A Touch of Folk Art

March 2, 2020

The Lion and the Rose is a historic home in the beautiful Montford neighborhood with a fascinating history. It has connections to well-known people such as Thomas Wolfe. The house itself offers stories to tell but so does the art and décor that adds to the beauty and character of the house.

Edee Carlson was a nationally acclaimed woodcarver of American folk art and was Steve’s Aunt. Edee’s favorite carving subjects were animals. She never tired of watching them in their natural habitat. Steve and Karen have always shared their passion for wildlife and travel with Aunt Edee. They also have great appreciation for her adventures and artistic style.

Edee’s individually, handcrafted carvings of wildlife and unusual Santa Claus figures and other similar subjects were sold at prestigious galleries across the United States. Sadly, Edee died of cancer in 2004 but her imaginative creations live on at The Lion and the Rose and in many other homes.

We feel very lucky to have a few pieces of Edee’s beautiful carvings. One of her well-known brown bears now sits next to the staircase. We hope that all of our guests will enjoy this wonderful, one of a kind carving. The folk art style is prevalent here in the mountains of Western North Carolina. You will find many beautiful carvings similar to Edee’s in many locations around town.

If you would like to learn more about Edee during your stay, feel free to ask. We have a book that shows photos of her work and offers a background story about her art style, methods and life.

Snowman in a hat and scarf stands in front of a snow-covered house with lit windows.

Top 10 Winter Activities in Asheville

By odysys_admin • December 15, 2025
Biltmore Estate There is never a bad time to visit the iconic Biltmore Estate but winter brings a yuletide oasis. Now through January 4, 2026, you can experience the beauty of thousands of lights, over 100 Christmas trees, fragrant wreaths, and sparkling garland. The winter season of January through March also brings lower prices and less crowds. Explore Beer City USA The local craft brewing scene has exploded and Asheville has been voted Beer City USA four years in a row, Asheville takes extreme pride in being home to over 20 local craft brewers. Whether you take a Brews cruise or a DIY tour on the Asheville Ale Trail, a brewery hopping exploration is the perfect way to keep warm and enjoy a cold, winter weekend. Foodie Experiences Find out why Asheville ranks first in the South Atlantic region in the RewardExpert’s Best American Foodie Towns . With hundreds of restaurants and farm fresh eateries, you will not be disappointed by the choices of restaurants. Take a guided eating tour with a professional foodie to sample and taste some of Asheville’s best restaurants. Asheville Restaurant Weeks (January 20-26, 2026 and February 17-23, 2026) Try some new restaurants or revisit favorites. Get the lowest prices of the year, with a prix fix menu at $15-$35/person. With dozens of choices, there’s something for all appetites! Asheville has been touted by many as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in America. Hiking Less crowds means quieter hikes. It is a great time to hit the trails! Discover peace and solitude with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a cool, clear day. Dupont State Forest offers several hikes from easy to difficult. It is famous for being one of “The Hunger Games” film locations. Chimney Rock offers breathtaking views of the gorge after climbing up the chimney. Pisgah National Forest offers the opportunity of seeing a frozen waterfall at Daniel Ridge Falls. Sharpen your photography skills Choose a half-day or full-day photo tours with our friends, Chris & Bonnie at Asheville Photo Tours. Explore some of the most photogenic but lesser-known locations in the Blue Ridge and Asheville areas. Take an art class Tap into your creative side with some of the talented, local artists. Day and weekend workshops include oil painting, acrylics, watercolor, inks, bookbinding, and pottery. Live music Asheville has been called “One of America’s Greatest Music Cities”. There is a vibrant music scene with live music of all genres from bluegrass to rock. Experience some of the very best in live music and find out why The Orange Peel has been called the country’s premiere Live Music Hall and Concert Venue. The Orange Peel offers state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment rarely found in a club of its size. Other fun venues include The Grey Eagle and Asheville Music Hall. Pamper yourself There is nothing quite like a luxurious foot soak in a hand-hammered copper bowl. Enjoy a fragrant, rejuvenating, and moisturizing sole to soul experience at Wake Foot Sanctuary. A signature massage can be added on for an extra splurge. Indulge in a romantic getaway Snuggle up with your loved one next to one of our cozy fireplaces with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine at The Lion and the Rose
Road beneath an arched stone bridge covered in vines and surrounded by trees.

Haunted Asheville

By odysys_admin • October 30, 2025
We are lucky to have great friends that grew up in Asheville. They have told us about some interesting local hauntings and strange experiences. With Halloween around the corner, we thought this was the right time to share some of these ghost stories and legends of paranormal activity.
More Posts