tours asheville nc

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Exploring Asheville on foot, trolley, or zipline is the only way to fully experience the urban adventures and natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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These are not your mama’s bus tours. Learn about Asheville with a big dose of laughter.

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Discover some of the most exciting and memorable flavors of Foodtopia on a guided restaurant crawl, foraging adventure or farm tour.

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THE 10 BEST Asheville Tours & Excursions

Asheville tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
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• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist

2. Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

3. 2.5-Hour Blue Ridge Parkway Guided Jeep Tour

4. Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville

5. Scenic E-Bike Tour in the Mountains

6. Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views

7. Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour

8. Half Day Hike - Water Falls

9. 1-HR cooking class

10. Beautiful Self Guided Kayaking by the Biltmore

11. Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour

12. Asheville Terrors: Ghosts of the Blue Ridge

13. Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

14. Scenic Driving Tour of the Blue Ridge Mountains

15. Mountain Mural Tour-River Arts and Downtown Asheville

16. Downtown Asheville Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour

17. Premier Walking Guided Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville

18. Designing and Sewing Workshop of Custom Applique in Asheville

19. Asheville Coffee Tours

20. River Arts District Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour

21. Electric Bike Brewery Crawl of Asheville

22. Private Boutique Blue Ridge Parkway Full Day Tour

23. Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour

24. Privately Guided Half Day Hike

25. Electric Bike Tour of the River Arts District of Asheville

26. Explore The Blue Ridge Mountains: Private Day Trip from Asheville

27. Asheville's Historic Smart Phone Guided App (GPS) Walking Tour

28. Sunset E-Bike Ride

29. Historic Music Scene Walking Tour in Asheville

30. The Best of Asheville: Private 2.5-hour Walking Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour
• Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist
• Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views
• Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville
• Scenic E-Bike Tour in the Mountains
• Asheville Food Tours
• Asheville Jeep Tours
• Asheville Wellness Tours
• Hood Huggers Interantional
• BREW-ed Brewery Tours
• Asheville by Foot - Walking Tours
• The Flying Bike
• Gray Line Trolley Tours
• Asheville Brewery Tours
• Eating Asheville
• Asheville Brews Cruise
• Year Around Hiking Tour USA
• No Taste Like Home Wild Food Tours
• Hunter Banks Fly Fishing
• Asheville Detours
• Amazing Pubcycle
• Moving Sidewalk Tours
• Adventure Center of Asheville

Your Guide to the Locally Loved

The 15 Fun and Unique Tours in Asheville, NC

I love taking tours when I travel, and I take tours at home when I’m not traveling! Joining tours to explore where you live is like having a special date with a loved one to connect deeper and feel more appreciation each time. 

I consider myself an independent traveler, but I always include a dose of locally operated tours and experiences offered by locals to further explore whatever excites me the most about the destination. 

Asheville is a small city with a population of less than 100,000 – but it has a lot to offer! From its architectural gems and exciting farm-to-table food movement and beer scene to its epic outdoors and talented artists, there is something for everyone here. Asheville is also full of projects, nonprofits, and businesses that form a support network for our underserved communities. 

I’ve compiled a list of tours that reflect all aspects of Asheville’s identity. You’ll see options to explore our city’s history, outdoors , street art, food and beer scene , art shops, and our most famous buildings: The Biltmore House and the Omni Grove Park Inn. But no matter which type of tour you choose, you’re bound to walk away with a deeper understanding of this great city! 

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Fun and Unique Tours in Asheville, NC

Disclaimer : This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The Best Tours in Asheville, NC

1. get to know asheville’s landmarks by taking its most iconic tour.

The purple buses of LaZoom Comedy Tours represent one of the best tours in Asheville and are a city landmark. The first thing I saw when I first visited Asheville from Argentina, looking for a new cool place to live in the United States, was a guy dressed as a nun, riding a bike, and angrily screaming at a purple bus. I instantly knew this was the place for our family to move next. My kids had to grow up near Sister Bad Habit!

These “historical and hysterical” multi-award-winning tours mix comedy, history, and partying on purple buses guided by eccentric characters. The locally owned and operated tour company was founded by two street performers 16 years ago and now offers four tours. 

“Hey Asheville” is a city tour and vaudeville on wheels. “Fender Bender” mixes live music on the bus and beer tasting, making an original, fun Asheville brewery tour. “Ghosted” offers a haunted comedy tour, and “Lil Boogers” is their kid-friendly option (the others have age limits, so please check ahead of time). All the tours are dog friendly!

2. See Asheville’s Top Attractions on the Gray Line Asheville Trolley

The Gray Line Asheville Trolley tour is one of the most popular Asheville tours, and for a good reason. It offers an excellent, award-winning Hop-On Hop-Off Tour that the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County has endorsed. 

Visitors can listen to the live narration and get off the bus at one of the 10 stops (or all of them!) along the 15-mile route to experience Asheville’s breweries, shops, and the urban scene. Also, tickets are valid for two consecutive days!

This locally owned and operated business also offers a fun ghost tour, covering some of our most famous specters (we have plenty!), including the friendly Tim Burton-like ghost of the Pink Lady of the Grove Park Inn and the mystery of the Nazi agents based in Asheville.

The seasonal Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour includes live music and Christmas caroling while driving past festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village, and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods.

3. Explore Downtown on an Asheville Walking Tour 

This self-guided Urban Trail Tour is a free audio tour offered by the City of Asheville and is a great way to get to know the city’s history at your own pace. It starts at Pack Place Park and follows 30 stations marked by cool sculptures. 

AVL Free Walking Tours offers a tip-based Asheville walking tour that ends with a free scoop of ice cream at The Hop . Their haunted tour (not free) starts at the Riverside Cemetery in the historic district of Montford and goes all the way downtown. It’s the only ghost tour that covers this super interesting cemetery.

The Asheville Coffee Tour features six of Asheville’s best coffee and tea shops. It includes short stops at Asheville’s landmarks and lots of caffeine! 

The Asheville Music History Walking Tour explores downtown through the stories of Asheville’s eclectic past and present music scene. It covers the Moogseum (which offers its own tour) and the famous venue The Orange Peel , among other local icons.

Did you know that the Jackson Building, the Battery Park Hotel, and a famous restaurant host ghosts? Last Halloween, my kids and I took the Haunted Asheville Ghost Tour , one of the best Asheville walking tours, and we enjoyed getting a glimpse of the city’s past through these dark stories. 

4. Explore Downtown and Its Surroundings on Wheels

Winner of TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Award, the Tukit Tour Co offers guided tours around downtown on environmentally-friendly, open-air six-seater electric tuk-tuks decorated with LED-lights and equipped with Bluetooth speakers and heated seats. They offer ready-to-go tours and private customized tours. 

The Flying Bike provides electric bike tours around town. The Winter Warm Up E-Bike Tour is perfect for chilly days, and it includes stops at two local restaurants, hot cocoa, apple cider, and a visit to the historic Omni Grove Park Inn. 

Asheville Adventure Company features a scenic Asheville e-bike sunset tour, perfect for photos all year round but especially in the fall. The e-bike tours are kid-friendly if you’re traveling with kids. 

I’ve never taken a Segway tour, but I might because every time I see the Segway riders around my neighborhood, they look so content and relaxed. Moving Sidewalk Segway Tours offers a tour that covers downtown and other areas, like Montford and the greenways in North Asheville. The tour is 10 and up, and training is included! 

Book a stay at The Omni Grove Park Inn

5. Tour Downtown Asheville while Drinking and Pedaling on an Amazing Pubcycle

Amazing Pubcycle is one of the most trendy Asheville tours. The pedal-powered (motor-assisted) trolleys and their festive, laughing riders are becoming a happy downtown landmark. 

The company offers different tours perfect for parties and celebrations, including fun bachelorette parties, but you can also book individual seats. Guests will bring their own and serve their own beer, wine, cider, or seltzer and drink it on a 15-person pedal trolley driven by a certified, funny, and charismatic tour guide. 

Clients are welcome to wear costumes and bring decorations to customize their ride, so you can imagine what a fun sight these bikes are. The most popular offer is the Pub Tour in downtown Asheville which stops at one of Asheville’s best pubs. 

Also, they’re now offering a Trivia Tour on wheels! Riders have to be older than 12. There are 10 pedal seats and room for five non-pedalers. Yes, you do have to pedal, so enjoy your drink and your workout!

6. Embark on an Asheville Scavenger Hunt Tour

This is a fantastic plan for co-workers, friends, or family! Asheville Detours offers personalized team adventures that will bring you around downtown. You’ll follow clues like solving riddles and unscrambling letters while enjoying tasty treats and drinks and participating in fun group activities introducing you to some favorite local businesses. 

Asheville Detours has four offerings, and they can all be customized according to your preferences: The Bachelorette Tour, the Authentic Asheville Detour, the Family Fun Detour, and the Team Building Detour. Each hunt is self-guided and lasts approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

Some stops and treats include eating donuts at the beloved Stay Glazed, tasting honey at Asheville Bee Charmer, group crafting at Fired Up, beer and chocolate tastings, and a champagne toast and private tour at Momentum Gallery.

Also, are you looking for the perfect, most unique Asheville gift? They offer “Authentic Asheville” gift boxes featuring local products, an excellent way to keep spreading the love for local businesses!

7. Learn about Asheville’s African American Residents with this Award-Winning Tour

Hood Huggers International’s mission is to “rebuild Affrilachia through art, environment, and social enterprise.” Affrilachia is a term coined by Frank X Walker referring to African Americans living in Appalachia. 

In this context, Hood Huggers offers walking and driving tours that take visitors through the past and the present of African Americans in Asheville. This initiative won TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award.

Two walking tours cover Eagle Street in downtown Asheville and Burton Street in West Asheville, and the driving tour begins downtown and visits different neighborhoods throughout the city. These Asheville tours cover the history of these communities, current projects, and visions for the future. They are aimed at visitors and locals alike. 

If you take these tours, you’ll learn about the history of Asheville, but you’ll also be supporting the economic development of Asheville’s African American communities and businesses. A portion of all proceeds through Hood Huggers International are reinvested in the community.

8. Get a Sugar High at French Broad Chocolate Company

French Broad Chocolate is one of Asheville’s favorite chocolate shops. Locals and visitors love stopping by the iconic blue building of the French Broad Chocolate Lounge in Pack Square and getting something sweet, from housemade bonbons and ice cream to cookies, cakes, and brownies, and a delicious selection of drinking chocolates.

All of the chocolate is made in their chocolate factory, and they offer a fantastic Bean to Bars Chocolate Factory Tour that covers an introduction to a cocoa farm, the company’s story, and an overview of the process of transforming cocoa beans into a chocolate bar. In addition, there are tastings of cacao in its different forms, including, of course, bonbons! 

French Broad Chocolate also offers tastings, so please check their calendar to see if you can catch one of them. This is an excellent tour for kids. I did it with mine years ago. Children under 7 don’t have to pay for a ticket.

9. Explore the River’s Arts District’s Shops and Art Galleries

There are about 200 studios in the 23 former industrial buildings along this one-mile stretch of the French Broad River called the River’s Arts District (RAD). There are different ways to explore this area, which is also home to excellent restaurants, cafés, and breweries. 

Each Saturday, Mountain Mural Tours offers a popular street art tour that departs from the River’s Art District but also includes downtown and West Asheville. You’ll learn about Asheville’s history while seeing some fantastic local art. Your Instagram account will thank you for that photo of a gigantic Dolly Parton!

Flying Bike Tours ‘ West Asheville River Arts District E-Bike Tour stops at some landmarks, including The Marquee, a design center where you’ll find pieces of art of all kinds, and The Peace Garden, an eclectic, beautiful community garden decorated with works from local artists using repurposed materials.

You’ll also love the free, tip-based walking tour offered by AVL Free Walking Tours and the concept of their photo stroll in the RAD, where you’ll relax while someone else takes care of the pictures in one of Asheville’s most photogenic neighborhoods. 

On the second Saturday of the month , there are special events in the RAD and a free trolley to tour the shops.

10.  Splash Around in One of the Four Oldest Rivers In the World

Some of the best things to do while in Asheville are to spend time outdoors, hike, enjoy the views, and play in the water. Did you know that Asheville’s French Broad River is among the four oldest rivers in the world? 

French Broad Outfitters offers a variety of fun French Broad River floating and kayaking experiences. You’ll love to see Asheville from a different perspective on a warm day and join locals in one of the most beloved Asheville summer activities. They also offer an e-bike Asheville breweries tour and SUP yoga classes.  

Asheville Adventure Company organizes guided whitewater French Broad rafting trips that are family-friendly. Wai Maina Asheville SUP Tours provides stand-up paddleboard tours and experiences that the entire family will love.

Zen Tubing will set you up with everything you’ll need to enjoy your lazy river float along the French Broad River like dozens of locals do on warm days. Of course, you’ll need to bring your bathing suit and sunglasses!

11. Take a Photo Tour to Polish Your Photography Skills (or Get Professional Shots)

Asheville Urban Arts Photo Tours offers professional shots in some of the most beautiful urban settings, including Asheville’s cool murals. There are three tours: Downtown Urban Vibe, the River Arts Tour, and the West Asheville Tour. 

