardo Rivera, creative director and co-founder of Klip Collective. “We’re telling stories with light in a way that stirs the senses. It’s at times playful, it’s at times emotional, at times cerebral.”

Elevated Evenings

Luminere is designed to unfold at an unhurried pace as day turns into dusk, complemented by culinary offerings. Guests can pre-order artisan picnics, from charcuterie and regional cheeses to caviar and sparkling wine, or the Vanderbilt Gourmet Picnic featuring lobster and estate-raised beef, each presented in a keepsake cooler with sustainable packaging.

Restaurants across the estate offer seasonal menus, including handcrafted cocktails and desserts made with estate-grown ingredients including honey, herbs, and edible flowers.

Artistic Legacies Tour, Exclusive to Luminere Evenings

For those seeking a deeper connection, the new Artistic Legacies tour explores the art collection within Biltmore House and the Vanderbilt family’s own creative story. Works by masters like Monet, Renoir and Whistler are featured, alongside original artwork by Cornelia Vanderbilt on view for the first time.

What to Expect:

• Large-scale lighting displays integrated into the landscape and historic architecture
• An original musical score that brings visuals to life
• Nighttime views of Biltmore House and grounds that reveal the estate in a new light
• Culinary offerings such as artisan picnics and handcrafted cocktails and wines
  

Visit Planning at a Glance:

• Opening: March 26, 2026
• Dates: Select evenings through Oct. 18, 2026
• Location: Biltmore Estate, Asheville, N.C.
• Official Hashtag: #BiltmoreLuminere
• Tickets & Details: Biltmore.com/luminere  (A separate ticket is required for Luminere)
• Weather: The experience continues in most weather conditions, including light rain
• Planning Tips, FAQs & Picnics
• Visit Itinerary
• Lodging packages
  

Media Resources & Press Kit

A full suite of media assets is available to support your coverage:

• Online press kit
• Photos
• Trailer Video (Use embed code from YouTube for your coverage)
• B-roll footage, including interview clips with artist behind Luminere, Ricardo Rivera of Klip Collective, and Chase Pickering of Biltmore
  

Media contact

Marissa Jamison, Biltmore Senior PR Manager
mjamison@biltmore.com
828.777.9835 (cell)

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About Biltmore

Established in 1895 in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore was created by George Vanderbilt as a restorative mountain getaway on a thoughtfully planned, self-sustaining estate. The property is still privately owned by his descendants and welcomes guests year-round for cultural experiences within its 8,000-acre grounds. Centered around Biltmore House, the 250-room château known as America’s Largest Home, this beloved National Historic Landmark is comprised of renowned gardens, conserved forests and farmland, more than 20 miles of nature trails, Antler Hill Village, and an award-winning Winery. The estate also features a collection of restaurants, retail shops, and overnight accommodations, including a four-star luxury Inn, a charming hotel, and carefully restored private cottages. To learn more, visit Biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

About Klip Collective

Klip Collective is a creative studio led by artist and projection pioneer Ricardo Rivera. Using a unique synthesis of projection mapping, lighting, and sound design, Klip specializes in site-specific immersive experiences. Since 2003, they’ve layered architecture and filled landscapes with light, sound, and storytelling. The studio has collaborated with numerous cultural partners and institutions including Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Longwood Gardens, Société des Arts Technologiques (SAT) in Montreal, Sundance Film Festival’s New Frontier, Desert Botanical Gardens (DBG), and Monument Lab to present large-scale explorations of perception and imagination. Through the creation of an immersive visual and sonic landscape that draws inspiration from—and adds dimension to—a space, audiences are invited to interact and participate in a dynamically transformed atmosphere.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (December 15, 2025) Today, The Inn on Biltmore Estate is among a select few U.S. hotels recognized in the highly coveted 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List awards.

The Gold List is one of the most competitive editor-voted awards in the hospitality industry. For over 30 years, this annual list has recognized hotels, resorts, destinations, experiences, and cruises around the world that exemplify the gold standard of service and hospitality. Personally selected by Condé Nast Traveler’s global editors, the list comprises selections curated by the magazine’s experts in luxury travel, with recipients recognized across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand each year.

