Tours

It is not surprising that a city so rich in history and culture would have a historic trolley tour or a comedy bus tour, that a city that is home to the Foodtopian Society would have several food tours, and a city that has secured the title of Beer City, USA for the last three years would have a brews cruise. We even have several ghost tours for those brave enough to investigate the spirited side of Asheville. Even the modes of transportation the tours use are different.

Next to walking the downtown streets of Asheville NC, one of the best ways to experience Asheville is to take a historic trolley tour. These tours are offered by both the Gray Line Trolley Tour and Historic White Trolley Tour which begin at the Asheville Visitor Center. All tickets are 2-day passes and allow guest to jump off and back on again at any of the tour stops along the way. The tours are fully narrated by experienced guides. Each trolley company takes visitors through residential neighborhoods including the Montford Historic District, the famed Grove Park Inn and Resort, downtown Asheville – highlighting major points of interest along the way like the Art Deco architecture, the Thomas Wolfe House, historic Biltmore Village and the funky River Arts District.

Or, you can take to the sidewalks, gliding through downtown via a Segway with Moving Sidewalk Tours. This unique way to see the city is guided and originates at the Asheville Visitor Center. The tour leads you on a 2 to 2.5 hour journey through downtown including the Grove Arcade, Montford Historic District and the Asheville Urban Trail. 

If you are a paranormal enthusiast, or just fan of fright, a haunted Ghost Tour just might be up your alley. The Gray Line also offers a Haunted History & Murder Mystery Ghost Tour. This tour is a 75 minute fully narrated tour offered May through October at 7pm. Your guide will enlighten you on the aspects of Asheville’s darker side with stories of spirits, ghosts, goblins and hauntings. You will hear stories about the mystery at the White Gate Inn (one of our member inns), about the legendary Pink Lady of the Grove Park Inn; the ghost of Church Street, the haunting of one of Asheville’s most popular bars; the architect walled into his own church; the child spirits at the haunted hospital; Nazi agents based in Asheville; and so much more.

You can also take a walking tour into the world of the unknown with Ghost & Haunt Tour of Asheville and Ghost Hunters of Asheville. Experience a night into the spirit realm of documented haunted locations. Ghost Hunters of Asheville take you through Riverside Cemetery, where if you dare commingle with some of the older citizens from eras past.

Stepping out of the shadows and into to the light, there is the LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour and Haunted Comedy Tour. Jump aboard LaZoom’s distinctive purple bus and find the humorous side of Asheville on their city-wide afternoon and evening tours. During the evening join them on their adult only Haunted Comedy Tour and hear first hand real scary (and campy) stories. LaZoom is also a B.Y.O.B. bus tour and has been know to make stops at the Thirsty Monk for refills.

In support of Asheville’s brew notoriety, Brews Cruise will provide you with a designated (and highly knowledgeable) driver to sample some of the locally-made specialties and get a behind-the-scenes look at a variety of breweries. Along the way, the Masters of the Brew will explain how Asheville became such a beer Mecca. It is a lot of responsibility for the citizens of Asheville to keep 10+ breweries in business so your contribution to this effort is greatly appreciated.

If you are a foodie you have landed in the right place, after all Asheville is a premiere food destination and home to the Foodtopian Society. Asheville Food Tours offer guided walking tours into some of the best local establishments where you will taste some of the most memorable and exciting food in Asheville. This stroll offers the “best of Asheville,” one bite at a time. Eating Asheville Walking Tour explores downtown’s exciting food and wine culture. Each tour includes wine pairings, cheese, chocolate, tapas, oils, architecture, history and more. Both tours are 2 to 2.5 hour walking tour of Downtown Asheville.

It simply isn’t possible for to list all of the exciting ways to see Asheville – new tours are added almost monthly as our town seeks to show you its best. For a complete up to date guide on all Asheville and surrounding area activities you can review RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide.

And, of course your innkeeper will be an invaluable resource in helping you find the tour, and the style of touring, you seek!