The promise is to take you to “the most Insta-worthy art spots in Asheville.” You’ll receive a full gallery of ready-to-post photos in five days!

WNC Photo Tours provides private photography tours and workshops at the most scenic locations. You’ll learn how to take better photos with your camera or smartphone. Some of their options include photographing elks, a fall color tour, and one-on-one post-procession sessions. They also offer professional photo sessions.

Asheville Photo Tours ‘ excellent offerings cover vistas and waterfalls, private tours customized to your desires, and photographing the fall colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you loved your photo tour so much you want to keep learning, they also offer private coaching sessions to work with you to develop your skills and online photo critiques.

12. Walk, Ride, Kayak, or Float to Asheville’s Best Breweries

Asheville (aka Beer City , USA) has more breweries per capita than any other city in the United States. With an average of 28.1 breweries per 100,000 residents and 100 local beers, it’s no wonder this city is a paradise for beer lovers worldwide.

Recognized by National Geographic and TripAdvisor, BREW-ed’s Brewery Tours offers one of the best Asheville brewery tours. These informative, educational walking tours are guided by Cicerone-certified guides. 

These beer experts will take you to some of the best downtown breweries where, besides tasting the local crafts, you’ll learn about the process of making beer and how Asheville’s beer culture has evolved over the years.

Asheville Brews Cruise is Asheville’s original, 16-year-old brewery tour and promises “an ample amount of beer” in its walking and mobile tours. All tours are knowledge-based and include visits to three or four Asheville breweries, tasting samples, lots of information, and fun guides. 

Asheville Adventure Company offers an  E-Bike Brewery Crawl  that combines visits to the most popular breweries, cruising through Asheville’s neighborhoods, and checking out the city’s landmarks. If you are a “go with the flow” type of traveler,  Cedar Rock Adventures ’ Floating Bar Crawl Tour is your best bet!

13.  Eat Your Way through Asheville’s Famous Farm-to-Table Food Scene

Wherever you come from, I’m sure that exploring this city’s food culture is one of the top things on your Asheville to-do list. These tours will make it easier for you to discover the best local experiences. Enjoy!

Asheville Food Tours is the original walking food tour of downtown Asheville, and it covers an impressive list of restaurant partners. A popular tour is The Food Fan, guided by local food influencer Stu Helm and showcasing his favorite restaurants. The Food Fan’s passion for Asheville’s culinary scene is infectious!

Imagine yourself strolling around the forest, gathering edibles, and having them cooked for you at an award-winning restaurant. This experience is possible with No Taste Like Home ’s tours, TripAdvisor’s number one foraging activity in the US and one of the best tours in Asheville. You’ll love this authentic “off-the-eaten-path” Asheville experience!

Another TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner, Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours offers a three-hour, three-rooftop guided bar tour combining some of the best of what makes Asheville irresistible: outstanding food, great drinks, mountain views, and spectacular sunsets. 

14.  Explore the Outdoors With Local Guides

Asheville Hiking Tours offers tours of Asheville’s impressive waterfalls and the best views of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Local guides will take you to their favorite spots while telling you about the local history and environment. 

Are you interested in taking a unique wild foraging tour? Asheville Hiking Tours’ excursions include food foraging as well!

Join Asheville Wellness Tours ’ guides for a healing, resetting forest bathing experience, a hike, yoga, and mountain views adventure, or (my favorite) a yoga class with baby goats! Can you imagine a better Asheville tour? I can’t.

Hike Bike Kayak Asheville ‘s personalized tours will show you why Asheville is a favorite outdoor destination. NCLINE Adventures ’ diverse offerings include elopement ceremonies and hiking/fishing trips for couples with different interests. Hike WNC ‘s private Peak-to-Peak Mountain Top Tour offers some of the best views in North Carolina, and it has now added a Blue Ridge Parkway Jeep Tour.

15.  Tour Asheville’s Iconic Biltmore Estate and Omni Grove Park Inn

Visitors with a daytime ticket to visit the Biltmore Estate or overnight guests can participate in the tours offered by the Biltmore . Some tours are self-guided and included with admission, while others have a fee. 

They offer bike riding, wine and chocolate tasting, and rooftop tours. The interesting Biltmore House Backstairs Tour will give you a glimpse of the lives of the people who worked at the house, taking you to the overlooked domestic areas. 

You can visit The Omni Grove Park Inn for the day at no charge (there might be a parking fee depending on the time of the year) and walk around the garden and the buildings, shop around, have dinner, and get to know the history of the most famous Asheville hotel. 

They offer a 45-minute self-guided tour covering the hotel’s early years, the arts and crafts-style furniture collection, and the visit of famous guests (George Gershwin, Harry Houdini, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and even President Obama have stayed here.). Bring your headphones! 

What are your favorite tours in Asheville? Have you done a fantastic Asheville tour that’s not listed here? Please let us know in the comments!

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Laura Bernhein

Born in Argentina, Laura is a journalist who's lived in Asheville for 10 years. She loves all things Asheville, from the vast business scene to the beautiful nonprofits, magical people, and marvelous nature. She loves being involved in projects that are the change she wants to see in the world.

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Adventure Themed Asheville Tours

Discover Asheville's best-kept secrets

One of the best parts of traveling is the connections you make and the new sense of place you develop. We make sure that when you’re in Asheville, you feel at home, whether you’re a seasoned visitor or it’s your first time here.

Our passionate team of local guides will let you in on Asheville’s best-kept secrets and hidden gems, sharing the most unique and interesting parts of the city.

Kick back, relax, and enjoy an exclusive adventure while our pros take care of the details. 

Asheville Party Bus Rental

• Starts at $550
• 4 Hour Minimum

E-Bike Rental (Half Day)

• From $55/person

French Broad Section 9 Whitewater Rafting

• From $71/person

E-Bike Sunset Tour

• From $69/person

Scenic E-Bike Tour in the Mountains

Party bus brewery crawl, the asheville e-bike brewery crawl.

• From $74/person

Beautiful Self Guided Kayaking by the Biltmore

• Starting at $59/person
• 2.5-3.5 Hours

Adventure without the added headaches

 Just pick your speed, and we’ll plan a tour that makes sure everyone in your group has a great time. Whether you’re into rafting, kayaking, tubing, or scenic views, Asheville has plenty to offer. Our local guides are experienced outdoor enthusiasts who are ready to take you on the adventure you surely won’t forget.

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As the only rafting outfitter in the city, we help you cut down on transportation headaches with an easily accessible location and headquarters.

Adventures without the hassle

We craft the perfect day where every guest has the most incredible experience. We provide the professional equipment and handle the safety.

Exclusive local hotspots & history

Don't fall for another cookie-cutter tour. Our close-knit team of guides each gives their own take on our trips making each experience truly unique.

Laid-back exploring or adrenaline-pumping excitement

Our unique guided E-Bike tours let you in on the city’s best-kept secrets, share with you historic sites, and show you iconic street art in a way only a local can. Our whitewater rafting is a thrilling river voyage that will leave your heart pounding while creating one-of-a-kind memories.

Scenic views, local gems, & beer!

Asheville is the perfect destination If you love microbreweries. As one of the best cities on the east coast for craft beer, our special brewery tours give you the perfect balance of checking out downtown while tasting the unique beers brewed in Asheville.

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Top Tours & Experiences in Asheville and Western NC

Biltmore's annual pass sale is live don't miss out.

Looking for a guided sightseeing tour, escorted trip or customized hands-on activity during your vacation to experience Asheville and the surrounding North Carolina mountain area? Make the most of your time and let an experienced local guide direct you. From biking to beer, you'll find a big variety to choose from. Some are definitely a little quirky, and all make for great memories. Other adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains include wellness, food, wildflowers, elk, waterfalls, photography, yoga, hiking, fireflies, escape room and more! Feature photo by Asheville Wellness Tours

Family adventures for ages 4 and over: Climb our Treetops Adventure Park with over 70 challenge elements with 7 different aerial trails, zip our Kid Zip park (ages 4-10), or Asheville Zipline Canopy Tours (ages 8+), or ride Kolo Bike Park.  Open all year and just minutes from downtown Asheville.

Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours

Asheville by Foot Walking Tours

Hike Bike Kayak Asheville

Offering hiking and kayaking tours throughout Western NC, lead by a certified Blue Ridge and WNC naturalist. Tours include exploring the French Broad River and many lakes around Asheville, scenic hiking with waterfalls, wildflowers, and stunning views. They also offer bike rentals. Even snowshoe walking tours! Groups are small, no more than 4 unless a group of 5 or 6 books together.

Juniper - Itinerary Planning

Southern Appalachian Anglers

Take a full-service, guided fly fishing or bass fishing trip near Asheville. You can enjoy the Appalachian Mountains by boating and/or wading in North Carolina's stream-fed lakes and rivers. Professional fishing guides ensure exciting fishing on the best pristine rivers in WNC.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing from Bryson City. Many special event train rides including beer, wine and Polar Express.

Grovewood Village

Discover a hidden gem rich with art and history adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn. This site is home to Grovewood Gallery, an outdoor sculpture garden, two museums, and Eldr restaurant. 111 Grovewood Rd. Free on-site parking.

Asheville Wellness Tours

Asheville Art Museum

Walk With Me Tours

Offering private and customizable tours of downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village, the River Arts District, and auto tours along the Blue Ridge Parkway with scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They also offer private guided hikes to waterfalls and stunning views. Tours include comfortable transportation, complimentary water, Gatorade, and snacks.

Wai Mauna SUP Tours

Enjoy a variety of private guided paddleboard tours on the French Broad River in Asheville and Brevard! They also offer paddleboard rentals, river shuttles, and paddleboard delivery to any lake home in Western North Carolina. The season runs from April- October 31.

Hood Huggers

Learn about Asheville’s rich African-American history through this interactive driving or walking tour that tells a powerful story of resilience. Created by artist, poet, and visionary DeWayne Barton, Hood Tours also creates opportunities for grassroots economic development, community green spaces, and initiatives that benefit Black communities in Asheville. 

Nature For My Soul: Blue Ghost Firefly Tours, Asheville

LaZoom Tours

Take the most fun city tour ever in a bright purple bus full of laughter! Through captivating stories, comedy skits, and an enthralling musical soundscape, experience Asheville's history, current culture, and counterculture with their 90-minute interactive bus tours that depart from downtown. Haunted and beer tours, too!

The Flying Bike - Electric Bike Tours & Rentals

See Asheville the best way possible - by electric bike! The Flying Bike provides unforgettable tours and rentals on their Pedego electric bikes. Join them on a tour and see Asheville’s noteworthy architectural gems, take in the stunning mountain scenery from carefully chosen viewpoints, and hear the stories behind Asheville’s best historic sites.

Tumblestone Waterfall Tours

Get picked up at your accommodation in the Asheville area for a guided, half-day waterfall excursion that will take you to three impressive waterfalls in two protected forests. Plus, ride on a very scenic portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Licensed & Insured. 

Asheville Hiking Tours

Hike gorgeous mountaintops and visit 5-star waterfalls! TripAdvisor ranks Asheville Hiking Tours as one of Asheville's top tour companies! Offering COVID-safe activities. Your guides are expert naturalists and locals, showing you the hidden gems of Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tour Options: 2-hr, 1/2-day, Full Day, and Private Tours.

BREW-ed Brewery & History Walking Tours

Take the only brewery tour in Asheville led by a certified beer expert! Learn how beer is made and how to taste it. Get special access to Asheville's breweries and learn the stories behind the pints. On the short walks between breweries, your guide will share stories of the early days of Asheville.

Wild Food Foraging Tours

Take a "forage to table" tour with No Taste Like Home and play with your food. Our area is a Garden of Eden with over 300 wild edibles. During a guided tour, gather wild mushrooms, plants, and other “extreme cuisine.” Then a chef transforms your finds into a delicious meal. 

Sandy Bee Mine Honey Co

Bryson City Outdoors

This well-equipped outdoor store in downtown Bryson City has everything for your adventure. Services include kayak, paddleboard and gear rentals, a hiker shuttle, and guided tours! Their craft beer taproom & bottle shop has 10 rotating brews on tap with an additional 200+ bottles and cans to go.

Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Expert guides offer a wide array of hiking excursions, including outfitting gear. In addition to group hikes, they can also customize a trip just for you. Experience sunsets, waterfalls and high peaks at a variety of locations including the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, DuPont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest and more. 

ACA Adventure Mountain Off Road Tours

Adventure Mountain Off Road Tours is the WNC region's only “You Drive” off-road adventure! Professional guides lead tours through heavily wooded steep slope trails, over rock beds, and through troughs and turns climbing about 1,400 feet to panoramic ridgeline views of Mount Mitchell, Craggy Pinnacle area, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Balsam Mountains.

Guided Walking Tours

History at Hand offers tours to Downtown history and architecture, Montford architecture, Riverside Cemetery and more. All walking tours are given by appointment. Tours must be booked in advance.

Asheville Urban Photo Tours

Explore Asheville’s urban art and city landscapes on this fun walking tour learning the best photo spots and how to capture them. Each tour is 1 hour and you’ll receive professionally edited photos of your tour. They’re perfect for family vacations and reunions, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, corporate groups, girl’s trips, and more. 

