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The Asheville Trolley Tour: Everything to know (2024)

A complete guide to the gray line trolley tour.

Welcome to our guide on the Asheville Trolley Tour ! While it’s officially the ‘Gray Line’ trolley, everyone here knows and loves it as THE trolley. I love spotting trolley tours when I am around town– and this happens a lot because the trolley stops all over the place.

This guide to the Asheville Trolley details stops, the schedule, pricing and more.

From experience, we highly recommend the trolley for both visitors and locals . It’s such a great way to explore Asheville and get the lay of the land. You’ll enjoy the sights, hop around as needed and also learn a little while doing so.

Not only is it a novel experience for kids (and people who used to be kids!), but it also takes away any worry about getting around the city or parking. You can just sit back and relax while seeing what the city has to offer. We love it so much that it’s on our list of favorite things to do in Asheville!

Asheville Trolley Guide Table of Contents

• Stops on the Asheville Trolley

Asheville Trolley Schedule

Asheville trolley pricing, frequently asked questions about the asheville trolley, stops on the asheville trolley.

There are ten trolley stops total, taking you as far north as the Omni Grove Park Inn and as far south as Biltmore Village. The trolley tour officially starts in Montford at the Asheville Visitor Center , though, as the name implies, you can hop on anywhere!

Below you will details on the stops along with information about each area.

Trolley Stop 1: Asheville Visitor Center (Montford)

The Asheville Visitor Center is a great place to begin the tour if driving in because you’ll find free parking at the visitor center . You can also pick up local brochures and coupons, as well as get ideas for things to do from the volunteers there.

If you want to stroll a bit, head down Montford Ave to check out the magnificent historical homes on the tree-lined street. You can grab a coffee or bite to eat any time of the day at All Day Darling before heading back to the visitor center for your next trolley stop: The Omni Grove Park Inn .

Trolley Stop 2: Omni Grove Park Inn

What a stop! Whether you are checking in for the night or just want to soak up the view, you are sure to enjoy your time at the Omni Grove Park Inn.

There are restaurants on the premises (make sure to make a reservation), nearby galleries and even an antique car museum. Trolleying in is great because parking can be a bit tricky at times. Don’t miss the mega fireplaces and beautiful views.

Trolley Stop 3: Renaissance & Four Points Hotels in downtown Asheville

After your visit to the Omni Grove Park Inn, you’ll head south on the trolley to the downtown Asheville area. There are actually four stops downtown, so no need to hop off at the hotels unless you are staying at one.

You will get closer to downtown’s shops and restaurants on the next few stops. But bonus points for these hotels being on the tour! It definitely makes getting around the city easier when visiting.

Trolley Stop 4: Pack Square

Welcome to downtown Asheville! There are so many great local shops and eateries here. When the weather is nice you’ll also enjoy the sound of buskers.

The first stop downtown is at Pack Square. You’ll love this stop if French Broad Chocolate is on your must-visit list. And if it’s not, well, add it!

The Pack Square stop is a great place to begin your downtown exploration. There is plenty within walking distance, including Stay Glazed Donuts (they are on our best donut shops in Asheville list !), The Rhu for a breakfast pastry or sandwich and Mast General Store for shopping.

Stop by Double D’s Coffee if having coffee at the top of a parked double-decker bus is on your Asheville bucket list! And if it’s lunchtime and nice out, Salsa’s offers an exceptional meal with great patio seating in the alleyway.

Just across the street from Salsa’s you’ll find Kress Emporium , featuring the work of over 80 local artists. It’s a great spot for fun jewelry finds, art, candles and things you didn’t know you needed but can’t live without.

The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) is just a few shops down from Kress. It’s a great stop if you are traveling with kids and need to give them time to burn off energy. You can read about our trip to AMOS with our two kids here !

Looking for more things to do in Asheville? Check out our list!

There are two more stops downtown before the trolley heads to the River Arts District. You can either hop back on the trolley at the Pack Square stop or do a walking tour and meet it again at a stop further down the line.

Downtown is very walkable and you’ll pass by tons of great shops and restaurants if you walk to the next stop, including S&W Market .

The S&W Market

S&W is a food hall and taproom with several great restaurants to choose from. It’s a great stop for groups because everyone can grab their favorite type of food! We absolutely love getting chicken sandwiches from Buxton Chicken Palace and steamed buns from Bun Intended . Read more about the S&W Market here !