Nestled within the 8,000 acres of rolling hills and manicured gardens on Biltmore Estate, The Inn on Biltmore Estate opened in 2001 after years of day visitors requesting overnight accommodations when touring America’s largest privately owned home. Today, The Inn is known for providing the same world-class hospitality that the Vanderbilts offered their family and friends when they lived in Biltmore House over 130 years ago, and welcomes guests to experience George Vanderbilt’s original vision of a luxury retreat including four-star dining, beautifully renovated rooms, a renowned spa and so much more.

This is the 12th time The Inn on Biltmore Estate has been recognized throughout the list’s 30-year history, with its first being in 2004. In spring 2025, The Inn debuted an inspiring two-year renovation with a complete redesign of guest rooms, suites, and corridors, developed in partnership with the acclaimed global design firm, ROAM Interior Design, with no detail overlooked. The aesthetic is a present-day take on classical European style, incorporating distinctive details drawn from the design, intention, and collection of Biltmore House paired with elevated amenities and a stunning mountain backdrop for today’s guests.

The Inn serves as a home base for guests to immerse in the Biltmore Estate experience like touring Biltmore House’s collections, strolling through acres of botanical gardens, nature trails and carriage rides, sampling award-winning wines, and exploring all the iconic grounds have to offer.

The complete list of Gold List winners are officially live and can be found here. For more information on Biltmore Estate and The Inn on Biltmore Estate, please visit https://www.biltmore.com/ and https://www.biltmore.com/stay/the-inn/inn-information/.

Media resources

• The Inn on Biltmore Estate fact sheet: HERE
• Photo and Video Library: HERE
• Online press kit here: HERE

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About Biltmore

Established in 1895 in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore was created by George Vanderbilt as a restorative mountain getaway on a thoughtfully planned, self-sustaining estate. The property is still privately owned by his descendants and welcomes guests year-round for cultural experiences within its 8,000-acre grounds. Centered around Biltmore House, the 250-room château known as America’s Largest Home, this beloved National Historic Landmark comprises renowned gardens, conserved forests and farmland, more than 20 miles of nature trails, Antler Hill Village, and an award-winning Winery. The estate also features a collection of restaurants, retail shops, and overnight accommodations, including a four-star luxury Inn, a charming hotel, and carefully restored private cottages. To learn more, visit Biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

About The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Nestled among the 8,000 acres of rolling hills and manicured gardens on Biltmore Estate, The Inn on Biltmore Estate offers the elegance and Vanderbilt-level service of a castle-like getaway paired with all the ambiance of a relaxed mountain retreat in western North Carolina. Originally opened in 2001, guests to the resort can take in stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while staying in one of 210 spacious guestrooms, savoring white-tablecloth service at the Dining Room, indulging in craft cocktails in the Library Lounge overlooking the French Broad River, and lounging in the Spa or by the outdoor rimless pool. For those looking to explore the estate, guests of The Inn have convenient access to the best of Biltmore and can venture to Antler Hill Village, home to award-winning Biltmore Winery and Antler Hill Farm, or connect with the dedicated concierge team to experience hiking, biking, horseback riding, and carriage ride experiences. The Inn’s reputation as a luxury destination has resulted in Mobil Travel Guide’s Four-Star rating, Four Diamonds from AAA, and a spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List for 12 years. After 24 years of award-winning excellence, in 2025 The Inn on Biltmore Estate debuted an inspiring two-year renovation with a complete redesign of guest rooms, suites, and corridors.

ASHEVILLE, N.C.  (February 11, 2026)  Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships, today announced its 2026 Star Awards. The Inn on Biltmore Estate and The Dining Room both earned Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star awards for the 25^th and 9^th years in a row, respectively. They are showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com.