Vagabond Vistas Photo Tours

Will you be visiting Asheville and the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains this year? Not sure where to go for the best photos, or how to best capture them? Make reservations for private photo tours and personal instruction.

Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking

We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. You can even learn how to kayak in the rapids or paddleboard on a lake.

Tips for Tours & Experiences

• Book well in advance to get the time slot you want. 
• Ask lots of questions so you know to expect - especially what to wear and bring along. 
• We are lucky to be surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and many other state parks and forests. However, these vast areas can be overwhelming and many of the best spots to visit are not well marked. So an investment in a hiking, biking or wildlife guide is usually well worth it. 
• Ask about cancellation policies, including bad weather policy.
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17 Best Tours in Asheville, NC

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Are you looking for the best tours in Asheville, NC? I’ve got you covered!

As a North Carolina native who visits the Asheville area a few times a year, I am excited to give some recommendations for the best Asheville tours!

Taking a tour of the city is a great way to learn some fun facts from local guides. For newbies to the city, you can get oriented and for seasoned Asheville adventurers, this is a great opportunity to head off-the-beaten path.

From breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to learning about local history at the River Arts District, you can find all kinds of options in this quirky mountain city.

17. Blue Ridge Parkway Jeep Tour

How long does an average tour last.

Disclaimer: This post ma y contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going!

My Top 3 Picks: Asheville Tours

Historic Downtown E-Bike Tour

✅ Cover more ground with E-Bikes

✅ 920+ 5-star reviews

✅ Great Intro to City

Insider Guided Walking Tour

✅ For those not comfortable on a bike

✅ See top landmarks

✅ Led by locals

Waterfalls & Blue Ridge Parkway

✅ See beautiful waterfalls

✅ Learn from expert naturalist

✅ Small group

Best Tours in Asheville, NC

While you can absolutely explore on your own, guided tours are one of the best ways to experience this NC mountain town !

1. Waterfalls & Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4.75 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Asheville hiking tour is a great way for travelers who love to hike to explore the beauty of the North Carolina mountains without the hassle of choosing a trail or navigating themselves.

With an expert naturalist as the guide, you’ll learn about the area’s plants, animals, history, and geology.

The hike you’ll do will depend on your group’s ability, but you’ll see beautiful sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway and stunning waterfalls near Asheville .

You’ll also get plenty of time to explore and ask questions, as the small group size (maximum of 9) allows for more personalized attention from your guide.

This is perfect for beginner hikers or seasoned adventurers who want to learn more about the area and is a great addition to any Asheville itinerary.

Grab breakfast in Asheville before your tour starts so you don’t get hangry!

“I recently took the waterfalls tour and it was incredible. Our tour guide Nicholas was very knowledgeable. He had some wonderful stories pertaining to the history of the park and so many details regarding the surrounding nature. We visited three waterfalls, each so different. I would recommend this tour without hesitation. Thank you so much, Nicholas, for providing such a wonderful tour.” – Linda (Read more reviews)

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.75 hours | ✅  Book it!

This interesting Asheville walking tour is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at this beautiful city.

My tour was led by Tebbe and he taught us so much about Asheville’s rich history, culture, and architecture.

A few of the popular sites that we visited were Pack Square, the Thomas Wolfe House, S&W Cafeteria, and the Grove Arcade.

Tebbe was such an animated storyteller and so knowledgeable about Asheville’s past. On this tour, you’ll get a great overview of Asheville’s history as well as a peek into the life of Thomas Wolfe and his family.

Find out why Asheville struggled so much after the Depression, learn about prominent figures and architects in Asheville’s history, and find out more about the historically Black neighborhood known as The Block.

This is one of the best walking tours in Asheville ! I grabbed a drink and pastry from Old Europe pastries before meeting up with our group. It’s a great little Asheville coffee shop , so I highly recommend it.

“We loved our guide, Mary. She was so knowledgeable and made sure we were enjoying every moment of our tour. She added to our love of Asheville and made our trip even more memorable!” – Roberta (Read more reviews)

3. Asheville Historic Downtown Guided e-Bike Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✅  Book it!

If seeing the city on a bike is more your style, then you have to check out this fun tour in Asheville. You’ll get to see a few iconic sights – including the Omni Grove Park Inn – and learn the history behind them.

Your guide will lead you through the downtown streets and along Asheville’s beautiful greenways as you make your way to each spot.

The guides are very helpful if you’ve never used an e-bike and they make sure to help you with maneuvering around town!

Pull relevant information from the sales page, from reviews on booking platforms, and from your personal experience.

“This tour was even better than I expected! Peter was a fantastic guide and although I’ve been to Asheville many times before, I experienced it in a completely different way via e-bike. I saw parts of town that I’ve never seen and learned the history of how this town came to be!” – Monica (Read more reviews)

4. The Downtown Tour with Asheville Food Tours

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   hours | ✅  Book it!

I actually went on this tour when I was in Asheville for my bachelorette party and my friends and I had the best time!

The downtown tour will take you to six or seven different restaurants and food shops where you’ll get samples at each spot. I try to take food tours whenever I visit somewhere new and this one provided the most food for the price by far.

Make sure you pace yourself though! It’s a lot to eat. 😅

The guide is also a local so they are very knowledgeable about the city and the food scene here.

They also have a brunch tour which I recently went on. It was also neat, but the food was way more geared toward lunch than breakfast.

“Aimee was our most excellent food guru and guide. A great balance of quick bites and short “sit downs” sprinkled with Asheville history made for a wonderfully educational gastronomic adventure. Aimee got the food/beverage tempo just right. Highly recommend!” – Julie (Read more reviews)

5. Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you’re interested in Asheville’s haunted history, this entertaining ghost tour is for you. You’ll explore the city’s major landmarks while hearing stories of paranormal activity that have taken place over the years.

The engaging guides will tell you all about some of the city’s most famous hauntings like the woman at the Grove Park Inn.

Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or just curious about local legends, this is a great way to get to know Asheville in a unique and unforgettable way.

Note that there are long inclines with some steep sections on this tour so keep that in mind, but this is one of the best Asheville ghost tours !

“I’m a huge ghost nerd and have been on many ghost tours — Tad’s tour was by far one of my favorite. I appreciate that Tad is a historian and anthropologist first and a performer second. A lot of ghost tours are overly gimmicky with guides who would rather be actors. This was the perfect combo of history and ghost stories. A great way to get to know Asheville!” – Kiley (Read more reviews)

6. Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3.25 hours | ✅  Book it!

The Downtown Brewery Tour is perfect for beer lovers as you get to hit a few of the underrated breweries on the South Slope!

My tour guide Mark, also known as Party Grandpa, knew so much about the history of beer, the different types and styles, and the brewing process.

Our first stop was Catawba Brewing where we learned about a lot of the history of beer and some of the ingredients.

Then we went to Twin Leaf where we got to see the brewing equipment and hear about the process. Our final stop was Green Man Brewing.

At each spot we got to try three different samples and there was a great variety from IPAs to stouts and even a sour.

This is a great way to learn more about beer and the Asheville brewery scene!

“Would recommend this tour to anyone. It was amazing and I learned so much about beer I never would have imagined. The history was really cool and the guide was absolutely amazing. I would take this tour again and again.” – Erin (Read more reviews)

7. LaZoom Comedy Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  varies | ✅  Book it!

This is by far one of the most popular tours in Asheville – probably because they keep you laughing the entire time!

They have three different tours for adults and one for kids. The three for adults are the Hey Asheville: City Comedy Tour, Ghosted: Haunted Comedy Tour, and Fender Bender: Band & Beer Tour.

Each tour is led on a bus and they use comedy skits to talk about the history of the city. This is one of the most entertaining ways to get an introduction to Asheville!

“We had a great time. Informative and FUNNY at the same time. Bridgette was the best! Would absolutely recommend taking the tour.” – Kristin (Read more reviews)

8. French Broad Whitewater Rafting Trip

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✅  Book it!

Rafting the French Broad is a unique way to explore Pisgah National Forest and get a different view with a shot of adventure.

With Class II and III rapids, you can easily enjoy a fun trip without any prior rafting experience so it’s perfect for beginners or families.

You’ll also be able to go for a swim in the river in one of the calm stretches of water. To top it off, complimentary beer is included!

“Good guides and a good experience. Enjoyed the rafting and the nature alongside the river. A nice swim in the river towards the end.” -Elisabeth (Read more reviews)

9. Guided Segway Tour in Asheville

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✅  Book it!

Segway tours are an awesome way to get to know any city and Asheville is no exception. Not only do you cover more ground than on a typical walking tour, but you’ll also get a quick lesson on how to drive the Segway before you take off.

If you’re looking for a unique type of tour and a different way to experience downtown then this is a great option.

“Great ride around town with a knowledgeable guide! Would highly recommend to anyone; all skill levels encouraged!” – Taylor (Read more reviews)

10. Scenic E-Bike Tour in the Mountains

If you would rather ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway than the downtown street then this tour in Asheville is the one for you! Start in the River Arts District where you’ll meet your guide and get a quick tutorial of the e-bike.

Then you’ll make your way up to the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy stunning views once you ascend Patton Mountain before heading back down to one of Asheville’s historic hotels where you can grab a well-deserved drink.

They also have a sunset e-bike tour option where you can see stunning views at the most beautiful time of day.

“We had a great time on our tour. Our guide Eric was terrific and the scenery was beautiful. The bikes were super easy to use and made the ride very easy and enjoyable. Absolutely recommend this tour!!” – Karen (Read more reviews)

11. Guided Paddleboard Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

Paddleboarding on the French Broad is a great way to explore the beauty of Asheville and see it from a different perspective. It’s helpful if you have previous experience paddleboarding but not a deal breaker!

This guided float takes you 4 miles through the River Arts District, where you’ll learn about its history from your guide and have the chance to spot local wildlife.

At the takeout, you’ll be within walking distance of some great restaurants and local breweries like New Belgium and Hi-Wire.

“Wonderful experience! Our guide Eric, was awesome. Made us all feel really comfortable. Expert at what he does, even took pics for us and shared them, when we were done. I would highly recommend this for any beginners.” – Tess (Read more reviews)

12. Guided Horseback Ride Through Flame Azalea & Fern Forest

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.25 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and really get out into nature then you’ll want to check out this horseback riding tour.

While you have to drive about an hour and a half outside of town, you are rewarded with a beautiful ride through the woods and stunning mountain views.

While you’re out, there are plenty of small towns near Asheville that you should check out!

The tour is great for beginner riders, as the folks at Arrowmont Stables give a great introduction and tutorial before you set off on your adventure.

“Fabulous experience, beautiful trails and professionally run business. The drive there was gorgeous too.” – Julie (Read more reviews)

13. Half-Day Photo Tour With Photography Lessons

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours | ✅  Book it!

The Blue Ridge Mountains Photography Tour with WNC Photo Tours is a fantastic way to explore the area while learning new tricks as a photographer.

The experienced guides customize the tour to fit your specific skill level, so that you can get the most out of this adventure. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced photographer, they will meet you where you’re at.

Transportation and pick up is also included in the tour so the only thing you need to worry about is gathering your gear and packing some snacks!

“My wife and I had a wonderful day with J. He took us to some excellent spots for some great shots. I am an experienced amateur photographer, but my wife is new to photography. He was very helpful with camera settings and suggestions for composition for both of us. Even though it was cloudy we were able to get some shots worth framing thanks to J’s suggestions. He was very friendly and we enjoyed our time with him. I would recommend this tour to anyone!” – Michael (Read more reviews)

14. Mountain Mural Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

The Mountain Mural Tour is the perfect way to explore for art-lovers visiting Asheville. Expect to spend half of your time in the River Arts District and the other half downtown.

Check out the beautiful murals, graffiti, sculptures, and street art that are scattered throughout the city. You’ll also learn the stories behind each work and its respective artist.

There’s also a stop included for snacks and a drink along the way!

“Great tour, unique and fun. Saw gave us a nice layout of the area as well. Highly recommended. Definitely will go again.” – Lisa (Read more reviews)

15. Floating Bar Crawl Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✅  Book it!

Breweries and the outdoors are two of the best things about Asheville, so why not take a tour that combines both?

This is a bit different than your typical pub crawl as you’ll make your way down the river floating on a raft and make a few stops along the bank at some local watering holes.

Make sure you wear water shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty because a few areas of the bank are very steep! You’ll also need to coordinate transportation back to your car after the tour ends as it isn’t provided.

This is a super fun way to hit some of the underrated breweries in Asheville though!

“This trip was a lot of fun. Rachel, our guide, was the best!! We were lucky to be on the raft with amazing and super fun people that became friends by the end. Loved it!!” – Jill (Read more reviews)

16. Mountaintop Yoga & Meditation Hike

Yogis will love the Mountaintop Yoga Tour that begins about 30 minutes outside of downtown Asheville. Stretch your legs with a 1 mile hike, then settle in for an hour long yoga session suitable for all levels.

Once the session is over and you’ve taken all your photos, you’ll loop back to the parking area for another mile. Yoga mats are provided so you don’t even have to worry about bringing your own!

If you’re in need of a little peace and relaxation in your life, then this tour in Asheville is the perfect thing for you!

