best food tours asheville nc

Asheville Food Tours is the original Walking Food Tour of downtown Asheville, North Carolina!

– Locally Owned & Operated –

On our tours you will experience the best of what our famous food makers have to offer, learn what makes each stop and the whole town so special, delve into the history of Asheville, and become familiar with downtown, while in the capable hands of a true local who knows our city well! Touring Asheville never tasted so good!

ABOUT THE TOURS

The downtown tour.

Offered on Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday / Up to 7 Stops / Alcohol Included / 3+ hours $85 per person 

Experience the Original Asheville Downtown Food Tour. Each tour will visit up to seven handpicked downtown restaurants and food shops, offering a wide variety of food tastings from artful ethnic appetizers washed down with a splash of pinot to hand crafted sizzling delights. You quickly realize that Asheville is a proud and local economy and each business embraces this “keep Asheville local” movement. Asheville offers homegrown embellishments along with its modern exploration into spicy multi-cultural riches. With its strong roots in Southern heritage, Asheville has branched into a cosmopolitan Mecca of abundant food choices from all around the world, which we Asheville food enthusiasts are eager to share with our community and visitors.

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The Food Fan Tour

Offered on Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday / Up to 7 Stops / Alcohol Included / 3+ hours $85 per person

Experience downtown Asheville’s food scene with the #1 local food writer and online food personality, Stu Helm, aka “The Food Fan” as your guide. Stu will take you to his personal favorite restaurants, fill you up with some of what he considers to be the best bites & drinks in town, while also pointing out historic buildings along the way, talking about the history of Asheville, answering questions, and telling stories. Whether he’s writing, podcasting, or leading a food tour, Stu’s knowledge & enthusiasm for our local restaurants is unmatched!

To learn more about Stu Helm, visit: https://stuhelmfoodfan.com

Brunch Tour

Offered on Saturdays / Up to 7 Stops / Alcohol Included / Approx. 3 hours $85 per person

The brunch tour is a great way to start the day! Experience delicious foods, enjoy brunch cocktails, and survey the unique architecture that make downtown Asheville spectacular.  This Saturday tour, which begins at 11:00 am, features up to seven stops, which include drinks and a sweet! Come hungry and finish with time for other Asheville activities.

Private Tours

Custom built for your group of any size. Contact 828-243-7401or [email protected] to book. 1 person = $250 2 People = $300 3 People = $420 4 People = $500 5 or More People = $120 per person

Please use the calendar below to purchase tickets for any of our tours!

All Asheville Food Tours listed on the Calendar are $85 per person.  For private tours, email [email protected] or call 828-243-7401

We are looking forward to having you on a tour! Please read our FAQ below, and if you have further questions, please call 828-243-7401

Your Tour Guide will contact you on the morning of the tour with the meeting place.

Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable, as they guarantee your spot on the tour.* If you need to reschedule, please call 828-243-7401 within 72 hours of the tour. If any tour is canceled for any reason, ticket holders will be offered a full refund, a full credit, or a reschedule.

* If you are concerned that you may need to cancel, please consider using “Peek Protect” insurance, which will be offered when you purchase your tickets.

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Our gift certificates never expire! They will always be good at face value.

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Asheville Food Tours

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Asheville Food Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Eating Asheville Restaurants

Eating Asheville is proud to partner with over thirty five of Asheville’s most popular downtown restaurants, from well established classics like Tupelo Honey and Zambra’s to hot new spots like Cultura and Noble The Greenhouse. Your tour will visit 5-7 of the following establishments – all within walking distance of one another.

Food & Brewery Tour Partners

Home of Asheville’s first James Beard nominated chef, Jacob Sessoms. Table is all about market-driven, locally-sourced food and drink. Table offers a daily menu, authentic cocktails, and a boutique organic and biodynamic wine list.

Chocolate Lounge

The French Broad Chocolate Lounge handcrafts artisan chocolates and pastries featuring superb local ingredients. While keeping green, the lounge offers live music, local beer, and wine. They are voted #1 in the “best of Asheville” for sweets and chocolates.

Three-time James Beard nominee John Fleer brings his unique “foothills cuisine” to Asheville. Rhubarb transforms local ingredients into world-class dishes. Rhubarb is the place where rugged, refined, fancy, and familiar merge in one.

The Lobster Trap

Since 2005, The Lobster Trap has been THE seafood destination for visitors and locals. Food and hospitality abound and the oysters are always fresh. With the best live music, local beer, and great drinks, it’s no wonder that they have been awarded “Best Seafood” every year since opening their doors.

Formerly The Imperial Life, the space began as an upscale auxiliary bar to Table. It served many great years as a craft cocktail and charcuterie bar in downtown Asheville. Imperíal is a fun and lively space, with an agave focused cocktail menu. There is dining and music every evening, with a host of events and parties.

Strada Italiano

The restaurant calls to mind a traditional neighborhood trattoria. The menu includes dishes representing all regions of Italy, including Chef Anthony Cerrato’s traditional family recipes. They offer hand-tossed pizzas, savory pastas, grilled or sautéed meats and seafood, house-made desserts, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options are all made to order and feature locally sourced ingredients local producers.