Trolley Stop 5: Haywood Park Hotel

If you decided to take the trolley from Pack Square instead of walking, you won’t go too far! The trolley stays downtown, stopping again at the Haywood Park Hotel . This is another area of town filled with shops, restaurants, coffee shops, dessert shops, galleries… ok, you get the picture. It’s also another great base for adventuring out.

Don’t miss the Woolworth Walk just across from where the trolley stops. It’s a two-story art gallery and emporium, complete with a nostalgic vintage soda fountain and diner inside.

You’ll find Malaprop’s Book Store just down the way, which is locally owned and filled with great finds. We love their selection of kids’ books! There are also a ton of other local shops around here as well as the iconic flat iron sculpture.

If you haven’t stopped in Moonlight Makers yet, take a quick trip down the hill behind Malaprop’s to do so! We love this gift shop because there are so many great local Asheville finds, as well as punny screen printed shirts, dishtowels and bags, clever mugs, stickers and unique gifts.

Across from the Haywood Park Hotel stop is James Beard Award-winning restaurant Chai Pani . Expect excellent Indian street food and a cool vibe. It’s next to Kilwin’s if you are in need of fudge, ice cream or other sweet treats.

Trolley Stop 6: Grove Arcade

There’s one more stop downtown before the trolley heads to the River Arts District- and it’s a good one: The Grove Arcade.

The building itself is a work of architecture and the shops and restaurants are just as charming. Inside you’ll find tons of local stores, like Asheville NC Home Crafts and the Mission at the Grove . It’s a great place to find a souvenir or two.

There are several restaurants located at the Grove Arcade that have outdoor seating along Page Ave ( Modesto , Burgerworx and Carmel’s Kitchen .) You’ll find great food and excellent people-watching! One of our favorite spots to grab lunch at the Grove Arcade is the Middle Eastern grab-and-go Baba Nahm . You can order online and it’s always fresh and delicious.

Summit Coffee is also located in the Grove Arcade. They are a roaster out of Davidson, NC and have great blends that are always a part of our mornings at home! Oh, and don’t miss Battery Park Book Exchange ! It’s a great spot to grab a book, a latte or a glass of champagne if you’re feeling fancy.

This stop is just down from Haywood Park Hotel and you can easily walk between the two. No need to wait for the trolley to make your way to the Grove Arcade,

Ok, that’s it for downtown stops on the trolley! Next up is the River Arts District !

Trolley Stop 7: River Arts District (North)

The Asheville Trolley stops twice in the River Arts District (RAD), which is great because there are two distinct parts of it. It’s walkable, though, but just…. bring your walking shoes if you decide to do that instead of taking the trolley! We’ll highlight a few things about the RAD here, but if you want all the details then hop over to our full guide to the River Arts District !

The first stop in the RAD takes you to the northern part of the district. Here you’ll find one of my favorites to peek in and watch in awe: the North Carolina Glass Center . Not only can you catch a glimpse of what they have going on, but they also offer classes , like the 30-minute make-your-own ornament or paperweight class. And, of course, you can shop there too!

In addition to the glass center, there are a ton of other studios and galleries around. We love checking out the working Mark Bettis Studio Gallery . There you’ll find paintings, sculptures, glassworking and more. Close by is the Hofman Studios , an artist-owned pottery studio featuring handbuilt porcelain that use antique lace to create patterns. All of the pieces are just so beautiful and unique there. It’s a great place to grab a special souvenir.

As far as eats and drinks go, Ultra Coffee has awesome coffee and breakfast sandwiches! The Bull and Beggar is also in this area, though it’s only open for dinner. Wedge Brewing Company has two locations in the RAD, one of which is in this area. They are open in the afternoons and feature a rotating list of food trucks. If you are looking for a grab-and-go lunch option, check in to the newly opened MOTHER Bread to see if they have a jambon beurre sandwich (ham and butter!) ready to go. They also make great pour-overs.

Explore a new area of the RAD

Now, here’s where you decide if you want to backtrack to take the trolley from where you were initially dropped off in the RAD or if you will continue your walking tour to another mini-part of the area. If you opt to walk, you’ll pass by several more studios and restaurants that you would otherwise miss. We recommend it if you have time!