“Kim was fabulous! In addition to leading a wonderful yoga session, she stopped along the way to show us different trees, plants and trail info. Stunning views from the top and we even got to meet some cows.” – Lindy (Read more reviews)

This tour in Asheville is an amazing way to take in the breathtaking mountain views without having to drive yourself. Take it from me, when driving the Parkway it’s hard to enjoy the views when you have to focus on the winding road.

You’ll get to ride in the back of a converted jeep with clear screens which provide an unobstructed view of the surrounding forest.

The tour groups are limited by the size of the jeep so they are small making the experience more enjoyable. You’ll make multiple stops at the scenic overlooks meaning plenty of time for photos!

“Our guide was awesome! Took his time pointing out many highlights of the area and history. Very personable and a most enjoyable trip!” – Fred (Read more reviews)

FAQs About Asheville Tours

What types of tours are available in asheville.

Asheville offers a variety of tour options, including walking tours, bus tours, segway tours, bicycle tours and more. A helicopter tour is one of the most unique ways to see the city.

Are there food or beverage stops during the tour?

Some of the tour companies provide snacks or refreshments during their longer trips but some will make stops where food & beverage are an additional charge. You should check with your chosen tour provider for details on what is included in their package.

The duration of each individual trip varies depending on the type of tour and any additional stops that may be made along the way. Generally speaking, most walking and bus tours last between 1-2 hours while specialty trips may last up to 4 hours.

Wrap Up: Tours in Asheville

Obviously, Asheville has so much beauty, history, and culture to explore and experience! Not to mention all the beer. 😉

It is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or even a longer stay. Whether you’ve been before or are visiting for the first time, taking a tour is the perfect way to experience the city.

Make this trip extra memorable by booking a fun tour and experiencing something new!

Anna is a North Carolina native who grew up traveling the southern US with her family. Now she is a full-time travel blogger who road trips the US and shares about outdoor adventures and epic things to do. Want to know more? Read her full story here.

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Privacy Overview

• Tukit Tour Co.
• 515 Short McDowell St #6 Asheville, NC 28803
• For more information call us 828.712.1800

Best  Scenic Guided Tours Private/Personalized

Discover the most fun and easy way to explore Asheville. You can enjoy a day tour or night on the town with friends and family. Brewery Tours, Company Outings, Family Events, Date Nights, Personalized Tours, Holiday Lights Tours, and More! Book a Private Tour to Personalize Your Asheville Tukit Tour Experience!

Best  Scenic Guided Tours Private/ Personalized

destination experts guided by our local gurus

Our destination experts are local gurus who offer personalized scenic guided tours,  for your group .  

Using our environmentally friendly, open-air 6-seater electric tuk-tuks you can explore the history of Downtown/West Asheville or the Blue Ridge Parkway and Harrah’s Cherokee Center by bus.

With the collaboration of local partners, you will experience the culture, taste, smell, and sights of the breweries, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, shops, and restaurants.

OUR MISSION

To establish Tukit Tour Co as the premier personalized guided tour experience using eco-friendly transportation connecting customers to the culture, history, taste, smell, and sights of the locals.

Bar, Club & Pub Tours, City Tours, Cultural Tours. and Night Tours.

What is a tuk? It’s the ultimate 3-wheeled, fully electric, 6-seater vehicle. This is the best way to see the sights in the open air. Explore all that Asheville, NC has to offer in a vehicle worth bragging about.

Have a fun filled excursion from Asheville NC to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee NC and enjoy the thrilling Casino action. Enjoy the ride to and from the Casino’s on our 14 passenger van/bus with plush seats. We will pick you up in Asheville NC and transport you to and from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

NOTE: You must be age 21+ to enter the casino gaming area. I’D’s required for all passengers.

New! Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Tour

"from your favorite table games, to traditional asian games, to exciting video poker, harrah’s cherokee has all the casino excitement you crave. and for sports fans, you can place bets on a wide range of professional and collegiate sports at caesars sportsbook.”, select an adventure.

Schedule online in a few clicks! Or, create your own adventure by contacting us directly to make it happen.

Book  online in a few  Clicks

THE BREWERY TOUR

Discover the famous breweries throughout Asheville and ride safe and sound. Pick the breweries you want and create the tour of your dreams.

THE SPECIAL EVENT TOUR

Bachelor/Bachelorette parties and the like… Don’t walk or drive, just ride. Create the perfect night out and all the stops along the way.

the romantic night tour

Maybe it’s a normal dinner date night to a couple of separate spots or an engagement to remember. Let us take the pressure off of driving and give you a unique way to ride.

the special event

Are you on a business trip and have never been to Asheville? Let us be your guide and show you what this city can offer.

Electric tuks are the perfect way to get around town, they are environmentally friendly and have heated seats. Could you ask for more? We have fully loaded vehicles ready to roll!

Safety:  All of our Tuk Tuks are equipped with 6 seat belts. They are not a must for adults but are recommended. Children must be 40lbs and seat belts must be worn.

Electric Tuks are the perfect way to get around town. They are environmentally friendly as they are all electric, open air like your fathers convertible, heated seats for the cool winter nights, bluetooth speakers for your listening enjoyment, rain guards to keep you dry, and LED colored lights in the roof to “Light Up The Night”. We have fully loaded Limo Style Tuks and are Ready to Roll!

GUIDED STOPS

Pick your tour then sit back, relax, and enjoy your ride. We’ll take it from there.

BYE BYE PARKING WARS

Discover the city with ease. We pick you up and drop you off at all your stops.

PERSONAL TOUR

Tour leaves on scheduled departure time, so no waiting on a ride. Plus no sharing, unless you want to (exclusive tour).

Rave Reviews!

"heads are turning and people are talking about the best ride in town.".

Fun tour. Very informative & interesting guide! The cart started overheating but she handled it like a champ! We enjoyed!

Our tour guide, Ridge, took my husband and me all around Asheville, NC while giving us details about homes, businesses, people, and just various interesting facts. Asheville has some interesting history and beautiful old homes I would love to live in! The downtown area is chocked full with shops, studios, and restaurants--overall having a very relaxed vibe in general. I'm glad we took the tour and found all this out from someone who knows all about the city!

Had a great tour, started slow but our guide Laban was great and very kind. He really took our likes and made it a part of the trip! Best part was the Omni and all the historical stuff he researched for us as we walked through! We suggested they get a microphone speaker so we could hear better as the street noise blurs out a lot of things he said unless he almost yelled which we felt bad for him. Tuk it should really provide their guides with a simple microphone speaker or something! 5 stars for our guide Laban!

Peter took us on a great tour of Asheville He showed us classic mansions and told us alot of the history behind neighborhoods and buildings He walked us through the omni Grove hotel. The hotel rivals the Biltmore house in beauty and class Thank you Peter and Tukit Tour Co.

Great tour, clean and professional. Peter, our tour guide was fantastic, lots of fun!

Our guide Laben (sp?) was awesome! He heard what we wanted to see and took us on a great trip through the town. Very knowledgeable about the area and a joy to ha g out with for our tour. Answered all questions and gave some great suggestions for our visit. I definite must do if you are visiting!

We did the brewery tour and because of COVID, it was only the 2 of us. Our tour guide, Ridge, was fantastic and really made the experience for us. It was our first time in Asheville so we were pretty open to go anywhere. He took us to a few different breweries, was incredibly knowledgeable, and made recommendations for restaurants and cafes. At one point we were headed to a brewery and got stuck at a train crossing. Rather than having us sit and wait, he turned into this great small bar so we could continue enjoying our day. He also took us up to Omni Grove Park Inn so we could see the view. Highly recommend this company and we’ll be using them again for an upcoming trip.

Four of us joined our tour guide Peter for a super fun hour of zooming around Asheville in his electric tour mobile. It was cold outside but we had seat heaters and perfectly clear plastic zip up curtains and roof so we could see. Peter showed us so many mansions and neighborhoods that we realized our previous driving around on our own was nothing in comparison. Peter really knows the town history, architects and businesses. He seems to have TWO favorite Mexican restaurants :). Great, fun tour. Highly recommended! 80,000 residents and 30 breweries!

Just had an excellent tour by Peter. Quite a unique experience with a lot of fun and interesting commentary. Did a trolley tour yesterday and it was nice but I really enjoyed this way to see the city. Definitely give it a try if you get a chance!

We really enjoyed the tour, Peter was our guide and did a great job, very thorough, very informative. I was hestitant to go, my wife talked me into it and I am very glad we went.

Absolutely the best way to take a tour. It was phenomenal. Our guide was amazing. Friendly and knowledgeable.

My wife and I had an excellent time and would definitely recommend. Laban is terrific and made our night. We were surprised to get the tour on such short notice (literally the day of). If you get the chance don’t pass this one up.

Great evening touring Asheville. Very helpful and informative staff. Loved the brewery and sight seeing recommendations!!

What a great idea! Tukit was able to accommodate our large group and make it a wonderful experience with Door-To-Door service. How do you make 14 people happy? Pick them up, take them where they want to go and tell them great stories along the way. With our informative drivers leading the way, we were able to make multiple stops to making everyone happy. Whether it was multiple lunch stops, pick up and drop offs or simple knowing the fastest and most scenic way to get from Point A to Point B, they had it covered. An absolute must!

My girl friends & I took a brewery tour with them back in December & had an AMAZING experience! Peter was our driver & was so patient, customer service savvy & very outgoing which made our trip that much better & enjoyable! We will be going with Tukit Tour Company when we return each year as we typically have a "Momcation" every year & rent a Cabin up in the area! Thank you Peter for the great time & Tukit Tour Company!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

TL;DR: PETER IS THE BOMB!!!!!! Full Review: Let's talk about how to have a great time in Asheville!! We had booked a long weekend trip without fully realizing just how many people visit Asheville. We really wanted a rooftop bar tour and the one that originated from our hotel was on a waiting list, so that is how we found Tukit, and we're so happy we did! I called on a Friday night asking if there was availability the next day because their website wasn't working correctly. First thing Saturday morning, we got a call and a text from Laban who was able to get us reservations for a rooftop bar tour, however he did tell us with such short notice, we may not get guaranteed admission anywhere. Regardless, a little later that day, we got a text from Peter, our Guide, letting us know he was on track to pick us up at our hotel at the agreed upon time. Once he got there, he let us know that they were not able to secure reservations at any rooftop bars but wanted to know our interests so he could make some suggestions and "make sure we had a great tour." I have to tell you, he totally delivered! We did get the rooftop bar experience at the Grove Park Inn, but also enjoyed him taking us around town and telling us about the history of Asheville. During our tour, we even got to see a black bear!! To top it all off, he took us to a food truck and local pub that topped off the whole experience. The whole time we were on the tour with Peter we felt like we were just hanging out with a friend. We will definitely repeat and would recommend him to anyone!

What a fun adventure and great way to see Asheville! Patrick was a great tour guide and very informative. Highly recommend!

It was my wife's birthday and we wanted to do something special during our stay in Asheville. The guide was awesome, the tour was just what my wife wanted...Great tour of the best of Asheville.

Peter was our driver for this tour and he did an AMAZING job!!! We came to Asheville for a short weekend getaway and this excursion was a perfect way to spend our time. Peter is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic, it’s impossible to not have a great time on this tour!! Five stars aren’t enough, thank you Peter!!!

Tukit Stops  Partners

We have the best Asheville Brewski Hops!

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Moving Sidewalk Tours on a Segway in Asheville

See asheville the best way — on a segway, downtown asheville tour.

Hit the sidewalks and streets to explore the Paris of the South. Our Asheville segway tours are an unforgettable way to take in this unique city. Please ignore all of the flashbulbs going off while you tour the city as you may become an instant celebrity! Book online today.

• Clock 2 hours
• Users Ages 10 and up

Take an Asheville Tour on a Segway

There’s so much to experience on an Asheville tour! Glide through our city’s center and experience the heart, culture, street vibe, buskers, and old fashion charm that makes Asheville one of the most unique cities on the East Coast. Our Asheville segway tours make it easy to hit all the stops in a fun, new way!

Our Asheville Tours have over 500+ Five-Star Reviews!

Fun way to see the city.

“We had a great time with a great guide on our segway tour through Ashville, NC. She was knowledgeable and cared for the safety of her followers.”

Love love love

“This was the way to see the city. Wes was patient, fun and knows his city. I recommend this segway tour to anyone. Small groups. Safe.”

Best way to see Asheville!

“Wes was a fabulous and attentive tour guide. He knows the city and its stories. It also appears he knows everyone in the city. Thanks for such a great time!”

Lots of fun!

"We had a great time doing the tour. Our guide was great and so patient. We were new at this but really found it to be lots of fun. We are in our 50s and wanted to try something different—so glad we did! We recommend for young or young at heart!"

Click here for the Award-Winning "Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour" with Asheville pick-up!

Asheville, NC Hiking Tours

Discover the hidden gems of Pisgah National Forest and the best waterfalls near Asheville.

Top Ranking Outdoor Activity in Asheville on TripAdvisor!

• MOST POPULAR AND MOST SCENIC
• User Easy and Moderate Options
• Hour Glass 6 Hours

Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour

Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville!

• Custom experiences for couples to corporate groups
• User Custom Difficulty
• Hour Glass Custom timing

Private Asheville Tours

Let’s explore the mountains your way on a customizable Private Asheville Tour, joined by an expert guide! Popular for couples seeking extended hikes, families with varied hiking levels, or groups such as corporate retreats. Transportation and pick-up provided from downtown Asheville.

