What To See and Do in Historic Montford
May 14, 2023
Montford is a large historic neighborhood comprised of approximately six hundred homes. The neighborhood location is just outside the city of Asheville. A good portion of Montford is a National Register Historic District. We at The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast are so happy to be a part of this wonderful neighborhood.
Considered to be a Victorian neighborhood, Montford has one of the largest varieties of architectural styles in the entire state of North Carolina. Development of Montford started in 1889 with the popular Queen Anne style. The Queen Anne is generally characterized by irregular, complex massing and rooflines, corner turrets or towers, a mixture of surface textures, and a lavish use of ornamental devices. English architect, Richard Sharp Smith, may be best known as the supervising architect for the Biltmore House but he also built several homes in Montford. His trademarks were gambrel roofs, hipped gables, pebbledash or stucco walls, heavy porch brackets and simple Colonial Revival details.
Things to Do in Montford
- Stay at The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1898, this beautiful pink lady is a grand Queen Anne. There are five rooms, cozy and comfortable with a warm and welcoming home-like feel. Breakfast is homemade and served daily. Our gardens are wildlife certified and we are the only B&B in Asheville that brews our own beer just for guests.
- Learn the history of Montford and Asheville on a Grayline Trolley Tour. There is good reason for the Grayline trolley is one of Asheville’s most popular activities. Knowledgeable guides share interesting stories of the area and introduce you to the highlights and attractions of Asheville.
- Visit North Carolina’s longest running Shakespeare theatre company at Montford Park Players. A short walk from the inn, you will find Asheville’s Montford Park Players. These talented artists dedicate summers to providing exceptional dramatic entertainment for the enrichment, education and enjoyment of their audiences.
- Take a stroll through Riverside Cemetery. This 1885 cemetery is a beautiful, tiered property with flower gardens, ornate statues and mausoleums. It is the burial places of famous authors Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry.
Things to Eat and Drink in Montford
- Eat at Nine Mile Restaurant. This is one of our favorite restaurants and we’re lucky that it’s only a half block walk from the inn. Nine Mile is a Caribbean-inspired, vegetarian-friendly restaurant and bar. The food is full of flavor and can be spicy. Be sure to try one of our favorite dishes, Cool Runnings.
- Check out Montford’s newest restaurant, Tall John’s. It is a local neighborhood tavern with a full service restaurant and bar.
- Enjoy a salad, fresh bowl or mocha on the patio at All Day Darling , a local cafe serving an all day menu of market fresh foods.
- Have drinks at Little Jumbo Bar. This neighborhood cocktail bar is welcoming and the atmosphere offers a classic vibe. There is also live music a few days a week. Be sure to try the Old Fashioned. It is our favorite cocktail of choice at Little Jumbo.
Check out our May show of “Adventures in Asheville” to learn more about what to do in Montford while visiting Asheville.
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
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.