Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina is known for its rich history, artistic culture, outdoor activities, and the famed Biltmore Estate. Gray Line Worldwide offers convenient Hop On Hop Off trolley tours with stops at top tourist destinations and little-known attractions alike. Settled in the late eighteenth century, Asheville served as a health resort and summer getaway for wealthy Americans after the Civil War. The 1920s saw the construction of beautiful urban architecture that remains a draw for visitors to this day. Experience the magic of Asheville and plan a trip with Gray Line Worldwide today!
Tour Expert, Gray Line Asheville
As America’s largest privately-owned home (yep, you read that right!), the Biltmore Estate spans a staggering 8,000 acres. With a beautiful Chateauesque-style mansion, manicured gardens, a winery, and on-site attractions, the estate was developed by George Washington Vanderbilt II in 1895. This landmark is not one visitors should miss, particularly as it attracts over one million tourists per year. A reflection of the lavish decor and lifestyle of the Gilded Age, the Biltmore Estate is filled with expensive artwork, antiques, and furniture collected by the Vanderbilt family over decades. Get ready to explore 250 rooms (and do a little wine tasting) when you visit!
For art lovers and creatives alike, Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD) is a thriving art community situated along the banks of the French Broad River. Spanning approximately one mile in length, the district is home to over 200 artists actively working in converted warehouses and industrial buildings that pepper the neighborhood. With custom pottery, paintings, glasswork, and textiles on full display, guests can watch artists at work, attend classes, purchase unique pieces, and participate in lively community events, including the monthly Second Saturday Art Stroll.
For beer lovers everywhere, Asheville is a hub for craft breweries. In fact, the city has affectionately been dubbed “Beer City USA.” With over 30 to its name, Asheville contains more craft breweries per capita than any other city in the United States. Visitors can sample a diverse spectrum of local brews, including hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, and innovative sour beers. Many breweries in the area offer guided tours, which can provide behind-the-scenes insights into the beer-making process and the decisions that go into cultivating specific tastes. Iconic places include Wicked Weed Brewing — home to over 130 beer types per year — Burial Beer Company, and New Belgium Brewing (among many, many others!).
For visitors with a penchant for the outdoors, Pisgah National Forest is a must-see spot located just outside Asheville. With some of the best hiking opportunities in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Pisgah covers over 500,000 acres of waterfalls, forests, and mountain views. An array of diverse hiking trails cater to enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, including Looking Glass Rock Trail, a 6.2-mile round-trip that ascends 1,700 feet through rhododendron and fern foliage. For less ambitious explorers, the Graveyard Fields Loop cuts through a high-meadow landscape filled with blueberry bushes, waterfalls, and bogs.
Located at 1 Battle Square, the Asheville Pinball Museum has been a beloved attraction since its opening in 2013. With its unique blend of modern and nostalgic installations, the museum gives guests the chance to try their hand at over 80 classic pinball machines and arcade games. Every entry fee includes unlimited play on all machines, which offers a great way to kill a few hours (and digital baddies) with friends and family. With machines stemming from the 1950s on, the Asheville Pinball Museum is a fun and interactive way to learn a thing or two about the history of arcade culture.
As Asheville’s heartland, the downtown district embodies the unique culture and artistic spirit of the city. With several art galleries — including the Asheville Gallery of Art — present in the area, visitors can stroll down Woolworth Walk and grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants. Over 200 locally owned and operated boutiques offer handmade crafts, vintage memorabilia, and other souvenirs for tourists wanting to take reminders of Asheville home. The Battery Park Book Exchange + Champagne Bar is one venue not to miss, particularly for bibliophiles interested in combining some book shopping with champagne tasting.
For visitors looking for some laughs, give the LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour a try. Combining jokes with local history, this colorful excursion provides participants with a humorous perspective of Asheville as they travel around on the company’s distinctive purple bus. During your ride, you’ll enjoy comical and theatrical performances from animated guides who excel at delivering funny anecdotes and exaggerated stories about the city they call home. To cater to different interests and tastes, LaZoom Comedy offers several themed bus tours, including the Hey Asheville: City Comedy Tour, Ghosted: Bus Comedy Tour, and (a sure favorite with the younger members of your crew) the Lil’ Boogers: Kids’ Comedy Tour. Who knew learning could be so hilarious?
Explore the 434-acre North Carolina Arboretum, a public botanical garden located slightly south of Asheville. This landscaped space combines natural beauty with educational experiences, which makes it a popular destination for locals and out-of-towners alike. It doesn’t hurt that the arboretum is situated against the gorgeous backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway. Check out the National Native Azalea Collection, Bonsai Exhibition Garden, and Owl Ridge Trail for some up-close-and-personal interaction with some of North Carolina’s most exquisite natural foliage.
Along with its status as Beer City, USA, Asheville is also known as a renowned foodie destination, particularly when it comes to farm-to-table dining. Focused on sourcing sustainable ingredients, many Asheville restaurants curate seasonal menus that highlight the fresh produce and artisanal products local to the region. For fans of tapas, Cúrate is a nationally acclaimed 2022 James Beard Award winner with a menu that features gambas al ajillo (sizzling prawns) and chistorra y chips. Chai Pani is another favorite known for its innovative Indian street food.
Before you leave Asheville, carve some time for a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway, otherwise known as “America’s Favorite Drive.” Stretching for 469 miles, this road links Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Built during the Great Depression as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program, the parkway provides the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax, and soak in the natural beauty of the Southeastern United States. Don’t miss a stop at the Folk Art Center, home to regional crafts and various heritage sites.
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This was a fun experience! Our driver was great! Very informative! I recommend this for sure!
Mark gave us a fabulous tour of Asheville and a great overview of its history and development. First class!
Drivers were great and very informative. This was my third trip on trolley in Asheville and always enjoy it. Good way to see the town.