Nestled among the 8,000 acres of rolling hills and manicured gardens on Biltmore Estate, The Inn on Biltmore Estate offers the elegance and Vanderbilt-level service of a castle-like getaway paired with all the ambiance of a relaxed mountain retreat in western North Carolina. Originally opened in 2001, guests to the resort can take in stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while staying in one of 210 spacious guestrooms, savoring white-tablecloth service at the Dining Room, indulging in craft cocktails in the Library Lounge overlooking the French Broad River, and lounging in the Spa or by the outdoor rimless pool.

Forbes Travel Guide’s highly anticipated 68^th annual Star Awards list covers 100 countries.

“Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality,” said Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “This year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognize their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today’s discerning guest.”

To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.

To learn how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.

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Connect with Forbes Travel Guide:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ForbesTravelGuide
X: www.twitter.com/ForbesInspector
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ForbesTravelGuide

About Forbes Travel Guide:
Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, cruises and their restaurants. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.

Media resources

• The Inn on Biltmore Estate fact sheet: HERE
• Photo and Video Library: HERE
• Online press kit here: HERE

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About Biltmore

Established in 1895 in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore was created by George Vanderbilt as a restorative mountain getaway on a thoughtfully planned, self-sustaining estate. The property is still privately owned by his descendants and welcomes guests year-round for cultural experiences within its 8,000-acre grounds. Centered around Biltmore House, the 250-room château known as America’s Largest Home, this beloved National Historic Landmark comprises renowned gardens, conserved forests and farmland, more than 20 miles of nature trails, Antler Hill Village, and an award-winning Winery. The estate also features a collection of restaurants, retail shops, and overnight accommodations, including a four-star luxury Inn, a charming hotel, and carefully restored private cottages. To learn more, visit Biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

About The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Nestled among the 8,000 acres of rolling hills and manicured gardens on Biltmore Estate, The Inn on Biltmore Estate offers the elegance and Vanderbilt-level service of a castle-like getaway paired with all the ambiance of a relaxed mountain retreat in western North Carolina. Originally opened in 2001, guests to the resort can take in stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while staying in one of 210 spacious guestrooms, savoring white-tablecloth service at the Dining Room, indulging in craft cocktails in the Library Lounge overlooking the French Broad River, and lounging in the Spa or by the outdoor rimless pool. For those looking to explore the estate, guests of The Inn have convenient access to the best of Biltmore and can venture to Antler Hill Village, home to award-winning Biltmore Winery and Antler Hill Farm, or connect with the dedicated concierge team to experience hiking, biking, horseback riding, and carriage ride experiences. The Inn’s reputation as a luxury destination has resulted in Mobil Travel Guide’s Four-Star rating, Four Diamonds from AAA, and a spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List for 12 years. After 24 years of award-winning excellence, in 2025 The Inn on Biltmore Estate debuted an inspiring two-year renovation with a complete redesign of guest rooms, suites, and corridors.

ASHEVILLE, North Carolina and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – The PGA TOUR, Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville today announced a new PGA TOUR tournament, the Biltmore Championship in Asheville, set to debut in 2026 during the FedExCup Fall.

As part of a four-year agreement, Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville will serve as co-title sponsors of Asheville’s first PGA TOUR event in more than 80 years, with the inaugural tournament set for September 17-20, 2026, at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. The Biltmore Championship in Asheville will be broadcast on Golf Channel and three properties produced from PGA TOUR Studios: PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+, Sirius XM and the World Feed.

“After more than eight decades since the Asheville Land of the Sky Open, the PGA TOUR is pleased to make its return to the Blue Ridge Mountains with the Biltmore Championship in Asheville, a proud name synonymous with the region,” said Tyler Dennis, PGA TOUR Chief Competitions Officer. “We are honored to partner with Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville on this exciting new event and look forward to building a partnership that spotlights the strength and beauty of the area and its community.”

A celebratory event announcing the new tournament was held this morning at Biltmore Estate with community leaders from around the region. The unveiling of the event comes just over one year since Tropical Storm Helene left historic devastation to the region and recognizes the remarkable recovery that has happened since that time.