If you decide to explore, take a stroll down toward the Lyman St traffic circle. Take a right there to check out CURVE studios or continue straight to get to another set of studios and eats. Fresh Wood Fired Pizza , Grind AVL coffee shop and PennyCup Coffee are all located on the way. Psst: both coffee shops are on our best coffee shops in Asheville list ! The restaurant Vivian is also located here and is a great spot for dinner or brunch!

You’ll have to turn around to get to the next area of the RAD, and then you can either hop on the trolley to get to the next stop or walk. If you walk, take the traffic circle from Lyman Street toward Riverside Ave. There’s a river walk there that will take you down to the next area of the RAD. It would be fun on a really nice weather day to stretch your legs, but you may want to skip the walk and take the trolley back. Either way, next stop: River Arts District part 2!! 🙂

Trolley Stop 8: River Arts District (South)

This is such a fun stop on the Asheville Trolley! Here you’ll find art studios, eateries and a ton of large graffiti murals. Woodworking, glassworking, galleries, antique stores and even an indoor skatepark are all within walking distance.

Riverview Station is a large, two-story building that features the work of over 60 local artists, craftspeople and entrepreneurs. There you’ll find jewelry, paintings, photography, textiles, ceramics, sculptures and glass. Marquee is also a great stop for art, antiques, decor and jewelry. Marquee has grab-and-go food and a taproom!

Speaking of eating, 12 Bones Smokehouse (ribs!!), Summit Coffee and Wedge Brewery ‘s second location are all located pretty close to one another in this area of the RAD. We love grabbing a beer at Wedge Brewery at Foundation and a burger from the Chop Shop food truck there. A+ beer, burgers and outdoor seating! Unlike the rotating food truck vendor list at Wedge Brewery at Wedge Studios (north RAD), their Foundation location features the Chop Shop’s truck daily. Further south, you’ll find Rosabees and Plēb Urban Winery .

Whew, what a day so far! Next up: Biltmore Village! Well, kind of….

Trolley Stop 9: DoubleTree Biltmore Village

No need to hop off at the DoubleTree stop unless you are staying at the property! I really do love that the trolley stops at several hotels along the way- it makes it so easy for visitors.

Trolley Stop 10: Biltmore Village

Alright so here’s the real stop for Biltmore Village. You’ll be dropped off right in front of the Olde World Christmas Shop , so be prepared to feel festive.

Biltmore Village is a historic area and just as charming as can be! It’s across from the Biltmore Estate entrance and was originally built to house the employees. Today it is full of shopping and dining opportunities. You’ll find everything from local shops like Dogwood Darlings Children’s Boutique and Provisions Mercantile to bigger stores like Williams-Sonoma and Lululemon . Finch and Well-Bred are both great places to pop in for an afternoon treat, and Cantina has excellent Mexican food!

That’s a wrap!

What a day! This is the last stop of the tour before the trolley heads back to the Asheville Visitor Center in Montford. And then you can do it all again!

Speaking of, did you know your ticket is good for TWO days on the trolley ? This is awesome if you missed something and want to circle back or maybe you just want to try different restaurants this time around. Having two days definitely takes the pressure off of needing to see it all the first time.

We hope you enjoy your trip on the trolley! See below for details on the trolley’s schedule, pricing and answers to a few things you may be wondering about the Asheville Trolley. Happy riding! 🙂

The Trolley schedule changes with the season, so make sure to check their site for the most up-to-date info. Below is the schedule as of winter 2023. The exact hours for each stop are listed on their site !

• January-February: Monday, Thursday-Saturday (limited schedule)
• March : daily (limited schedule)
• April-October : daily (full schedule)
• November-December : daily (limited schedule)

They do not offer tours on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Asheville Holiday Parade Day (November 18, 2023), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

As of winter 2023, child tickets (ages 5-11 years) are $15 and adult tickets are $37. These prices include TWO DAYS and unlimited hop-on/hop-off privileges. Children under 5 ride free.

Are you local to Asheville? Check out the Gray Line’s Ambassador Pass program where locals ride free with the purchase of 2 adult full-fare tickets. This is a great option if you have visitors in town and want to show them around. Full details on their ambassador program can be found on their site .

Short on time but still want to ride the trolley ? Purchase an overview tour ticket instead of the hop-on/hop-off one! The overview tour offers a complete tour of Asheville without hop-on/hop-off privileges. Overview tickets are $32 for adults and $14 for children and must be purchased at the Asheville Visitor Center.