Find out why our Guides are the Best in the Industry!

Why book with asheville hiking tours.

Let the locals guide you to our favorite “secret spots” on our Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour or customize your experience with a Private Asheville Tour . Home to 250+ waterfalls and miles of hiking trails, our protected forests are an incredible retreat from the city. Our tours provide a unique blend of storytelling, sightseeing and nature discovery! We visit historical sights and the best waterfalls near Asheville, and even enjoy wild food foraging on all of our tours. Our aim to provide a soul-nurturing experience on the best hikes near Asheville is the reason why our guests return to experience these mountains with us, again and again!

TripAdvisor ranks Asheville Hiking Tours among the Top Tour Companies in Asheville!

What a wonderful tour with Randy to Catawba Falls! He was that perfect combination of friendly and professional. And he was extremely knowledgeable about the area. Beautiful scenery along the way made for a relaxing and enjoyable excursion. This tour was the perfect length, and far exceeded our expectations. I heartily recommend Asheville Hiking Tours. We'll be sure to look you up again the next time we're in the area for another outdoor adventure.

This was an excellent tour! Our tour guide Amanda was great! She was knowledgeable of the plants found along the trail and gave us useful information about how they can be used. She also made sure that we moved at a comfortable pace, which was very reassuring for my mom, and gave us lots of fun facts and stories about the area we were exploring. I would recommend this tour for anyone wanting to explore waterfalls in Asheville with a knowledgeable guide.

The 4.5 tour with Jennifer was in a word: spectacular. We saw a multitude of views, saw impressive waterfalls, and learned a bit about how the area developed millions of years ago. Jennifer was friendly, took great care of the group, and focused on ensuring we had a successful tour. I would highly recommend Jennifer’s company to anyone who spends time in Asheville.

My husband and I attended the Guided waterfall hike and we had Randy as our guide. He was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and trusting. This was our first hike and first trip to NC. The beauty was astounding and the hike was comfortable. When, not if, we go back we will definitely do this hike again, and sign up for the other tours the company offers. We trust this company and their services.

Four of us did a private hike with Paul. He was better than the google machine. There was not a plant, or bird, or rock formation that we passed that he did not fully explain. Not only did he explain the natural world but he also was well versed in the history of the region. His stories made the mountains and their inhabitants come to life. I can’t recommend this company and this guide enough. And I can’t wait to return for more hikes with Paul.

We are very happy with our guided tour! Our guide was fantastic! Paul was very knowledgeable and fun to be with. We learned much about the local plants, animals, and geology. We highly recommend one of these tours if you are interested in great views with some interesting background info. Thank you for a great Saturday morning in the Blue Ridge.

We chose this tour since we only had 2 days in Asheville. Chris made it so enjoyable, made sure we got the best views and have us great recommendations for after the tour! I highly recommend this tour for a nice morning adventure!

Mike was great! Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about guiding us through our hike! The sceneries were beautiful! Definitely recommend anyone traveling through Asheville to consider one of these hiking tours. Mike was a great tour guide! Will definitely bring other family members to experience this tour.

A guided forest hike is a must do! Asheville Hiking Tours ensures that you get the best out of the experience. Friendly and communicative. About our guide, Paul - the magical, mystical forest man that naps by his favorite waterfall, lives for the birds and the Hemlocks, and shares his amazing knowledge with kindness and humility. When someone is THAT inspired by their occupation, it’s their sole purpose. You question your own thoughts, motivations and inspirations. You also think about your own impact on the planet and what you can do differently in your own way. Inspired!

We signed up for the Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour but due to cloud coverage we were only able to hike to the waterfalls which was the perfect way to spend an overcast day. Our guide Mary-Kait was excellent! She had incredible energy and spoke expertly about everything without missing a beat. She even helped us taste some of the local plants on the trails and we all survived! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend booking a tour through Asheville Hiking Tours -- and ask for MK if you can!

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• Looking for another type of adventure?

The Flying Bike

The Flying Bike is the original Electric Bike Tour company in Asheville, NC. Offering Electric Bike Tours, eBike Rentals, and local Pedego Electric Bike Sales.

The past, present, and future of African Americans in Asheville is a story of resilience and ingenuity. Learn about this powerful story on Walking and Driving Tours

Hood tours are an intimate, interactive experience guaranteed to leave you looking at this mountain town with new eyes.

A recipient of Tripadvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award, chosen directly by our tour patrons as   top 10% of attractions worldwide!

Walking Tours

Eagle street, downtown.

Walking tours explore East End Valley Street in Downtown Asheville, home to shops and galleries featuring merchandise and art from African American artisans and artists, YMI Cultural Center, Stephens Lee Community Center, The Block, and significant African American architecture. More information listed under FAQ’s.

• Thursday – Saturday
• $30/adult; $27/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+.

Burton Street

Walking tours explore the Burton Street community, one of Asheville’s oldest African American neighborhoods founded by E.W. Pearson in 1912, including the Burton Street Community Peace Garden and Burton Street Community Center – former segregated African American elementary school. More information listed under FAQ’s.

Driving Tours

Driving tour.

Driving tour begins at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, visiting significant downtown sites, as well as various sites in neighborhoods throughout the city (Shiloh, Burton Street, Southside, Eastend Valley Street). Each driving tour is different and not guaranteed to visit all of the listed neighborhoods. We conduct driving tours in a 14-passenger bus or 9 passenger van. More information under FAQ’s.

• $55/adult; $49.50/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+

Private Group Tours

Private group tours are available for groups of 15 or more. please note that tours are not offered on sundays. for inquiries, contact us at [email protected] or call 828-275-5305, extension 0. for more details on private group tours for 15 or more guests, please consult our faq., whats the best way to book your tour.

Booking your tour online is quick and simple. Our booking software displays all available dates and times for your convenience. Once you book, you will receive an email confirmation.

HOW LONG ARE THE TOURS?

All tours are 90 minutes. 

WHERE DOES THE DRIVING TOUR DEPART FROM?

To ensure accurate departure details, verify the information on your booking confirmation.

WHERE DOES THE WALKING TOURS DEPART FROM?

Do we offer private group tours.

We provide private group tours from Monday to Saturday, subject to availability of dates and times, with an additional charge for private tours. For booking details, please email [email protected] or call us.

DO YOU OFFER GROUP RATES FOR LARGE PARTIES and SCHOOLS?

Yes, for groups rates of 15 or more.

DOES HOOD HUGGERS OFFER DISCOUNTS?

Our tour dates and tour times..

Tours are offered from Thursday to Saturday at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM. Please be aware that tours are not available from Monday to Wednesday.

DO I HAVE TO PRINT OUT OR PICK UP MY TICKETS?

You do not. We always recommend reading over your email confirmation, so you know where and when your tour departs, as well all the other important information from Hood Huggers International, however we use a check in system so all we need is your name.

DO THE TOURS RUN IN INCLEMENT WEATHER?

We will reschedule or issue a gift card if there’s severe thunderstorm, snow and roads are unsafe. We will let you know by text, email or by phone before tour time. Please provide accurate information when booking your tour.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

We will issue a full refund to all cancellations outside of 48 hours’ notice. 

No refund If you are late to your tour, we will issue you a gift card or reschedule your tour.

IS THE TOUR APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES?

Is the van or bus wheelchair accessible.

Unfortunately, our vehicles are not wheelchair accessible. However, we will do our best to accommodate disabled passengers and can store walker if necessary.

CAN I BRING MY DOGS ON TOURS?

Private tours for dogs are available from Thursday to Saturday, subject to tour time availability.

Service Dogs as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted on all tours.  (Please note that therapy dogs and emotional support dogs do not qualify as Service Dogs.).

In addition to Service Dogs, (pet) dogs weighing under 20 pounds are welcome on the tour provided they remain in the owner’s lap during the entire tour. Dogs must be current on rabies and other vaccinations and must be friendly. One per tour allowed.

WALKING TOURS: Service Dogs as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted on all tours.  (Please note that therapy dogs and emotional support dogs do not qualify as Service Dogs.).

Must remain on leash and clean up after dog.

NO OTHER ANIMALS ALLOWED ON ANY TOURS!

Have a service animal? Email or call our office at [email protected] or (828)275-5305 Ext 0 to discuss accommodations.

IS IT APPROPRIATE TO GIVE GRATUITY?

Yes, gratuities are greatly appreciated by our guides and performers. 

HOW SHOULD I DRESS?

Is the bus air conditioned or heated.

History. Art. Poetry. Music. Community green spaces. Vivid voices. Grassroots initiatives. Led by DeWayne Barton, Hood Tours are among the social enterprises housed under the umbrella of Hood Huggers International that practice the CAP Framework .

Building capacity, amount of monies reinvested into the community.

Tours spark grassroots economic development in Asheville’s historically African-American neighborhoods, generate economic support for African-American-owned businesses, while building on strengths intrinsic to the community that allow for self-determination and sustainability. A portion of all proceeds through Hood Huggers International are devoted to community reinvestment.

Testimonials

I am grateful to DeWayne for collecting and telling stories about our community that might have been lost. These are not only stories of struggle but also stories of great resilience. This experience has given me deeper appreciation for my neighbors and for what we might build together.

J. Clarkson

The Hood Tour should be called Wonderhood! Hoodaganza! Black Hoodstory! Just calling it a tour is not enough. The history of black Asheville is rich with tragedy, sadness, triumph, and inspiration, and DeWayne Barton brought it all alive for us. We could have gone on for a few hours more – the story of Affrilachian people, their extraordinary achievements and their everyday courage, is so compelling.

Daav Wheeler

Youth Leadership: Tours offer employment opportunities for young people.

Tours have been featured in National Geographic, Forbes, Our State magazine, C-SPAN, and various regional publications.

• 828.225.6932

• Hey Asheville: Asheville City Tour
• Ghosted: Haunted Comedy Tour
• Lil Boogers: Kids Comedy Tour
• Fender Bender: Asheville Beer Tour
• Private Tours
• LaZoom Room
• Sketch Comedy Workshop

The Original Theatre on Wheels!

 the best way to see asheville..

Asheville is known as a unique little city where the mountains mingle with the weird. There’s no place like it, and there’s never been anything like the award-winning LaZoom Comedy Tours! Explore the city with LaZoom Asheville Bus Tours’ wild guides to discover Asheville’s living, beating heart and quirky sense of humor! LaZoom is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Get on the bus for the ride of your life!

HEY ASHEVILLE!

City comedy tour.

LaZoom’s citywide afternoon and evening tours are the best possible introduction to Asheville—even if you’ve lived here for years! Historical and hysterical, our City Tours feature outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances, loads of Asheville information, and incredible views of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!

get on the bus

FENDER BENDER

Band & beer bus.

If you love great music and incredible beer, this one-of-a-kind tour is a must! Get to know Beer City USA like you’ve never experienced it before! Live local bands play on the bus as our 21 and over passengers experience three of Asheville’s local breweries. The tour MC entertains the riders with fun facts about the local beer scene as well as what it takes to make a few of the local amber nectar flavors that we’ve all come to love and celebrate.

play that funky music

Haunted Comedy Tour

  Asheville after dark—The city as you’ve never seen it before! Explore the 828’s strange, sometimes sordid past. You’ll laugh! You’ll scream! Our spooky guides will give you the chills as they uncover mysteries and tell hair-raising tales of scandal and even murder on our fair but occasionally blood-stained streets! Bring your camera because you will see ghosts!

LIL BOOGERS

Kids’ comedy tour.

Fun for the whole family on the big purple bus! Educational and entertaining, LaZoom’s Kids’ Comedy Tour features a perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. You’ll learn about our city’s past and see the sights in true LaZoom style–complete with our famously outlandish tour guides, hilarious comedy skits and all sorts of special appearances!

GET ON THE BUS

THE LAZOOM ROOM

Beer & wine bar.

The LaZoom Room is home to a myriad of local beer and wine options that you can take on the bus!

Even if you’re not taking a tour, the LaZoom Room is open to the public! Have a drink with us!

GIFT CERTIFICATES

 give the gift of laughter.

Looking for that something special for someone special? Our gift certificates are the perfect present for Christmas, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or just because!   Any of LaZoom’s tours can be purchased as a gift, and the recipient will be able to choose the time and date.  

LaZoom’s gift certificates can either be emailed to you or them. If you prefer a traditional paper gift certificate, please stop by the LaZoom Room to purchase in person.  

Get Them Now

LAZOOM IS DOG FRIENDLY

Asheville is a Dog City, USA – and we welcome your dog with open paws! All of our tours are dog friendly, please read the rules below before making your reservation:

Small dogs (lap dogs) under 20 pounds are welcome on the bus. Dogs over 20 lbs are allowed on the tour with prior permission from LaZoom, and the dog must have a ticket purchased, and will be required to sit in a seat with their owner, not blocking the aisles. All dogs are required to have up to date vaccinations and a good sense of humor!

Have a service animal? Call our office at (828) 225-6932 to discuss accommodations.

