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.

Lantern Lodge 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 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 including its annual Easter Scavenger Hunt with admission, April 3-5. Kids ages 3-9 are invited to find the 25 giant decorated eggs throughout the grounds, and the Easter Bunny himself will distribute treat bags at Antler Hill Barn from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 5.

After hunting, the whole family is invited to stay until evening to view Luminere, when the house acts as a canvas for an illuminating light show. Separate tickets must be purchased for the show.

Venture Out

Explore the rest of the area outside Biltmore's gates this April at one of the following events.

EGG-stravaganza

The WNC Nature Center is hosting an egg scavenger hunt on April 4, beginning at 10 a.m. Kids search for clues throughout the park and get a prize. From 10 a.m. to noon, the black bears, otters, and bobcats will be treated to Easter-themed enrichment for all guests to watch.

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 with an Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. on April 4, followed by the parade at 2 p.m. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Greening up the Mountains

The town of Sylva celebrates spring's arrival with Greening up the Mountains, an annual Downtown festival. This year's festival takes place April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and features vendors, local artists, craft displays, youth talent contests, food, drinks, and more.

Annual Spring Herb Festival

The largest herb festival in the United States and Canada takes place at the WNC Agricultural Center Friday – Sunday, April 24-26. It will be a weekend full of education, plants, and local plant vendors. Food trucks will also be onsite.

Hours are Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and April 26, 10 a.m. – 3p.m. Admission, parking, and workshops are free.

Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend

Asheville's cousin to the south, Hendersonville, will showcase its wineries and cideries April 30-May 3. The events on tap include tours, tastings, wine releases, food trucks, music, and plenty more activities over the two 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.