Things to do in Asheville, North Carolina (NC): The Best Cultural Tours

July 20, 2021 Terina Blouin

If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Asheville—and eat, eat, eat. This town of less than 100,000 people has 17 farmers’ markets, and the local restaurant scene is all about taking advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. And don’t miss the area’s microbreweries.
Restaurants in Asheville

1. Asheville Literary Tour

2 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801, USA AVL LIt Tour
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

In addition to the sights and sounds of bustling Downtown Asheville, the AVL Lit Tour includes multimedia elements. Enjoy photographs and recorded readings inspired by Asheville’s literary scene.

Inclusions: Multimedia

Exclusions: Parking Fees

Reviewed By LantzMill

Even though we have visited Asheville several times, we learned a lot on this tour. If you love history and literature, you will love this tour. Highly recommend!

2. "Love Stories of Asheville" Guided Walking Tour

Biltmore, 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, USA Fun Top Fun USA
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. Is it true that Secret tunnels are rumored to lie beneath Asheville’s downtown area? You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. Or did you know that there are 15 wineries within 15 miles of Asheville? What is the most famous historical couple of Asheville? Michael C. Hall and Morgan Macgregor. This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

Inclusions: Local Professional Guide

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3. Lonely Planet Experiences: Private Walking Tour of Asheville

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801, USA Travel Curious - Asheville
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Before 'farm to table' and 'buy local' were 21st century catchphrases, they were a way of life in Asheville. The best way to uncover the city's friendly, small-town vibe is to enjoy it with a person who calls it home. Seemingly everyone you will meet on your private tour will be an artist - that's because Asheville has a way of bringing out the inner-artist in everyone, including you. Whether you fancy trying glassblowing or prefer simply to get lost in the blue hues of mountain-scapes, you will leave the city more in touch with your artistic side than when you arrived. As you wander, enjoy the eclectic architecture which captures the nature of the city: a collective of people who fought to preserve history at every turn. Your tour finishes in the South Slope Brewing District, where you can enjoy a large, local beer and get tips for the best way to spend the rest of your time in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Inclusions: A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group, Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places, A local beer from one of Asheville's craft breweries

Exclusions: Cost of transportation on the day (if required), Food and additional drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend favourites along the way, Hotel pick up, we do recommend a centrally located start point

4. Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour

197 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA BREW-ed
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4.9 based on 278 reviews

BREW-ed offers the only brewery tours in Asheville led by certified beer experts. Our team of Certified Cicerones will lead you through the brewing process as you sample some of the best beer Asheville has to offer. In between stops, our guides will share some of the local history. Asheville is a fascinating city with an exciting past. Our tours were ranked among the best in the world by National Geographic Traveler because they are a truly unique experience Other dates and times available.

Inclusions: Certified Cicerone guide, 3 - 4 six ounce samples of beer, 2 - 3 breweries visited depending on day selected, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By MKB-WHD

I would give this 6 stars if I could! We really enjoyed Cliff's knowledge and enthusiasm for the craft brewing scene. He really knows the art and the history of beer making, as well as the local impact that has made Asheville a beer drinker's destination. We had a great time, learned a lot and sampled some wonderful beers. This was truly a highlight for our time in Asheville and would highly recommend this tour to everyone. Even non beer drinkers will enjoy this trip. Cliff is a wonderful teacher and guide.

5. Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour

1 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801, USA Asheville by Foot - Walking Tours
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4.8 based on 189 reviews

Asheville by Foot’s remarkable guided walking tours will help you make the most of your Asheville experience. Whether you’re visiting Asheville for the first time or the tenth, with Asheville by Foot you’ll develop a deep appreciation for Asheville’s rich history, stunning architecture and unique culture. This is Asheville’s definitive tour, walking or otherwise, and is led by the most knowledgeable guides in the city. Have an amazing experience becoming an Asheville insider as you explore the city’s rich history, stunning architecture and unique culture. Enjoy an insider’s access to a number of hidden gems reachable only by foot as you tour one of the country’s most unique cities.

Inclusions: Tour Guide

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Reviewed By JustPeachy3

We began our long weekend in Asheville with a walking tour to orient ourselves. The weather cooperated and it was a great morning for a stroll. Our group assembled at 10 a.m. in the center of town, as instructed. Tebbe, our guide, showed up and distributed audio headsets, which were a real plus for the tour. I could see how otherwise you might have difficulty hearing in some spots, but this eliminated any issues. Tebbe is a long-time resident who genuinely seems to enjoy local history. He offered in-depth and often wry commentary on the city and its stories. We initially lingered at the starting point for a while and I was starting to wonder when the 'walking' part would start, but then we set off and kept a good pace for the remainder of the 2 hours. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and definitely got my bearings for the remainder of our walking throughout downtown for the rest of the weekend. We also saw a number of places that we returned to check out on our own later on. I would highly recommend this as one of your initial activities if you are planning a multi-day visit to the city.

6. The Best of Asheville Guided Walking Tour

Biltmore, 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, USA Fun Top Fun USA

Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Is it true that Secret tunnels are rumored to lie beneath Asheville’s downtown area? Or did you know that there are 15 wineries within 15 miles of Asheville? You will have a chance to explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Shevillians invented the Bellyak, aka the world’s first prone kayak.You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings and corners of Asheville. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

Inclusions: Local Professional Guide

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7. River Arts District Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour

The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA Asheville Free Walking Tours

For years, the River Arts District or "RAD," has been a popular spot for visitors; however, many guests arrive with the question: "What do we do once we arrive?" In response, I created a tour that would hit the highlights and provide my guests with a hands-on RAD experience they would not forget! We will start at the Magnetic Theatre, where they will perform a brief act! Next, we will walk down Depot Street to learn about the history of the RAD, the artists, and their galleries. We will stop at the Grind Coffee for a taste of local brews, a live demonstration of clay sculpting at ClayWorks, a private tour of the historical Grey Eagle Music Venue and a glass blowing demonstration at the NC Glasswork Center. Then we will walk alongside the river, learning stories about the legends of the French Broad and what activities you can do on the river post-tour! We will finish on Foundy Street to learn all about the graffiti that covers the walls and the creative local businesses.

Inclusions: Entrance to venues, tastings, and live demonstrations

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Q5722ZUdianal

Chrissy was very informative and gave a lot of interesting facts about the city. She told stories about things that happened and how the town became what it is today. The only suggestion would be the map that is given at the end of the tour, should be given at the beginning of the tour so you can mark the places you would like to revisit. Or have a better map marking where each attraction was with street names. But as far as the tour it was fantastic and would recommend it to anyone visiting Asheville.

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