“We are honored to partner with the PGA TOUR, Explore Asheville and The Cliffs as a title sponsor of the Biltmore Championship in Asheville,” said Mark Hemphill, Chief Marketing Officer of Biltmore. “Bringing a world-class golf tournament to the mountains of North Carolina creates an opportunity to make a positive, enduring impact on our community and economy. We look forward to an inspiring competition and inviting guests to discover the unique natural beauty and gracious hospitality of our area.”

Vic Isley, President & CEO for Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority added, “After more than 80 years, Explore Asheville is thrilled to team up with Biltmore to welcome the PGA TOUR back to Asheville, Buncombe County and Western North Carolina for the next four years. The PGA TOUR’s Biltmore Championship in Asheville will draw more than 100 players, thousands of spectators, millions of dollars in direct spending for area businesses, and hours of live national television coverage shining a light on the beauty of our region – all to support our creative travel and hospitality community. Importantly, we value the charity impacts that PGA TOUR events generate for host communities each year.”

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is a private facility in Arden, North Carolina, just minutes from Asheville Regional Airport and a short drive from downtown Asheville. Ranked among the top courses in the state, the 7,167-yard venue sits in a valley bordering the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway, with 18 holes that wind through former farmland and the streams and woodlands of mountain laurel. The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is one of seven exclusive private club communities in The Cliffs. Other clubs are located outside Greenville, South Carolina, and Clemson, South Carolina on Lake Keowee.

The Biltmore Championship in Asheville marks the PGA TOUR’s first event in Asheville in more than 80 years, with the Asheville Land of the Sky Open as the last TOUR event. First contested in the early 1920s, the Asheville Open was an official PGA TOUR tournament from 1939 to 1942, with World Golf Hall of Famer Ben Hogan winning the final three beginning in 1940. The Biltmore Championship in Asheville will mark the seventh all-time TOUR event in the city. To stay connected with the Biltmore Championship in Asheville, or to learn more about hospitality, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit www.BiltmoreChampionship.com.

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About PGA TOUR
By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide.

The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions events on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Americas and administers PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry and PGA TOUR University. PGA TOUR members represent the world’s best players, hailing from 28 countries and territories. Showcasing the biggest moments in the sport with history and legacy on the line, the PGA TOUR operates PGA TOUR Studios–a state-of-the-
art production studio redefining golf content for fans worldwide—and has long-term domestic distribution partnerships for broadcast coverage on CBS, NBC and Golf Channel, with video streaming service on ESPN+ and additional coverage on multiple Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) channels. Internationally, the PGA TOUR Studios-produced World Feed is available across
200+ countries and territories in 30 languages via 39 broadcast and digital partners. To date, events across all Tours have generated more than $4 billion in charitable giving. Fans can follow the PGA TOUR at PGATOUR.COM, on the PGA TOUR App and in multiple languages across their favorite social media platforms.

About Biltmore
Established in 1895, Biltmore was created by George Vanderbilt as a restorative getaway on a thoughtfully planned, self-sustaining estate. The property is still privately owned by his descendants and welcomes guests year-round for cultural experiences within its 8,000-acre grounds. Centered around Biltmore House, the 250-room château known as America’s Largest Home, this beloved National Historic Landmark is comprised of renowned gardens, conserved forests and farmland, 20+ miles of nature trails, Antler Hill Village and an award-winning Winery. The estate also features a collection of restaurants, retail shops and overnight accommodations including a four-star Inn, hotel, and private cottages. To learn more about Biltmore, go to Biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

About Asheville, Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority
Asheville is where unrivaled natural beauty and bold creative expression meet in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The city is tucked into the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains and alongside the ancient French Broad River, just steps from some of the world’s most biodiverse forests. The Asheville area’s ever-evolving community and deeply rooted creative spirit power Explore Asheville, the official destination marketing and management organization. Since 1983, Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority has shared the area’s story with the world while investing in its future, directing nearly $110 million in grants to community projects and, most recently, more than $2.1 million through the Always Asheville Fund to help hundreds of small businesses reopen after Hurricane Helene. Exploreasheville.com; Instagram; YouTube; TikTok;
Facebook.