Yes! Kids under 5 ride free and those between 5 and 11 are $15 each. This price includes two days.

Kind of . Service dogs are, of course, welcome to ride! Dogs under 25 pounds and up to date on their vaccinations can also ride in their owner’s laps. According to their site , passengers with pet dogs can only get off at the Omni Grove Park Inn if they are guests there.

Face masks are optional for all tour guests.

Yes! But their schedule changes regularly so make sure to check their site for the most up-to-date info.

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Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley Tour of Asheville

Asheville's Most Popular Sightseeing Tour - Fun and Informative! HOP-ON and DISCOVER . . . HOP-OFF and EXPLORE

• Duration: 100 Minutes (approx.)

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Celebrate the season with Gray Line on the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour!

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Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville

Old-fashioned fun for everyone! Hop aboard one of Gray Line’s nostalgic red trolleys for an hour and a half fully narrated journey through Asheville highlighting the history, homes and hot spots of this “City of Surprises.”

• Parking: Free
• Group friendly
• Tours: Guided

36 Montford Ave. Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 251-8687 www.graylineasheville.com [email protected]

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Asheville Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour (2-Day Pass)

• Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Asheville, NC
• Tickets are valid for 2 Consecutive Days
• Stops at 10 Asheville locations, including Grove Arcade and Biltmore Village
• 50% Discount on Admission to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial
• Live and Informative Narration along 15 mile route
• Heated Vehicles, Enclosed Entirely with Glass Windows
• Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
• Guide's Gratuity
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Trolley hours vary by season. April - October (daily, every 30 minutes), November - December (daily, every 60 minutes), January - February (Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, every 60 minutes), March (daily, every 60 minutes)
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• 836aimeek 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ghost tour with Uncle Ted rocks! My 13 year old son and I did the Haunted History and Murder Mystery tour. Uncle Ted was our guide and he was freaking awesome. He’s a captivating storyteller and you can tell he enjoys his job. We had a wonderful time. We were bummed we didn’t have enough time this visit to also do the hop on hop off tour, maybe next time. Read more Written April 3, 2024
• michelequilt 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to experience Asheville Great way to experience Asheville and get the lay of the land! Uncle Ted is the bomb! He was informational and funny! The second guide we had was also very informative! I highly suggest you ride the loop once and then on the second trip hop on and off where you want. Many places have VERY limited parking so the Trolley is a great way to visit without hassle! Well worth the $$. Read more Written March 26, 2024
• Lynn28790 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and interesting. I loved the tour. Dean (driver) was funny and interesting. We especially enjoyed the River Arts District. We spent too much time there and didn’t have time to see the Grove Park Inn. Maybe next time. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• 595janetl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great and entertaining intro to Asheville Our first stop during our first trip to Asheville was at the Asheville Visitor Center on Montford Ave. We purchased tickets to the next 90-100 minute hop on hop off trolley tour. "Uncle Ted" was our driver/guide. He gave an informative and entertaining tour, highlighting colorful tales in a superb native drawl. Read more Written March 19, 2024
• 161billr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to start!! Can’t imagine a better way to get an orientation to Asheville and all it has to offer! Fantastic door to door service too. The tour was very helpful in following days as we explored the city in more depth. Read more Written March 19, 2024
• devineblueridge 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend! This was our second trolley tour because we liked the first one so much we brought other family members along this time to take the tour again. Very informative, comprehensive, and an awesome way to see the entire city of Asheville all at one time. Walt was our driver and he had soo much wonderful information to share. Walt was the best! Read more Written March 7, 2024
• susanandbris2l 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles History filled Has extended family visiting and decided to take them on a tour of the city. We all enjoyed it. It was great that being a local and bringing in guest got me a free ticket. Read more Written March 3, 2024
• jeffbartolino 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend the hop on/hop off trolley tour! Our first trip to Asheville was even more special with the experience with the Gray Line Trolley Tour. Drivers Matt and Uncle Ted were knowledgeable, friendly and managed the narrow roadways and tight turns with great skill! Staff at the Visitors Center were also very helpful with their recommendations on how to use the service. Loved being able to hop off at any of the 10 stops and hopping back on at our convenience. Great way to see the area and learn about its history. Will definitely use the trolley again! Read more Written March 3, 2024
• bigstew82 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoying an afternoon ride on the Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville Enjoying My wife and I had a great time and enjoying seeing things around town. Walter is very knowledgeable, funny, and friendly. I'd definitely recommend taking a tour. Be sure to ask for restaurant recommendations. Read more Written February 10, 2024
• Banders310 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Uncle Ted was amazing! So knowledgeable and fun- highly recommend this tour! We also had Matt for a segment, he was also knowledgeable! Read more Written February 8, 2024
• Kristen B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Informative and Fun We did the haunted tour with scary Carrie and haunted Honey. They were lots of fun and the stories were great. So much history of Asheville. They had a love for history not just their job. I especially loved being in a heated trolley at night. Read more Written January 14, 2024
• Larry E 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Gray line Trolly We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of many of ashville's historic neighborhoods. Matt has lived & worked here his whole life. He has a deep knowledge of the area. If you enjoy good dry humor get on Matt's trolly. We paid 37 each (2 day access) & will jump on tomorrow to go back to some places we liked. Fantastic tour Read more Written December 30, 2023
• louisecG9337SU 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Christmas season trolley fun. I took the evening Christmas tour last night, 12/21. The trolley was festively decorated. "Uncle Ted" told his stories with flair and Ben played guitar well and led us in seasonal song. It was delightful to see the Christmas lights in different parts of town and hear Asheville history. I have lived in Asheville for 50 years and heard new stories! Read more Written December 22, 2023
• Meander465465 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour.. big disappointment I give it a 2. Wasn't so jolly. Couldn't see out the windows, fogged with steam. Disappointed with very little decorations to see. Driver had funny stories though. Asked for tips?? Thought the Christmas sing a long could have been more upbeat. Bus was overcrowded. All in all sadly disappointed. Read more Written December 22, 2023
• brianaI1570XN 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best way to see Asheville! First time visitors, here! Enjoyed the trolly trip so much; we learned about the rich history the city has to offer, and best places to eat and drink! It’s convenient, fast, fun, and the drivers are well informed about the city! Read more Written December 21, 2023

