April is Blooming in Asheville

Spring has arrived in Asheville, and we are so ready for it! Not only does April mean the start of warmer days and blooming trees and flowers, it also means more family-friendly activities throughout the city. If you missed us during winter, you must check out all that Asheville has to offer in the spring. From Easter gatherings with family and friends to hiking in our many forests and parks, this is a fantastic time to visit.

The Residences at Biltmore makes it easy to keep the whole family together with 3- and 2-bedroom suites with room for as many as 6 to sleep comfortably. Read on for our ideas for family fun in April.

Biltmore

There is always something for the entire family to enjoy at Biltmore, and this month is no exception. One of the most-visited sights at the estate is Biltmore Blooms, the annual explosion of color throughout the property and in the Walled Garden. Thousands of tulips, flowering cherry and magnolia trees, and many more blossoms create a kaleidoscope of sights and smells. Learn what specific flora is in bloom by visiting the online Bloom Report before you go.

When you're done with the flowers, delight the kids with a visit to the Antler Hill Farm barnyard for a peek at baby animals like goats, lambs, and calves. Or let the kids play, climb, and run around on the Pisgah Playground.

Don't forget Easter Sunday! Biltmore is mixing it up this year with an Easter Scavenger Hunt from April 1-4. Twenty-five giant decorated eggs will be hidden throughout the Estate gardens and inside the house. Parents are invited to take pictures with each egg as they are found, and the event is spread out over 4 days to allow for social distancing.

After hunting, the whole family is invited to Antler Hill Village to collect treat bags for the kids from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each bag includes a commemorative egg.  The hunt is included in the price of admission to the Estate for all children 9 and younger. More details can be found on the Biltmore website.

Venture Out

For a unique spring celebration, head to one of the small towns on the outskirts of Asheville.

Dillsboro Easter Hat Parade

Each year, residents of the quirky town don their best hats and parade up and down the streets, starting from Town Hall. Hats will be judged in various categories, and will include adults, kids, and even dogs. It all starts at 2 p.m. on April 3. This year, the town is awarding a prize for the most creative mask, as well.

Greening up the Mountain

Although the event is still set to be determined for this year, the town of Sylva celebrates spring's arrival with an annual Downtown festival. Tentatively scheduled for late-April, the festival features vendors, local artists, craft displays, youth talent contests, food, drinks, and more.

Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival

Spruce Pine pays homage to the art of blacksmithing on its Locust Street downtown. Featured are demonstrations by local and national metalsmith, ironworkers, sculptors, and more, as well as items for purchase, food, and more fun for the family. This year's festival takes place on April 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend

Asheville's cousin to the south, Hendersonville, will showcase its wineries and cideries April 15-18. The events on tap include tours, tastings, wine releases, food trucks, music, and plenty more activities over the four days. Find more information, including specific times, participating businesses and locations on the website. Most wineries and cideries have activities to keep the kids busy.