Biltmore is nice any time of year, and might not be as crowded right now. If you’re a Triple A member, you can get discounted tix through them. (My workplace also offers discount tix, so yours might as well.)

As far as the gardens go, hard to tell. I know some flowers have come up here, but the weather has been a little fickle. Whatever is in bloom, the garden design is fascinating too.

As far as shopping, it seems like there are some neat shops just outside the estate. If you’re looking for an eclectic and yummy restaurant, try out the Laughing Seed on Wall St. Here’s the website: http://www.laughingseed.com/index.php?page=1

It’s been several years since I’ve been there, but I seem to remember there was some neat shopping around there too. I wasn’t a vegetarian at the time, but loved the food. Now that I am a vegetarian, I’d love to go back!

My boyfriend and I go to the Asheville area at least once a year. It’s a great getaway for us.

Biltmore is worth it any time of the year. Don’t let anyone talk you out of missing it. If you plan to travel back to Asheville, the season passholder ticket is the way to go, as it allows admission for the upcoming summer events, to tour the grounds during the fall foliage season and for the candlelight holiday events. Downtown, start at Wall Street and make your way around from there. If you want to start at pubs rather than bistros, head over to Biltmore Avenue. Either way, once you find Vance Monument and “Tupelo Honey” as your bearings, you’re in good shape. Also, for daytime, drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Folk Art Center. Head back into town and stop for drinks on the balcony and a stroll around the Grove Park Inn. After, Stella Blue usually has good music back down town.

Enjoy your trip… Asheville is beautiful no matter what time of year.