LAZOOM ROOM LOCATION 76 Biltmore Avenue Asheville, NC 28801

LAZOOM HOURS

M ONDAY   9AM – 5PM TUESDAY   9AM – 5PM WEDNESDAY   10:30AM – 5PM THURSDAY   9AM – 5PM FRIDAY  10AM – 10PM SATURDAY   10AM – 10PM SUNDAY   1PM – 6PM

STAY UPDATED

Now booking private tours for 2024.

Asheville Food Tours is the original Walking Food Tour of downtown Asheville, North Carolina!

– Locally Owned & Operated –

On our tours you will experience the best of what our famous food makers have to offer, learn what makes each stop and the whole town so special, delve into the history of Asheville, and become familiar with downtown, while in the capable hands of a true local who knows our city well! Touring Asheville never tasted so good!

ABOUT THE TOURS

The downtown tour.

Offered on Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday / Up to 7 Stops / Alcohol Included / 3+ hours $85 per person 

Experience the Original Asheville Downtown Food Tour. Each tour will visit up to seven handpicked downtown restaurants and food shops, offering a wide variety of food tastings from artful ethnic appetizers washed down with a splash of pinot to hand crafted sizzling delights. You quickly realize that Asheville is a proud and local economy and each business embraces this “keep Asheville local” movement. Asheville offers homegrown embellishments along with its modern exploration into spicy multi-cultural riches. With its strong roots in Southern heritage, Asheville has branched into a cosmopolitan Mecca of abundant food choices from all around the world, which we Asheville food enthusiasts are eager to share with our community and visitors.

BUY TICKETS

The Food Fan Tour

Offered on Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday / Up to 7 Stops / Alcohol Included / 3+ hours $85 per person

Experience downtown Asheville’s food scene with the #1 local food writer and online food personality, Stu Helm, aka “The Food Fan” as your guide. Stu will take you to his personal favorite restaurants, fill you up with some of what he considers to be the best bites & drinks in town, while also pointing out historic buildings along the way, talking about the history of Asheville, answering questions, and telling stories. Whether he’s writing, podcasting, or leading a food tour, Stu’s knowledge & enthusiasm for our local restaurants is unmatched!

To learn more about Stu Helm, visit: https://stuhelmfoodfan.com

Brunch Tour

Offered on Saturdays / Up to 7 Stops / Alcohol Included / Approx. 3 hours $85 per person

The brunch tour is a great way to start the day! Experience delicious foods, enjoy brunch cocktails, and survey the unique architecture that make downtown Asheville spectacular.  This Saturday tour, which begins at 11:00 am, features up to seven stops, which include drinks and a sweet! Come hungry and finish with time for other Asheville activities.

Private Tours

Custom built for your group of any size. Contact 828-243-7401or [email protected] to book. 1 person = $250 2 People = $300 3 People = $420 4 People = $500 5 or More People = $120 per person

Please use the calendar below to purchase tickets for any of our tours!

All Asheville Food Tours listed on the Calendar are $85 per person.  For private tours, email [email protected] or call 828-243-7401

We are looking forward to having you on a tour! Please read our FAQ below, and if you have further questions, please call 828-243-7401

Your Tour Guide will contact you on the morning of the tour with the meeting place.

Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable, as they guarantee your spot on the tour.* If you need to reschedule, please call 828-243-7401 within 72 hours of the tour. If any tour is canceled for any reason, ticket holders will be offered a full refund, a full credit, or a reschedule.

* If you are concerned that you may need to cancel, please consider using “Peek Protect” insurance, which will be offered when you purchase your tickets.

Click here to Purchase Gift Certificates!

Our gift certificates never expire! They will always be good at face value.

Read our reviews on Trip Advisor & Yelp!!

Guide To Visiting Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC: the Largest Home in America

I love that the America’s largest home, Biltmore Estate, is located only a few hours drive from our house in Raleigh.

We love to look at beautiful homes and imagine and dream, and the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, is the quintessential fairytale house.

It’s not just a house though. The Biltmore Estate is made up of 8,000 acres of woodland, lakes and ponds, and its sprawling grounds offer a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy.

From wandering the halls of the Châteauesque-style mansion to sitting on manicured lawns and admiring the NC Mountains in the distance, there are so many things to do at Biltmore Estate.

In this guide, we share everything you need to know about visiting this decadent home and its grounds…

History of The Biltmore Estate

What is so special about the biltmore estate, visit the staff quarters (basement), 2. relax at biltmore carriage house, 3. admire chihuly sculptures at biltmore, 4. wander the biltmore gardens, 5. antler hill village and winery, 6. dine at antler hill village, 7. stay at the inn on biltmore estate, 8. stay at the village hotel, 9. join a unique experience, tips for visiting biltmore estate, how many days to see the biltmore house in asheville, places to stay near biltmore house asheville nc, opening hours & entrance fees, more asheville travel tips, pin to save on pinterest.

The Biltmore Estate is fairly close to the Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Mountains, a 5 minute drive from Asheville and only an hour’s drive from the popular town of Lake Lure.

It was owned by George Washington Vanderbilt, the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the shipping and railroad tycoon who turned $100 into $1000 million.

He saw an opportunity with ferry boats in NYC and acted upon it. This lead him to recognize the opportunity in the railroad and become one of the wealthiest men in the world.

So, now you know where George got the money to create such a magnificent home and estate! And he didn’t build just any home, it’s the largest private home in America.

His French Renaissance castle, designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, was built over a six-year period and completed in 1895.

A few years later, bachelor George meets Edith on a cruise, they later marry and she moves into the home bringing much love and warmth to life at Biltmore.

Sadly, George died early in 1914 of appendicitis. Edith closed down much of the house in order to manage the estate better.

Their daughter, Cornelia, and her husband opened the estate to the public in 1930 to boost tourism in the area during the great depression.

Today, it is still owned by the Vanderbilt, and is run by his great-grandson, Bill Cecil Jr, who is also the CEO of Biltmore Company.

For more than a century, it’s been a place for people to visit and enjoy the hospitality ever since and is still a family business, owned by 4th and 5th generations of Vanderbilt descendants.

The Biltmore Estate is a registered National Historic Landmark and the most visited tourist attraction in North Carolina welcoming over one million visitors a year.

To me, Biltmore Estate is a special place in America to visit .

Not just to experience the grandeur of this beautiful home, but to hear the story of this young, entrepreneurial, loving family who lived life with passion, service and gratitude.

As we wandered through the house listening to the stories of the house and its owners on the audio guide, I couldn’t help but think of the impact travel had on their generous and vibrant spirits.

George and Edith loved to travel and were avid readers. I often wonder if it was this global perspective that lead them to be such generous people and gracious hosts?

They opened up their home, a gigantic one at that, to hundreds of guests. All for the mere purpose of enjoyment.

The home embodies the arts and cultures, things that became dear to George and Edith on their travels.

Their travel helped them to connect to the beauty of nature, which lead to their desire to protect the environment more.

They contributed to the greater community through charity programs and good service. Their intention being to help those help themselves.

It’s this contribution to society and community that makes The Biltmore Estate special, and it continues that theme of celebrating and contribution with regular events throughout the year such as concerts, tea parties, and movies under the stars.

Things To Do At Biltmore Estate

Not only can you tour the 250-room Biltmore House and Gardens, but you can also visit Antler Village and Winery and there are numerous activities on the estate to explore.

Come prepared to spend several hours at Biltmore Estate, you’re going to need all of it!

1. The Biltmore House Audio Tour

How does a 250 room house in the country sound? To George Biltmore it was the ultimate country retreat, a place to create memories and experience joy with family and friends.

To us, it’s a place to imagine and inspire our own dreams of success, contribution and passionate living.

The best way to learn about the house, its owners, and its construction, is through a 90 minute audio tour which guides you through three levels of the home and the basement.

The audio guides are included with your ticket. There are also guided house tours and behind the scenes tours like a rooftop tour you can pay an entrance fee for.

You’ll see displays of vintage clothing, accessories, art, furniture, and more that tell stories and illustrate the lives of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees.

Rooms like the entrance hall, winter garden, the banquet hall and dining room, and breakfast room depict what a great home it was for entertaining.

Each room tells a story of gatherings, work, parties and personalities.

You even get to visit George and Edith’s bedrooms and other guests rooms, which are kitted out with original furnishings and artwork.

See Flemish tapestries, opulent fireplaces, oil paintings and sculptures lining the walls of every room.

Top tip: There is a kid version of the audio guide as well. My daughters loved the home and were were engaged with the stories they were listening to. They especially loved the bowling alley and pool that was in the recreation area of the home. Children’s audio guides are a fantastic way to help kids learn and interact in learning experiences.

In the basement level, you gain an insight into life for the workers as you walk through the laundry room, staff quarters and kitchen, a bustling place of activities where stoves roared from 6.00am to midnight, catering to the owners and guests in the house.

The staff were treated with kindness and fairness, and with New York wages, it was quite the desired place to work.

There was no entitlement at Biltmore House. Everyone knew their place and they appreciated the opportunity to work there.

George was a strict boss, but also very kind and caring. He believed that if you expect the highest from people, they’ll rise up to the challenge.

Outside of the Biltmore mansion is the old carriage homes, which have been converted into shops, cafes and places to pick up light bites.

You can shop for souvenirs and find Gilded Age-inspired trinkets, as well as seasonal keepsakes.

From book stores to gardening stores and chocolate shops, there’s a lot of places to pick up something to remember your trip by here.

There are always seasonal events happening at Biltmore, but one of our favorites is a display of artwork by American artist, Dale Chihuly.

We first saw his work back when we visited Biltmore in 2018, but we’re pleased that his artwork made an impression and has been invited back in April 2024.

Just like in 2014, the exhibition will be hosted in the Amherst at Deerpark, but there will also be a large installation at the front of Biltmore House, including his famous Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier which hangs pride of place in the Biltmore Winery.

As you wander outside the Biltmore estate, you can see many of the colorful glass sculptures on exhibit by American artist Dale Chihuly.

The vibrant colors and captivating shapes of his sculptures set alight the historic gardens of Biltmore. You couldn’t find a more spectacular art gallery.

George Vanderbilt recognized the importance of a landscape that nourished the spirit and body.

He chose the perfect setting for his country home and got to work in creating tranquil and stunning gardens to match the marvel of his home.

Leave yourself a couple of hours to stroll acres of formal and informal gardens, which were designed by America’s foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed the gardens for the World’s Fair in Chicago, as well as New York’s Central Park .

As you stroll through the gardens, it’s hard not to imagine what life would have been like as a guest of the Biltmore back during the day and how much the freedom, beauty and fun of the estate helped to nourish your spirit and body.

There are numerous gardens to visit including the walled garden, azalea garden, Italian garden, shrub garden, spring garden conservatory which features a collection of orchids and model train, and a rose garden, which has over 250 varieties.

We visited during spring so the gardens were in full bloom; it was a vastly different experience to our first visit to the Biltmore Estate for the Christmas lights.

The library offers a shaded area of wisteria and trumpet creeper vines to relax with views out over the terrace, which is a large open space originally designed to be a bowling green.

The highlight of this area are the views out over the estate and forest.

I loved learning about George Vanderbilt’s commitment to preserving nature.

He hoped that creating a managed forest, created by forester Gifford Pinchot, on his Biltmore Estate would serve as an example for the rest of the country.⠀⠀⠀

Biltmore Estate land had previously been cleared for farming and timber. They improved the existing woodland by removing poorly formed and damaged trees and reforesting eroded and worn out farmland.

By 1881, he had planted 300 acres with white pine. It was a forestry management plan that would be later adopted by the government.

His wife, Edith sold 86,700 acres of the estate’s forested mountain land, known as Pisgah Forest, to the federal government, creating the first national managed forest east of the Mississippi River.⠀

The Biltmore Estate also has an extensive network of trails, used for horseback rides and hiking adventures.

You can hike the grounds of the estate at your own pace, including taking a walk along the French Broad River, known as the River Stroll Hike, through lush green forests, or the open meadows of Deer Park.

You can also go for 30-minute carriage rides around the Deer Park area, if you want to explore more of this region.

There’s an easy half mile loop short walk out to the Bass Pond and boathouse.⠀⠀

Yes, Biltmore Estate has a winery. In fact, it is the most visited winery in the USA!

The good news is that you get complimentary wine tasting of more than 20 handcrafted wines, many of which are award winning, included in the ticket.

There is complimentary grape juice for the kids as well.

There is an indoor and outdoor wine bar as well should you decide to let those reds linger a little longer.

There are a few restaurants and shops in Antler Hill Village, and live music was playing in the village grassed center area when we visited.

Biltmore continues the legacy of farm to table that has been a part of the estate since its beginning. The herbs, fresh salad greens, and berries come straight from our gardens and fields into our kitchens and onto your table.

Other ingredients such as mountain trout, farmstead cheese, and grass-fed beef and pork are sourced from local farmers and producers.

We ate at Village Social , which was casual and decently priced. My mushroom & spring pea risotto was delicious and the service was excellent.

The Barn & Farmyard is a place the kids will love. It features blacksmiths, woodworkers, craft demonstrations and animals such as goats and chickens in the Barnyard. We missed this as it was raining pretty hard the afternoon we visited.

Cedric’s Tavern is another popular place to eat on the Biltmore Estate, with a traditional European-style pub asthetic with wooden furnishings and decor. They have home-cooked meals as well as craft beers and local wines.

