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
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