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Lead the Way

Lead the Way: Amid nearly two dozen tours operating in Asheville, check out these new (and newish) ways to experience the city
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Easy Rider

If you like biking but find the city’s rolling hills too demanding, ease your effort with The Flying Bike tours, which reveals Asheville’s history and remarkable architecture during a two-and-a-half-hour power-assisted ride. $62; (828) 450-8686; flyingbiketours.com

Wake Up & Smell the Coffee

Move over, beer. Asheville Coffee Tours offers a different kind of buzz by showcasing the city’s dynamic caffeine culture, with stops at independent coffee shops and micro roasters, including South Slope Coffee. You’ll even receive a complimentary bag of beans at the end. $43; (704) 770-8366; ashevillecoffeetours.com

Float Your Boat

New as of this summer, The Brew Tub offers the chance to experience the French Broad River without getting wet by taking you aboard an 18-foot white-water raft, replete with a 10-foot table in the center around which you can enjoy craft cocktails, BYOB, or a catered dinner. $40; (828) 712-4669; Facebook: The Brew Tub

Get Lit

Booklovers won’t want to miss AVL Lit Tours, which explores the historic power of local and regional authors, including Wilma Dykeman, Thomas Wolfe, and O. Henry, through literary destinations in the city’s walkable downtown. $25; (828) 338-8943; avllitmap.com

 

Heighten Your Awareness

One of the best ways to take in elevated views of the city and its vibrant craft cocktail scene is through Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, which melds sightseeing and history with stops at several lofty rooftop restaurants and bars. $45-$54; (828) 774-7785; ashevillerooftopbartours.com

Detour de Force

Whether you’re looking for team-building, family fun, a girl’s trip, or a bachelorette celebration, you’ll find it with Asheville Detours’ self-guided, interactive experiences, which utilize scavenger hunts and personalized adventures alongside local food and drink tastings, depending on which tour you choose. $65-$75; (828) 919-2355; ashevilledetours.com

From Seed to CBD

Learn all about hemp, its myriad uses, and how it can boost our health and economy on Asheville’s first hemp-infused excursion. Running through October, Franny’s Farm & CBD Hemp half-day tour includes a look at the hemp farming operation in Leicester, plus lunch and a stop at Franny’s Farmacy dispensary to learn about CBD oil and shop for products. $105; (828) 246-6777; leapfrogtours.com

Have Dog, Will Travel

Explore Asheville with your best four-legged friend through Dog City, USA Tours, which hits dog-friendly establishments while imparting points on good dog etiquette and how to navigate the city with your pooch. A beer and lunch for both you and your pup are included. $45; (828) 656-8305; dogdoorcanineservices.com

RESOURCES: 
Photographs (from top) courtesy of The Electric Bike; by Josh Ness; courtesy of Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours; by Emily Carr