For dessert, don’t miss out on a delicious soft serve at The Creamery , an ice cream shop on the estate.

I don’t think you can beat the Inn at Biltmore . It was truly magnificent.

This four-star inn left our family almost breathless when we walked into the grandeur of the hotel foyer and saw the magnificent mountain and valley views that stretched out in front of them.

I just had to grab one of the welcome complimentary glasses of champagne from the winery to appreciate the view with!

Biltmore elegance continues to live on at the Inn on Biltmore. If I was to plan our trip over again, I’d drop a night somewhere else to have one more night at the Biltmore Inn.

One night was simply not enough to enjoy the experience of this four star luxury hotel.

And of course the girls were in heaven. Both of my spoilt travel babies prefer the four and five star life and get disappointed when we often book the three star hotel!!

I felt like part of the Biltmore family enjoying a glass of tea in the library lounge watching the sunset over the valley with views of the Estate’s twinkling lights in the distance.

The service and hospitality at the Inn on Biltmore Estate is exceptional. George and Edith would be very proud.

The rooms were decorated in the elegant Biltmore style and were comfortable.

Of course, the Inn at Biltmore was so popular, that they had to create an additional hotel to meet the demand.

The Village Hotel is that hotel, and it’s just as elegant and opulent as the rest of the estate.

Although the rooms are much more modern than the Loire Valley chateaux inspired rooms of the main mansion, it’s still just as cozy.

Each room comes with private bathrooms, and it’s located in Antler Hill Village, so you’re close to the winery, restaurants and shops.

You can also rent a cottage at Biltmore now if you want a private retreat. They have two self-contained, charming and historic cottages you can rent.

There are so many unique experiences to have at Biltmore Estate, that one day simply isn’t enough to do it all.

You can do everything from clay shooting, watch craft demonstrations, horseback riding, backstage tours of the winery, and even go on a Land Rover expedition across the grounds.

Some other activities you can do include bird watching tours, archery, and even mindfulness walks and yoga.

Be sure to check out the events calendar to see what activities are happening during the time you visit.

• Get there early. You will beat the queues and the crowds.
• Plan in advance so you can visit for special events. Christmas at the Biltmore is spectacular with the lights, and Spring with their incredible floral displays in the gardens are not to be missed.
• Purchase your tickets in advance. With seven or more days advance purchase, you’ll save $10 per ticket.
• Reservations are required for your self-guided visit of Biltmore House on these high volume days. Reserve your entry time online at the same time you purchase your tickets
• Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
• Kids 16 and younger admitted free all summer (through Labor Day)! The rest of the year, kids ages 9 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a paying parent or guardian.
• Arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your Biltmore House entry to allow time to park and catch a shuttle to Biltmore House.
• A car is required for travel between locations on the estate. The estate is huge and distances between some places can be close to 5 miles. Click here for car rentals.
• If you live in the area or may visit a couple of times each year, it may be worth getting an annual pass. Passholders get savings on food, outdoor activities, shopping, guided tours, and wine experiences — including up to 25 percent off bottles of wine. You’d also receive two free tickets each winter to give away and buy discounted admission tickets for family.

You can find admission tickets with an all inclusive lunch on Viator.

There is just so much to enjoy on the Biltmore Estate, it’s worth staying at least one night and make your visit longer than a day. Ideally, two full days should be the minimum.

I really wish we had the time to stay longer as I’d love to experience the hiking trails, Segway tours, horse riding and so many more things that can be done on the estate grounds.

We were able to visit Antler Hill and Winery on the evening of our check in and then visit the Estate the next morning.

This saved us from spending a full day at Biltmore and still allowed us to see everything. It worked well since we were quite short on time.

• Overnight stay packages include estate admission, breakfast, and estate shuttle service for the length of your stay.
• The hotels have complimentary shuttle service to Biltmore House.
• If you are staying at any of the hotels on the Biltmore Estate, you can charge back from the restaurants and ships to your room.

If you don’t want to stay at the hotels on Biltmore Estate, the Biltmore Village is a few square blocks just outside the entrance gates to Biltmore.

My favorite place to stay nearby is Lake Lure. It is an hour drive away, but it might be a great way to add in peace and serenity to your adventures.

Our favorite place to stay in Lake Lure is the Lodge on Lake Lure . There is also the Rambling Bald Resort , which is a popular place to stay.

There are also plenty of hotels in downtown Asheville. We stayed at the Hotel Indigo in downtown Asheville. You can read our review of the Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown here .

Biltmore Estate is open all year round from 8.30am until late. Hours of operation depend on the time of year and what you want to see on the estate. Click here to see official hours of operation.

Ticket prices vary depending on the season, but every ticket allows you to come back the next day to access the grounds, art exhibitions and more.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Spring (Mar 25–May 23) – prices from $80
• Summer (May 24–Sep 2) – prices from $80
• Fall (Sep 3–Nov 1) – prices from $80
• Winter (Jan 8–Mar 24) – prices from $70
• Christmas (Nov 2–Jan 5, 2025) – prices from $110

Note that prices do not include additional activities and these are sold separately.

Need more inspiration for things to do near the Biltmore Estate North Carolina? Here are some helpful guides for places nearby…

• Things to Do in Lake Lure
• Grandfather Mountain & Linville Falls: A Day Trip On The Blue Ridge Parkway
• Climb the 499 steps to Chimney Rock for amazing views
• A Cades Cove bike ride in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – we saw bears!
• Visiting Asheville with Kids
• Top Places to Go in the North Carolina Mountains
• Best Things to Do in North Carolina
• Best Road Trips in the USA
• A Guide to the River Arts District, Asheville NC (Why, What, and How)
• Things to Do in Downtown Asheville, NC

Have you been to Biltmore House in Asheville North Carolina? Let us know what you thought in the comments.

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Adventure Mountain Off-Road Tours is NOW OPEN!

Located just 20 minutes north of Asheville at our NEW Adventure Mountain location in

Barnardsville, NC

• 369 Paint Fork Rd Barnardsville, NC 28709

Adventure Center of Asheville’s Adventure Mountain Off-Road Tours in Barnardsville, N.C ., is Asheville and Western North Carolina’s newest ultimate off-road driving experience.  Drive or Ride our Guided Tours in 4-person Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) on 220 acres of scenic mountain trails climbing up 1,400 feet on Adventure Mountain.  With an elevation of 4,200 feet at the peak, Adventure Mountain off-road trails travel through hardwood forests and extreme mountain terrain.   Start with a training area to develop your off-road skills, then follow our guide on technical trails, rock and log obstacles, hill climbs, and spectacular views.  

Our ORVs combine power and function to provide new or experienced drivers with a great adventure. Although they can go fast, our tours are not focused on speed but on learning and practicing the skills of managing challenges inherent in off-roading such as maneuvering around and over obstacles, climbing steep grades but also crawling down steep gradients, selecting the best course to traverse difficult spots successfully, and understanding capabilities of the ORV such as lateral stability, clearance, wheel locking and maneuvering capabilities.

Our training area will provide an opportunity to practice in an active, hands-on start. Once you’ve mastered your machine, it’s game on!! Our ORV course will include the best of our Adventure Mountain property: a 1,400-foot elevation change with the highest peak at 4,232 feet while enjoying panoramic views of the highest mountains in the Eastern United States (Blue Ridge Mountains, Balsam Mountains, Mount Mitchell, and the Great Smoky Mountains).  Our 220 wooded acres have 7+ miles of ridgeline, lush valley, cliffside, creekside, and crossing trails. 

Our experienced and knowledgeable guides will lead the way while communicating with our guests.  Z1R Road Max Helmets are provided for each participant and are required for safety and comfort. 

The 220 acre Adventure Mountain property has a vast history on this steep mountain of homesteading, farming, tree harvesting, and now protection and recovery. Although the off road tour is an adventure it is also an opportunity to see and learn the challenges and successes of farming and living off of the steep and rocky lands of the historic Appalachian Mountains of Western NC. You will visit the remains of the old homestead, learn how this farming community north of the “big city” of Asheville was settled and how the families struggled and survived in this steep and lush valley that is still home to generations of families and farmers. The most recent use of the mountain was timber harvesting. Our team of knowledgeable guides will share the importance of forest management and care following such stark impacts as clear cutting forests, invasive plant invasion and native plant elimination. They will share the efforts Adventure Mountain Resort is undertaking to not only protect and preserve this mountain but to remove invasive plants and weaker plant stands to replace with native and more vibrant and sustainable forest structures.

Adventure Center of Asheville’s Adventure Mountain Off-Road Tours is not at our in-town location!! It is a short scenic drive from downtown Asheville just outside of the small community of Barnardsville, NC, in the Paint Fork Road Valley. The drive is the perfect distance to be as close to Asheville as possible while allowing you to get out in the woods. 

*********Booking Information- we currently have 3 drive-your-own ORVs.  They each have a maximum of 4 people.  We also have the option for up to 3 people to RIDE with our ORV guide.  So there is a maximum of 15 participants per trip time.  You may book online.  There is no group discount. 

Planning Your Guided Tour:

• Reservations are required. You may book online. 
• Check-In will be at the Building adjacent to the parking area (not at the house.)
• Check-In Time is 30 minutes before your tour time.
• Tours Operate on Time.  No refunds for late arrivals.  Please plan plenty of time for travel and check-in.  
• We currently have 3 drive-your-own ORVs.  They each have a maximum of 4 people.  We also have the option for up to 3 people to RIDE with our ORV guide.  So there is a maximum of 15 participants per trip time. However, there is no group discount. 

Location and Contact:

369 Paint Fork Road, Barnardsville, NC

(see below for directions and map)

[email protected]

828.225.2921

• $400 Per 4-seat Off-Road Vehicle
• Includes up to 4 guests per vehicle
• Includes 2 standard drivers who must complete the skills training (age 21 or older, valid US driver’s license)
• The maximum weight limit of guests in 1 ORV may not exceed 1,000 lbs. 
• Age 21 or older, valid US driver’s license
• Must be age 8 and over
• Maximum 3 guests

See the Damage Insurance Policy below

See the Cancellation Policy below

• 7.5% tax & processing fee is added to each reservation
• Payment Is Due At Time of Reservation

All tours include

• mandatory top-quality padded helmets with vents and visors
• mandatory helmet liners are provided, or you can purchase your individual liner or bring a bandana or buff from home

Open Wednesdays to Sundays

(If you would like to book for a day that we are closed, please give us a call at 828.225.2921 and we will see if we can accommodate you. )

Tour Times:  9:30, 12:00, 2:30

(A 5:00 Tour Time might be an option.  Please call the office to ask for availability.)

Trip time is 1.5-2 hours which includes the practice area and trails. 

Explore adventure mountain.

Rules & Regulations

• Drivers are required to be 21 years of age or older and present a valid driver’s license.
• Riders are required to be 8 years of age and older.
• The total weight limit of all guests in one ORV cannot exceed 1,000 lbs. 
• Absolutely no alcohol or illegal substances on premises or consumption of any illegal substances before driving vehicles.  If there is suspicion, your tour will be canceled without a refund. 
• Tours Operate on Time.  There are NO refunds for late arrivals.  Please plan plenty of time for travel and check-in.  
• All riders are required to wear a seat belt, helmet, and helmet liner whenever the vehicle is moving.
• Waivers signed by legal guardians are required for riders and drivers.
• No refunds for inclement weather
• Dress for the weather on the mountain to play and get dirty! (Coats, Raincoats, Warm Layers, etc.)
• Closed Toe Shoes are required for all participants. 
• Water in reusable water bottles (no single-use plastic allowed)

There is limited outdoor (but private) space to change your clothes after your tour. 

• A bandana or buff to use as a helmet liner. 
• Valid driver’s license per ORV driver. 

**Important Note Regarding Weather**

Adventure mountain off-road tours will operate rain or shine..

Trail options may vary depending on the weather. Please dress for the weather and be prepared for the possibility that you will get dirty. Vehicles are open-air during the summer. A full enclosure can be provided during cooler seasons. Heat does come into the ORV from the engine and our AC is the breeze as you drive.

Cancellation Policy

We operate rain or shine except in severe weather that the management team deems hazardous. Advanced notice might not be possible. If we cancel the tour, Guests can choose between a full/partial refund, reschedule, or voucher.

Everyone can cancel up to 72 hours before the activity start time to get a full refund minus the 7.5% credit card and processing fee.

If you select for the Optional Trip Cancellation Guarantee, you can cancel

• up to 24 hours before the activity to get a refund minus the  7.5% credit card and processing fee.
• within 24 hours of the start of the activity get a voucher

Damage Insurance Policy

There are basic expectations of wear and tear on our orvs when being used on our trails. the wear and tear from making contact with the ground while driving on our designated trails and following your guide is the responsibility of adventure mountain off-road tours., $40 optional non-refundable damage insurance per vehicle.

For a Non-Refundable Fee of $40 per vehicle, all approved drivers are covered for any and all vehicle damage during the appropriate use of the vehicle unless they are willfully disregarding the rules, the Adventure Mountain Guides, or the designated trail routes.

Damage Insurance Contract

If declining the Damage Insurance Fee, a ny damage caused to the ORV by the purposeful or accidental impact is the responsibility of the driver regardless of who is driving the ORV at the time the damage occurs. 

