The Biltmore House itself will be gorgeous! The greenhouse will be producing blooms for the house. They may already be starting the Christmas decorations. The formal gardens are beautiful no matter what and the estate itself was designed by Frederick Law Olstead who designed Central Park in NYC. Now what would be blooming in the gardens? Not sure. They will have annuals planted - pansies and the like. But the Biltomre House and estate will be gorgeous even if it's not prime garden season.

Candelight Christmas evenings start Nov 11. It's gorgeous at night. If you are there earlier than that, they'll be getting the house ready for the holidays http://www.biltmore.com/visit/hours_directions/default_holiday.asp

Here are pictures of the fall gardens - and the fall color in the trees (see slideshow on the right) http://www.biltmore.com/visit/calendar/fall.asp

P_M,

I visited during the first week of October a few years ago and was disappointed that the gardens were really done. There were a few interesting plants in the greenhouse. They were starting to bring in the Christmas deco at that time.

And whatever you do, DON'T drink their wine!

Those are some nice pics of the fall colors. This gives us a lot to think about, thank you all.

But the mountains are in color NOW--not November. Anywhere in the US? Where are you?

Glad the pictures helped. Every person has their own preferences, but although the gardens are beautiful (especially in spring) the gardens are not the main draw for me. The home is so amazing, I don't think you'll be disappointed - even if you didn't take time for the gardens at all. Plus, Asheville is such a great place to visit on its own. I think you'd really enjoy being in the mountains of western NC. Absolutely gorgeous. (And thanks for your other thread this morning. It's nice to see it there).

Gretchen, I'm in Austin, TX. We get no fall colors here.

Asheville is wonderful and I think a very good choice. Now having said that, have you been to Victoria BC? When I had a similar situation, that's where I went. You could fly into Vancouver (or even Seattle) and take the ferry over. A little bit of England in north America. LOVED that trip!

Yes, we have been to Victoria but not in the peak season for gardens. I also love Montreal. But my travel bug is biting hard and I want to go somewhere now. I can't help it, I'm a travel addict in need of a fix.

But Victoria in the summer might be worth the wait. I hate TX summers with a passion and it will be a good escape.

Come to Asheville. I think you'll love it. There's enough of color in the gardens to make you not regret it.

Thanks for all of the info, starrs.........a friend and I are planning a trip for the third week of October next year; Asheville was on the maybe list. Now it's on the definite list!

That should be perfect! I'm.about 1.5 hrs away and the leaves are gorgeous this weekend. I can give you a list of some of my favorite things to do when you are ready to start planning. Asheville is wonderful - pretty close to perfect.

**********UPDATE**********

OK, here is our decision. We want to see Biltmore very much, however we want to see it in full bloom so we will save it for next year. In the meantime we have chosen Cozumel, as my prize allows travel to anywhere in North America. DH and I both love snorkeling and Cozumel has some of the best in the world.

Thanks again for your input!!

PS I've posted a couple of questions about Cozumel in the Mexico forum, I would love to hear from you.

Thanks, starrs, I will definitely take you up on that offer!

For P_M - https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=487644574602163&set=a.152923651407592.35319.151040758262548&type=1&theater