About The Cliffs
The Cliffs is a collection of seven private, luxury residential mountain and lake club communities located in the Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains, between two of the nation’s top award-winning cities for quality of life – Greenville, S.C. and Asheville, N.C. – and Clemson, S.C., home to top-ranked Clemson University. The Cliffs’ suite of amenities for club members includes seven clubhouses, seven nationally recognized golf courses, seven wellness centers, multiple tennis and pickleball complexes, first padel courts at a private community in South Carolina, a marina, beach club, and equestrian center, more than a dozen restaurant and private event venues, and over 2,000 year-round programs and social activities to create timeless experiences. Homes at The Cliffs range in price from $800,000 to $6M+; homesites, starting at $125,000. For more information about real estate or membership, please visit CliffsLiving.com

SAME ENCHANTING PLACE, DIFFERENT CAPTIVATING ERA, NEW UNFORGETTABLE ROMANCE

HOLLAND RODEN AND NIALL MATTER TO STAR IN A NEW HOLIDAY LOVE STORY SET AT BILTMORE

PREMIERING IN 2026 DURING HALLMARK CHANNEL’S 17TH ANNUAL COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS PROGRAMMING EVENT

Jonathan Frakes Reprises His Role from A Biltmore Christmas

Production Begins in January at Historic Biltmore Estate

Click Here for Talent Photos

Holland Roden (Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, Teen Wolf) and Niall Matter (We Met in December, This Time Each Year) are acquaintances in the Gilded Age who become more than that in the present-day in a brand-new holiday love story set at Biltmore Estate, that will premiere in 2026 during Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event. Jonathan Frakes (A Biltmore Christmas, Star Trek: Picard) reprises his role from the original 2023 film.

Production begins in January at the historic Biltmore Estate as well as Asheville’s Fine Arts Theatre, Pack’s Tavern and in downtown Asheville. Dustin Rikert (Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, The Christmas Quest) will direct from a script by Marcy Holland (A Biltmore Christmas, The Christmas Quest).

“When A Biltmore Christmas premiered, it immediately became a fan favorite and an instant classic,” began Michelle Vicary, Head of Programming, Hallmark Media. “Marcy Holland, who wrote the original movie, has created another captivating romance set in this unique and special place. We can’t wait for viewers to travel back to Biltmore and fall for this new love story as much as they did the first one.”

The beauty and history of Biltmore was showcased in the original movie, with the story taking place in locations including the Conservatory, Winter Garden, Tapestry Gallery, Banquet Hall, Billiard Room and the Library, which was the home of the hourglass responsible for the characters’ time-traveling adventures. These will also be featured in the new installment as well as new rooms and locations such as the Rooftop, Pergola, Swimming Pool, Bowling Alley, Breakfast Room, Oak Sitting Room, Main Kitchen, Music Room and Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom, allowing the viewer to further explore the house. Additionally, filming will take place in other locations on Biltmore Estate including The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery. During filming at these locations, the set will be closed to the public.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

As Biltmore House opens for the first time on Christmas Eve 1895, 13-year-old Elizabeth and her family are holiday guests. When she notices Michael, a fellow teen caught trespassing by the staff, Elizabeth comes to his rescue by claiming to know him, much to his relief. The two share an instant connection and set out to explore Biltmore but Michael inexplicably vanishes. Twenty years later, Elizabeth is spending Christmas at Biltmore and this time is accompanied by James, a suitor her Aunt Maysilee, is keen for her to wed. When a stranger asks Elizabeth to dance at the Christmas gala she’s shocked to discover it’s Michael. Thrilled to reunite with her friend, she throws herself into his arms. But the world around her changes in an instant when Elizabeth is transported into the modern world with Michael, a tourist from the present day who had traveled to the past 20 years prior with the help of a magical hourglass in Biltmore’s library. Now, Elizabeth and Michael must find a way to send her back to her time, while not arousing the suspicion of Michael’s mother and sister during their family vacation. As Elizabeth experiences life and Christmas in the 21st century, she and Michael become close. When the time comes for her to return to 1915, Elizabeth must decide whether she’ll resume the life that’s been chosen for her or if her heart will lead her down a new path in the present.