Including: :

• with other Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) while on the tour, parked, or passing
• with objects from the established trails
• by rolling or flipping the ORV
• by driving over the directed speed
• by not following the rules provided both verbally and/or in writing

A credit card must be on file with Adventure Mountain Off-Road Tours and the owner of that card will be charged the fees required to repair any damage plus 10% for transportation and loss of use of the vehicle. A receipt for the repairs will be provided with the charges. The cardholder agrees to accept this responsibility and the fees as stated above. Every effort will be taken to minimize the cost of parts and services to return the ORV to its previous condition prior to the damage.

This agreement is a legally binding contract between Adventure Center of Asheville (dba. Adventure Mountain Off-Road Tours) and the cardholder and cannot be revoked by refusal to pay or by the dispute of charges to the card issuer. Charges can range from $500 to $25,000. Damage insurance is available prior to the tour start time for a fee or you can check with your credit card company/issuer or personal auto insurer to determine any existing coverage you may have.  We take numerous precautions to assure you get the adventure intended.  But variables out of our control such as weather conditions and varying degrees of driving experience can cause conditions to change. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Probably! Depending on the weather your clothes and shoes could get wet and muddy. The vehicles are open-air without heat or AC so be prepared for all elements. 

You may also get into a muddy ORV that has just been on a tour. 

Dress for the changing mountain weather and temperatures. We recommend you check the forecast for Barnardsville, N.C. for your tour day. It can be cool in the morning and late afternoon but warm mid-day. Layers are highly recommended unless it’s full summer or winter. The vehicles are open-air without heat or AC so be prepared for all elements. 

Comfortable Closed Toe Shoes are Required.  Shoes and Clothes may get dirty.

• We will provide snacks and water at certain breaks along the tour. You are welcome to bring your own water container but we ask that no “sticky” drinks be opened except when out of the vehicle as spills are likely and messy for you & the next Guests. Water with reusable water bottles is recommended.
• No single-use plastic is allowed on tours.
• Cell phones and/or cameras are welcome. There will be secure storage available but all items brought are “At Your Own Risk.” You will typically have opportunities to take pictures and videos inside and outside of your ORVs.
• Bring your own bandana or buff for your personal helmet liner. 
• Bring a valid driver’s license for all drivers. 

Hats- We will be wearing helmets so hats should be left in your vehicle. 

Firearms/knives/sharp objects- No firearms, please. No knives unless secured where they will not puncture soft goods. Damage coverage does not cover damage from personal items (knives, pens, etc.) cutting/tearing seats. Please remove all those items from your pockets. 

Valuables- Wallets, jewelry, and all valuables are best locked into your car, and keys are secured in our office. You can take them with you but if lost they are probably lost for good or our search will likely require a later time (based on our tour schedule) and a fee for the time vehicles and staff are occupied searching. Best to leave that all secure in your vehicle. 

Trash/Food- No plastic & excessive trash/food. Please allow time to eat meals before arriving or prior to your trip. There are a few shared picnic tables if you would like to eat prior to or following your tour. 

Single-use plastics

Our goal is to make it as fun, interesting, and exciting as possible while keeping safety as our top priority. Guests are allowed to drive. Training and practice areas are included at the start of the tour. The equipment we provide is top-of-the-line and exceeds any other tour we’ve experienced in the Southeast. This will improve your overall experience. Your guide is not just there to guide you but to teach and to help you make choices on the easiest and most challenging options when possible. Our tours are small and our property is pristine. You will experience obstacles, climbs, descents, and technical challenges.

There will be some “power areas” where you will accelerate but this tour is not meant to be a “fast” experience. This is an off-road experience with rugged terrain that may include steep climbs, uneven terrain, jolting bumps, trees, tree branches, water, mud, slippery areas, dust, and other objects that might become airborne or could hit or be hit by Guests or the ORV. You or another tour member might get stuck or have mechanical challenges that cause the group to focus on those issues which can alter any tour. There is always the limited possibility a vehicle can roll but speed and lack of training/supervision is the most common cause of rolling vehicles. This is part of off-roading and will be handled as quickly as possible but can change the tour experience. 

Adventure Mountain is located at 369 Paint Fork Road in Barnardsville, NC.  (Not at the Adventure Center of Asheville.) You may use the Google Map below for directions, however, there are 2 ways to get there from Asheville, a scenic mountain drive and an interstate route.

Scenic Valley with Mountain Pass Directions- approximately 1.5 miles of curvy mountain road

• Take Hwy 19/23, I-26/Future 26 North toward Weaverville UNCA for 5.7 miles
• Exit 21 New Stock Rd
• Turn right at the base of the ramp traffic light then immediately left onto Weaverville Rd/US 19/23 business for 0.6 miles 
• Turn right onto Reems Creek Rd. for 6.8 miles
• Turn left onto Maney Branch Rd for 3.3 miles. (Notice: Maney Branch goes over a short mountain pass that has about 1/2 mile up and 1 mile down of curvy roads.)
• Maney Branch becomes Paint Fork Rd at the top of the pass.
• Adventure Mountain is on your left about 0.4 miles past The Barn at Paint Fork

Interstate Route

• Take I-26, US 19/23 12 miles from Downtown Asheville
• Take Exit 15 towards Barnardsville on 197
• Turn right and go 5.9 miles on Barnardsville Hwy to Barnardsville
• Turn right on Paint Fork Rd. Follow signs to Barnardsville Elementary, Bad Axes, and Adventure Mountain Resort.
• From Barnardsville Hwy: Exactly 2.0 miles on Paint Fork Rd. to AMR-ORV Tours. 
• Adventure Mountain is on your right

You may, as long as you have 15 people or less on a trip time and we have availability.  We have 3 vehicles that can take a maximum of 4 people each.  Then we have the guide vehicle where 3 people can ride.  There is no group discount.  And you may book online using the booking link above. 

Not at this time.  Weaverville, NC has great B&B options.  And Asheville has many options.  Check out Explore Asheville to find out more.

369 Paint Fork Road Barnardsville, NC

Reservations : +1 (828) 225-2921

Email : [email protected]

Connect With Us

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OPEN: WED-SUN 10am-5pm

Fun adventures for the full family, Ages 4+

+1(828) 793-5337

[email protected]

Careers at A sheville Jeep Tours

Asheville Jeep Tours

Unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Waterfalls & Backroads Jeep Tour

2.5 - 3 Hours |  Dirt Roads | 1 Mile of Hiking

Experience "The Land Of Waterfalls" from the back of our custom-built jeep! Ride through thick forests, past roaring streams, and witness beautiful waterfalls on this tour of Pisgah National Forest.  

Private Tour

Blue Ridge Parkway Jeep Tour

2.5 - 3 Hours | Paved Roads | Driving Tour

On this tour, you will enjoy scenic mountain views along the Blue Ridge Parkway, proclaimed by many as ”the prettiest drive in America”.

Waterfall Hike & Jeep Excursion 

 3 - 4 hours | Dirt Roads | 2 - 3 Miles of Hiking

This tour is a perfect experience for those who want to see some of the largest, as well as off-beaten path waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest, while also riding in one of our custom-made jeeps, built for maximum adventure!

Sunrise Jeep Tour & Coffee

2 Hours | Paved Road | 5 - 10 Minute Walk

Experience the breathtaking sunrise of the Blue Ridge Mountains on our Sunrise Jeep Tour. We take you to the perfect spot to watch the sunrise and enjoy a locally brewed cup of coffee. This tour is an unforgettable way to start your day with a cup of coffee and a view that will take your breath away.

Our Vehicles

Custom built for Adventure

Seating for up to 8 guests (10 for private tours)

Offroad suspension and mud tires

Removable windows 

Designed so every seat has the best view

Customer Reviews

Highlight of our vacation.

We did the Backroads and Waterfalls Jeep Tour, it was everything we hoped-for. Brian, our guide, was a wealth of knowledge of the area, the history of the area, and the great outdoors. There was a flower that we questioned and Brian text us later that night with information about it and what it was. Very professional. We would highly recommend Asheville Jeep Tours

Kelly | Google

Waterfall Tour

My group of friends and I were visiting NC and wanted to see the waterfalls and do a little hiking. This jeep tour experience was perfect for just that. Our tour guide Clayton was awesome in showing us all of the waterfalls and sights around pisgah national forest. Definitely would do this tour again and to request Clayton!

Laila | TripAdvisor

Top-notch Guide Service

We had a wonderful experience on our Asheville Jeep Tour! Our guide, Katie, was very knowledgable about the area and was so nice. The waterfalls we saw were AMAZING and beautiful. If you like nature, this tour is a must!

Brandi | Google

Google rating 5.0 of 5, based on 221 reviews

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Dylan Gossett - The Back 40 Tour

The orange peel.

VIP First Entry Merch Package  includes: 

One (1) GA Ticket

One (1) Exclusive Gift from Dylan Gossett

One (1) Commemorative VIP Laminate 

VIP Venue First Entry (Where Applicable)

* Does not include convenience or handling fees.

Almost time for lightning bugs: Here's how to see rare blue ghost fireflies in Western NC

An annual event tied to one of Western North Carolina's natural wonders is coming back for the season. The Blue Ghost Firefly Twilight Tour will return May 14.

The tour's website describes the appearance of blue ghost fireflies as resembling "a tribe of fairies carrying blue candles through the forest." These unique, rare insects only live in a few areas, one of which is WNC's "Land of Waterfalls," Transylvania County.

Ghost fireflies are known for having a distinctive blue-green glow, unlike the yellow light you may be used to. The White Squirrel Institute says that blue ghosts are the only firefly species in North America that emits blue light, and are one of the smallest species in the world, measuring about a quarter of an inch long.

Here's what to know about the upcoming tours, and the fireflies they celebrate.

More: Great Smoky Mountains National Park synchronous firefly viewing; How to enter lottery

Blue Ghost Firefly Tour 2024

The Twilight Tour takes place at the Cradle of Forestry in America, 11250 Pisgah Highway (U.S. 276) in Pisgah Forest. The program begins at 9 p.m. and runs until 10:30 p.m. General admission is $50, and youth tickets (ages 4-12) are $25.

Each program begins with a 9 p.m. educational presentation at the Cradle of Forestry outdoor amphitheater. After the presentation concludes, guests use the cover of darkness to explore paved trails through the forest in search of blue ghost fireflies .

The tours are self-guided, but team members are stationed at locations throughout the trails to provide further information. Advance ticket purchase is required to attend the tours, so make sure you book online.

When can you see blue ghost fireflies?

Blue ghost firefly mating season is shorter than seasons for more common fireflies. They are generally active in late May to early June, meaning that they are active for only a few short weeks of every year. Like other fireflies, they begin their dance after dark.

The White Squirrel Institute says that every night, males fly low over the forest floor, glowing with a steady blue light. The females, who do not fly, will glow with a fainter blue light from the ground. When a male sees a female, he lands near her and flashes his light in a specific pattern. If the female is interested, she will flash her light back. Once they have matched patterns, they will mate.

Another unique and stunning feature of the insects is that their blue-green glow remains lit for up to a minute.

More: Word from the Smokies: Photographer and parks shine a light on the magic of fireflies

How rare are blue ghost fireflies?

There isn't much data on population numbers, but we know that ghost fireflies are a rare breed and unfortunately, they are only becoming rarer due to habitat loss and light pollution, which can disrupt the mating process. They are currently not on any endangered or protected species lists.

To help conserve these special insects, try reducing your use of artificial light and supporting conservation organizations. When searching for blue ghost fireflies, use a red light if you must use a flashlight. The Cradle of Forestry limits each night of their firefly events to 125 participants to keep their impact on the fireflies' natural habitat minimal.

How can I see blue ghost fireflies for free?

Tours like the one offered by the Cradle of Forestry are your best bet at spotting these rare bugs in their natural environment. However, blue ghost fireflies are found in various areas of the mountains in WNC. Here are some suggestions from the White Squirrel Institute on other areas you might be able to find some of these unique bugs:

• DuPont State Recreational Forest  – One of the most popular spots for viewing blue ghost fireflies. The forest offers several hiking trails that lead to streams and waterfalls where the fireflies live.
• Pisgah National Forest  – This large forest has many trails and camping areas, making it ideal for seeing fireflies.
• Cataloochee Valley   – This remote valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another location for viewing.
• Chimney Rock State Park  – This park is located about an hour’s drive from Brevard and is known for its scenic views and hiking trails. The blue ghost fireflies live along the trails in the park.

Make sure to check whether the area you're hoping to visit has a closing time that you'll need to observe before visiting.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].

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Waxahatchee

• April 30, 2024 Setlist

Waxahatchee Setlist at The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC, USA

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Waxahatchee Gig Timeline

• Apr 27 2024 Brooklyn Paramount Brooklyn, NY, USA Add time Add time
• Apr 28 2024 The National Richmond, VA, USA  –  Find tickets Add time Tickets Add time
• Apr 30 2024 The Orange Peel This Setlist Asheville, NC, USA  –  Find tickets Add time Tickets Add time
• May 01 2024 Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN, USA  –  Find tickets Add time Tickets Add time
• May 03 2024 Jannus Live St. Petersburg, FL, USA  –  Find tickets Add time Tickets Add time

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