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.