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Asheville Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour (2-Day Pass) provided by Gray Line Trolley Tours

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Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville

• 36 Montford Avenue
• Asheville, NC 28801
• Phone: (828) 251-8687
• Region: Downtown
• Visit Website

Asheville's Most Popular Sightseeing Tour- featuring unlimited hop-on/hop-off privileges at 10 stops, a FREE second day pass, 50% off admission to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial House, and 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Trolleys depart every 30 minutes (in-season)... EXPLORE MORE! Join the tour at the Asheville Visitor Center or any other tour stop. Hop aboard one of Gray Line's nostalgic trolleys for a fully narrated journey, highlighting the history, homes and hot-spots of this "City of Surprises." The Gray Line Trolley Tour includes major points of interest such as the diverse Montford Historic District, legendary Grove Park Inn, Art Deco-rich downtown, the artsy and edgy River Arts District and quaint Historic Biltmore Village. Remain on board for a comprehensive 1.5 to 1.75 hour tour, or hop-off at any of Gray Line's trolley stops along the route to shop, dine and explore, then re-board the next trolley to continue your tour. We look forward to seeing you on board the trolley soon!

• Admission Charge
• Rates - Inexpensive/Budget
• Reservations Required for Groups

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• Free Parking
• Public Restroom

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• Discount for Seniors or AARP
• Military Discount

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Gray Line Trolley Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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• Gray Line Trolley Tours in Asheville

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Asheville's historic and scenic trolley tour is one of the best ways for our guests to experience a bit of what Asheville has to offer. Greybeard offers discounted 2-day passes so be sure to ask about this when making a reservation!

Hop on board one of Gray Line’s nostalgic RED trolleys for a fully narrated journey, highlighting the history, homes and hot-spots of this “city of surprises.”

Includes all major points of interest including…

• The diverse Montford Historic District
• The stately Grove Park Historic District
• The legendary Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa
• Award winning Grovewood Gallery, a work of art in itself
• Art Deco-rich Downtown
• The ever artsy and edgy River Arts District
• And the quaint and historic Biltmore Village

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Enticing Introduction to Asheville, NC on City-wide Trolley Tour

I used to dismiss trolley tours as “too touristy.” But after our tour in Savannah in 2014, I disembarked convinced that guided trolley tours are an excellent way to get the overview of a city, plus learn tons of history. Even if you don’t budget time to get off at every stop, you can always return to the places that caught your attention later.