The movie is from Hallmark Media. David O’Donnell serves as executive producer. Dustin Rikert directs from a script by Marcy Holland.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Maria Fischer, MariaFischer@hallmarkmedia.com
Kim Murphy, KimMurphy@hallmarkmedia.com
Julie Mitchell, JulieMitchell@hallmarkmedia.com

Biltmore’s original field-to-table program began in 1895 with George Vanderbilt’s vision of creating a self-sufficient estate modeled after Europe’s grand country homes. More than a century later, the vision is still alive with a thriving field-to-table program that supports Asheville’s new reputation as a culinary hot-spot.  

Working the Land in Good Taste
While it’s not visible to estate guests, the backbone of the field-to-table program is the estate’s production garden. Tucked away on the west side of the estate, away from guest traffic, this farm supplies estate restaurants with fresh herbs, seasonal fruits and berries, and a variety of vegetables. Biltmore chefs count on a daily delivery of seasonal produce by 11 a.m. on the day of harvest. This means Biltmore guests have the unique pleasure of enjoying fresh, locally produced meals showcasing seasonal ingredients.   Also located on the west side is the Winery’s approximately 50-acre vineyard. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot grapes thrive in Western North Carolina’s temperate climate and dot the rolling hills. These grapes are used to produce Biltmore Winery’s award-winning wines under the guidance of winemakers Bernard Delille and Sharon Fenchak.  

Raising Beef and Lamb on the Estate
In Vanderbilt’s day, the estate’s rolling pastures provided beauty and a place for livestock to graze. Today, history repeats itself as 200 head of Angus cattle and a flock of 150 South African White Dorper Sheep roam across the fields. Biltmore prides itself on humanely raising the animals on lush pastures with natural grains and abstaining from growth hormones and antibiotics. A small portion of the herd and flock is culled each year so estate restaurants can serve premium cuts of meat.  

Supporting Community Agriculture
While Biltmore prides itself on serving estate-raised ingredients, sometimes demand exceeds production. In an effort to support the community and serve only the best, Biltmore works with community farmers and food producers to source local ingredients and meat. The estate’s “buy local” program supports the local economy, reduces the estate’s carbon footprint, and literally provides a taste of Western North Carolina to estate guests. About Biltmore Located in Asheville, N.C., Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, America’s largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Today, Biltmore includes Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; four-star The Inn on Biltmore Estate; the new Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and Biltmore For Your Home, the company’s licensed products division. To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

Today, George Vanderbilt’s historic estate is a National Historic Landmark boasting America’s largest home. While a million guests visit annually to tour 250-room Biltmore House and its grounds, in culinary circles the estate is also recognized for its extraordinary food.

Drawing from Asheville’s thriving farm-to-table scene and George Vanderbilt’s love for entertaining, Biltmore is home to a variety of formal restaurants and light bites. Each venue has its own personality shaped by the executive chef and its historic surroundings. Menus change seasonally and are influenced by culinary trends and fresh offerings from local farms and the estate’s production garden.

Estate Restaurants

• The Bistro: Located next to Biltmore Winery, this restaurant embodies the charm of Europe. Tables surround the open kitchen, where guests watch the chefs prepare meals. Lunch and dinner boast a combination of American-European flavors, with a heavy emphasis on local ingredients from the estate and surrounding farms. Handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas that embrace seasonal flavors are a favorite.
• Cedric’s Tavern: This English-style pub is located in Antler Hill Village. A full bar, live music and outdoor seating makes this restaurant a destination. Hearty pub fare like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie grace the menu, but a favorite is the house-made pickles that arrive at every table before the meal.
• Deerpark Restaurant: Housed in a converted dairy barn original to the estate, this spot boasts plenty of rustic charm and views of estate pastures from its front door. A wall of windows overlooks an interior courtyard that is perfect for relaxing after the meal. A buffet of southern family-style dishes and Appalachian specialties are served with a modern twist.
• The Dining Room: Located at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, The Dining Room is upscale dining at its finest. White linen tablecloths, Vanderbilt china and crystal add to the luxury of savoring carefully executed meals. Chefs create gourmet delights using weekly food deliveries from the estate’s production garden. The Dining Room also hosts afternoon tea served with all the traditional delights of a proper English tea.
• Library Lounge: Tucked away in the lobby of The Inn on Biltmore Estate, this dining venue allows guests to savor an indulgent bite while skimming a book from library shelves or admiring panoramic views of the estate. 
• Village Social: Located at the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, the Village Social is a full-service restaurant and bar, serving light breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant’s small plate concept focuses on sustainable seafood with local and regional farm and garden products. The relaxed atmosphere of Village Social is perfect for unwinding and catching up with friends.
• Stable Cafe: Located next to Biltmore House, this restaurant is housed in what was originally the estate’s horse stable. A bright and airy restaurant where converted stalls hold elegant booths, the menu boasts slow-cooked rotisserie chicken, smoked pork, estate-raised Angus beef, and house-made sausages. Wood harvested from the estate is used in smoking the meats.

