Haunted Asheville

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.

Helen’s Bridge

The most haunted place in Asheville is said to be  Helen’s Bridge . The bridge was constructed of quarried stone in 1909 to provide access to Zealandia mansion. A woman named Helen had lived at or near the mansion with her daughter. Her daughter died in a fire and Helen could not deal with the pain of losing her beloved daughter. Helen hung herself from the bridge. Legend says that she appears when her name is called. Many people have reported that their car will not start when they go to leave the area or have experienced looming car issues after having visited Helen’s bridge.

There has also supposedly been a great amount of paranormal activity around this bridge and other dark and creepy apparitions have been seen. Some have described monster-like figures hiding in the dense brush. And some have even reported physical experiences such as scratches and slaps.

Highland Hospital

About a mile away from our inn, you will find  Highland Hospital and possibly Zelda Fitzgerald’s ghost.  On March 10, 1948, a fire had broken out in the kitchen area of the Highland Hospital. That day Zelda Fitzgerald was scheduled to undergo an electroshock therapy treatment and was locked in her room. Flames quickly spread throughout the entire building and the fire escapes were completely destroyed. Sadly, nine women including Zelda Fitzgerald died in the fire. Zelda was known for taking frequent walks during her stays at Highland Hospital and it is said that her spirit still wanders around the property.

Brown Mountain Lights

The mystery of the  Brown Mountain Lights  have been caught on camera several times but no one knows exactly what the lights are. They can be definitively seen with your own eyes and appear as glowing orbs of light. They seem to be different colors and sizes but appear and then disappear. Some have reported sounds described as a beating drum while the lights dance above and below the treetops. Science has tried to explain the lights as marsh gas but there are no marshes in the area. Some people are convinced the lights are related to UFOs and aliens and others feel the lights are orbs of Native American ghosts.

The Lion and the Rose Bed & Breakfast?

Some guests seem to think that they have experienced the paranormal here at the inn. Is The Lion and the Rose really haunted? I guess you will need to visit and try to find out for yourself.

If you are looking for a guided haunted tour, please visit our friends at https://usghostadventures.com/asheville-ghost-tour/ and use LIONROSE10 to receive a special discount.

Snowman in a hat and scarf stands in front of a snow-covered house with lit windows.
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
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By odysys_editor September 1, 2025
In just under two weeks, Steve and I will be celebrating our seventh inniversary here at The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast. Where has the time gone? We’ve been through a pandemic and a hurricane and luckily, we are happy to still be here doing what we love. We feel privileged to be the innkeepers of this beautiful, historic inn and to have met so many wonderful people. Many thanks to both our repeat and new guests for giving us the opportunity to be your home away from home while visiting Asheville.
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