When the Asheville Visitor Center generously offered us tickets to the Gray Line Trolley Tour, we jumped at the opportunity.

Clang Clang Clang Went the Trolley

We started our adventure at the visitor center, which is stop #1. (You can start the tour at any of the 10 stops if you want.) After gleaning Asheville suggestions from our awesome welcome committee–the knowledgeable and friendly individuals behind the counter–we scrambled to board the trolley in time for the 1:30 p.m. departure.

Before we had even pulled out of the parking lot, we were thrust into the storied history of Asheville. The “pebbledash” homes of the Montford Historic District were next. Pebbledash was a compound made of pebbles and even horsehair, mixed together and thrown against the outer walls of homes to create a stucco-esque look. Architet Richard Sharp Smith used pebbledash in homes throughout the Montford neighborhood.

Sanitariums and Hauntings

As the tour continued, we learned of Asheville’s history in healthcare. Individuals with diseases like tuberculosis or typhoid would come to the city for treatment. There were numerous sanitariums for people with “nervous disorders,” like the one that held Zelda, wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Unfortunately, Highland Hospital caught fire in 1948. Nine female patients who were looked in their rooms for the night, including Zelda, didn’t make it out. [ Read/listen to more of the story from NPR. ] As a result of this horrible disaster and others in the area, some believe that Montford Historic District is haunted.

We were about a tenth into the trolley tour, and I was already fascinated. Over the next three or so hours, we maneuvered through narrow Asheville streets I would never be brave enough to take Meriwether through. Stops included:

• Grove Park Inn with its stunning stone exterior, each piece laid by hand.
• Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, near Asheville Community Theatre (Charlton Heston was an artistic director there in 1947!).
• Pack Square, where we happened on the wonderful Downtown LEAF festival when we arrived in Asheville on Saturday.
• Haywood Street downtown, near St. Lawrence Basilica, and home to tons of cool local shops and beloved restaurants.
• Grove Arcade, an indoor collection of eclectic businesses like Battery Park Book Exchange and Fresh Quarter Produce, where we grabbed a quick snack.
• River Arts District, near where we’re staying at Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park. This neighborhood is full of warehouses converted into galleries and work studios. It’s really quite impressive, with so much creativity to soak in.
• Biltmore Village, where we wandered briefly before hopping on the next trolley to return to the visitor’s center.

Before You Take a Trolley Tour

Our hop-on, hop-off tickets are even good for a second day. We can go the next consecutive day, or skip a day and go back the next day. So, for example, we could go Monday and Tuesday, or Monday and Wednesday. There’s most definitely enough to see over two days. It’s so convenient to not have to worry about directions or parking. And the narration from the guides is so indepth that you’ll need to hear it at least twice to retain it all.

I was really impressed by the tour as a whole. We had three guides throughout the day, with different styles. One was fact-driven, with an unbelievable number of dates and names memorized. Another had an entertaining sense of humor that made riders forget about the afternoon heat and their tired feet. And the last one was a mix of the two, and particularly appreciated because he picked us up a block away from the real stop.

Feel free to comment with any questions, and I’m happy to answer. If you’re ready to go, you can get your tickets online . Or visit the Asheville Visitor Center to buy tickets and take the tour on the same day (36 Montford Ave.). Trollies currently leave every half hour between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Reader Interactions

August 10, 2017 at 6:36 pm

My previous visit to Ashville was only 3 days, one at the Biltmore and two at the Mother Earth News Fair in April. I knew I wanted to return to see The Cove and more of Ashville. Now I know where to go first, definitely the Trolley. Thanks.

August 11, 2017 at 7:14 am

Did you get out at the Grove Park Inn? The view from the back is amazing. How do you like Wilson’s RV park? I saw on another post you are staying there. We stayed there for 6 weeks before we bought a house here in Asheville.

August 15, 2017 at 11:45 pm

@davinacropp:disqus, we didn’t get out at Grove Park Inn because we were pressed for time, but we’ll have to go back. We love Wilson’s. It’s so cute and quiet, and everyone we’ve met here has been very nice. What I love most is the location!

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