Light Bites at Biltmore House

• Bake Shop: Enjoy fresh-baked pastries and baked goods, as well as espresso, gourmet coffees and herbal teas.
• Courtyard Market: Hearty snacks such as Sicilian-style thin crust pizza, hot dogs, beer, wine and cold beverages.
• Biltmore Dairy Bar: Hand-scooped ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes and drinks take center stage at this spot.
• Conservatory Café: Open seasonally on the Conservatory’s back patio, this spot serves Biltmore wines, light snacks and small plates.

Light Bites at Antler Hill Village

• Creamery: Winky Bar sundaes inspired by an original Biltmore Dairy ice cream treat are scooped up with a smile. Pastries, cupcakes, and gourmet coffees also make an appearance.
• Smokehouse: Carolina barbecue and quick sandwiches featuring house-made sauces.  The Kitchen: Located on the first floor of the Village Hotel, The Kitchen offers items to grab and go. The menu includes beverages such as handcrafted espresso, organic coffee, specialty tea and fresh fruit smoothies, as well as seasonal baked goods and gourmet breakfast sandwichs. For lunch, choose from chopped salads, gourmet sandwiches, and our farmer’s market special.

About Biltmore
Located in Asheville, N.C., Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt.  Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, America’s largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Today, Biltmore includes Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; four-star The Inn on Biltmore Estate; the new Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and Biltmore For Your Home, the company’s licensed products division. To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. –  Guests to Biltmore House can enjoy a casual overnight stay at Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, set in the heart of Antler Hill Village. Opened in 2015, the 209-room Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate provides a range of options to guests who want to stay overnight. The Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate is the estate’s second accomdation property, joining The Inn on Biltmore Estate.

A stay at Village Hotel gives guests access to shopping, dining, Biltmore Winery, live music, hiking and biking trails, other outdoor activities and the farmyard – all within short walking distance.

“Village Hotel offers a casual location for our guests to use as a home base for exploring the estate,” says Biltmore Vice President of Lodging Meghan Noel. “I’ve heard our guests describe their time at Village Hotel as feeling like they are relaxing in someone’s home. That’s exactly what we hoped to hear. The design of this property was created with that kind of relaxed experience in mind.”

Natural elements and rustic features were used in the exterior and interior design, inspired by the eclectic mix of cottages and farm homes original to the estate. The first level takes inspiration from a farmhouse while the second level incorporates materials reminiscent of the working aspects of a farm, such as dark wood and leather.

Archival images adorn hotel public areas, telling the story of Biltmore’s agricultural legacy and showing historic estate scenes of the Vanderbilt family enjoying leisure activities.

Each of the hotel’s 209 guest rooms and suites offer a cozy cottage setting with a window seat, 400-thread count linens, a 42-inch LCD-screen TV, refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker and walk-in shower.

Dining at Village Hotel features The Kitchen Cafe, a quick and easy stop for freshly prepared breakfast items and on-the-go lunches and picnics. The Village Social is the hotel’s casual full-service restaurant and bar serving light breakfast, lunch and dinner emphasizing a small plate tasting menu featuring seafood, Biltmore Wines, craft beers and signature cocktails.

Other hotel amenities include:
• Fitness center
• Outdoor pool (open seasonally)
• Access to The Spa at The Inn on Biltmore Estate
• Complimentary wireless internet service
• Complimentary self-parking
• Complimentary estate shuttle service
• 350 square-foot meeting room
• Courtyard with water features and fire pits

Village Hotel stands in an area originally used as a social hub for estate employees who began Biltmore’s tradition of hospitality over a century ago. The current generation of the Vanderbilt-Cecil family has expanded on this idea, developing Antler Hill Village into a place to share their love of food and wine, entertaining, outdoor recreation and agriculture.

Rates at Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate vary depending on season and begin at $129. Reservations may be made by calling 866-851-4668 or visiting www.biltmore.com/stay.

Combine the stunning architecture of Biltmore House against a background of maple, elm and oak trees in the midst of changing seasons, and you have a location like no other to capture photos of western North Carolina’s annual fall leaf show. Biltmore House and its surrounding grounds offer a photographer’s dream setting for getting fall color photos packed with huge “Wow!” factor. Here are some of our favorite photo-opportunity spots at Biltmore. Consider them as you scout locations for album-ready photography:  

The Rooftop of Biltmore House – The Rooftop Tour provides you with a bird’s eye view after a climb up the Observatory’s spiral staircase and onto the balconies and rooftop of the 250-room house. At 70-plus feet above ground, you have a primo spot to snap shots of the statue of Diana across the Vista and the perfect summit from which to spy autumn-hued chrysanthemums sunning in the Walled Garden.  

Top of the Rampe Douce – The Rampe Douce is a wide, graduated stairway zigzagging along a rough-cut limestone wall across the wide front yard from Biltmore House. The Rampe’s location allows for fitting the entire front of the house inside your viewfinder.

Statue of Diana – Beyond the Rampe Douce and up the hill, the statue of Diana stands at the perfect vantage point and elevation for capturing a majestic view of Biltmore House with sky and mountains in the background.  

The South Terrace Tea House – The wide open terrace gives you long-range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in one direction and the Black Mountains in the other. At its edge perches a limestone teahouse with panoramic views of the deerpark, Lagoon and Mount Pisgah at 5,897 feet, the highest peak in the distance.  

The Loggia – This location is on the back of Biltmore House, accessible on the ground floor right off of the Music Room. The Loggia is an open-air porch with soaring arch ways above an ornate balcony. A favorite of wedding photographers, the Loggia overlooks the deerpark with views of the carriage ride trail across the fields. This setting served as backdrop for many Vanderbilt family photos.

One of the crown jewels of George Vanderbilt’s estate was the expansive property, which lent itself to hours of enjoyment for Vanderbilt, his family and friends. Guests back then explored the estate on foot; on horseback; fished in the Lagoon or tracked wild game on hunting excursions.
Today, guests at Biltmore may enjoy the same thrill of exploring the beauty of the estate’s 8,000 acres of manicured gardens, rolling hills and dense forests. Several options are available.

Bike Rental and Trail Pass: Bring your own bike or rent one to explore miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult.

Carriage Rides: Enjoy a relaxing ride through meadows and woods on a 12-person wagonette or a two-person carriage.

Horseback Rides: Novice and experienced riders alike will enjoy trail rides through peaceful woods and pastures. Guided group and private trail rides are available.

Land Rover Experience Driving School: Tap into your sense of adventure with off-road driving lessons in a Land Rover.  Our experienced instructors offer lessons, trail drive and a full-day experience.

Fly-Fishing School: Plan for a two-hour, half-day, or full-day fly-fishing excursion. Orvis equipment and world-class instruction provided.

River Float Trips:  Float down the peaceful French Broad River and enjoy riverbank wildlife and incredible views of the estate. Guided raft trips and self-guided kayak trips available. Offered April-October.

Sporting Clays: Take your best shot and learn precision shooting techniques from our experience instructors using a Beretta shotgun.

Costs for these activities are in addition to estate admission. More information on pricing is here.