The Social Lounge

Asheville’s Original Craft Cocktail Bar! Original craft cocktails, wine, local brews and brunch along with the best rooftop seating in Asheville and live music on the 19th century piano – Eat, Drink, and be Social!

White Duck Taco

Opened on Biltmore Ave. in 2013 after the smashing success of the original River Arts District location, Ben and Laura Mixson offer a multitude of super fresh takes on tacos in a bright and arty atmosphere.

Mountain Madre

Fairly new to the downtown restaurant scene, Mountain Madre Mexican Kitchen and Agave Bar is a hip Mexican restaurant that offers the largest selection of tequila available in Asheville, a sunny outdoor patio, and fresh, local ingredients crafted into traditional Mexican fare.

Asheville Chocolate

Asheville Chocolate’s primary goal is to make the finest chocolates and gelato in the heart of Downtown Asheville. They make them all by hand in small batches in the shop, using only the best ingredients, including white, milk and a variety of dark chocolates from Belgium.

Isa’s French Bistro

Located in the Historic Haywood Park Hotel, Isa’s boasts a creative menu celebrating traditional French favorites with a local twist. From a Vegan Breakfast to a one-of-a-kind exquisite meal, Isa’s always has something new to try. Executive Chef Peter Crockett showcases his finesse through innovative and seasonally inspired cuisine focused on the use of local and regional products.

This is the second Asheville venture from 4-time James Beard nominee John Fleer and is situated behind Rhubarb on Lexington Ave. The Rhu offers a full scale bakery and café along with regional grocery and pantry items. Breakfast, lunch, coffee and the best baked goods around from the also James Beard nominated pastry program.

Blue Dream Curry House

Blue Dream Curry House opened in the BLUE Ridge Mountains with the DREAM of providing a fresh, affordable international menu to Asheville, without skimping on culinary intrigue. With every ingredient sourced regionally, and an exciting offering of traditional curry dishes and local drink, Blue Dream has “curried” favor quickly here.

Bier Garden

An Asheville institution, serving the largest selection of beer in WNC since 1994. Order any sandwich or burger you can imagine, or a robust salad or classic pub entrée or appetizer and hit the game room or watch a game on the big screen in the open-air dining room.

67 Biltmore

This café, deli and catering outfit is in the iconic storefront that was Laurey’s. Adam and Emily Thome are continuing the legacy with breakfast, lunch and take-home dishes available Monday-Saturday on the ‘Restaurant Row.’

Bhramari Brewhouse

Situated at the gateway to the South Slope, Bhramari is the collaborative effort of Asheville veterans chef Josh Dillard, brewmaster Gary Sernack and bar guru Josh Bailey. These longtime friends and colleagues merge craft beer, on point seasonal cuisine and craft cocktails in a unique environment that is an artistic statement equal to their gastronomical creativity.

The Gourmet Chip Company

The Gourmet Chip Company has gourmet chips like you’ve never had. They are original and a one of a kind. The Chip Co. offers kettle style, Japanese sweet potatoes, plantain, and taro root chips combined with a myriad of toppings and dips, a local favorite!

Sunshine Sammies

We’ve added some delicious frozen treats to the Eating Asheville menu. Sunshine Sammies serves up ice cream sandwiches and other sweet treats you might remember from your childhood. Think sprinkles, milkshakes, moonpies, and oatmeal cream pies!

Baba Nahm offers “lightning fast” food that is full of fresh ingredients and Middle Eastern flavors. From the Chicken Schwarma and Israeli Potato Fries (seasoned with zatar, lemon tahini and harissa) to the colorful, energetic décor, this Grove Arcade eatery delights the senses.

Noble Cider Downtown

Local craft ciders with artisanal pub fare designed to compliment.  We believe in crafting our food like we do our ciders – innovative and inspired by local ingredients to remain “true to the core”.  Also serving brunch on Sundays!

Crave Dessert Bar

Come to Crave for delectable desserts, stay for the fun, romantic atmosphere, small plates, and innovative cocktails. Their red velvet waffles with white chocolate fondue pairs well with Sincerely, Crave, a smoky bourbon cocktail. Or try a sippable dessert like Chocolate Cocaine, featuring chocolate vodka.

Sovereign Remedies

With a regal ambiance, exceptional bar food, and one of a kind craft cocktails, Sovereign Remedies is a must see when visiting Asheville. Sovereign Remedies offers proper cocktails and liquid remedies. The European style patio is the ultimate place to enjoy an authentic cocktail prepared by some of Asheville’s finest mixologists.

Located at 39 N. Lexington Avenue in Downtown Asheville, featuring a small batch cider production system, scratch kitchen, and private event space. They pride themselves on only using apples local to the area within the Blue Ridge Mountains. With more than 100 awards under their belt, they are now the country’s largest independently owned cidery.

Hawaiian culture meets Southern Charm in the Historic Grove Arcade. Serving up a fresh Big Island spin on Texas BBQ, featuring Hawaiian flavors, fresh fish, classic Texas BBQ, signature island cocktails, and decadent big country cakes for dessert. Owners are Lisa and Ben, and their concept is a fusion of Ben’s obsession with barbecue and Lisa’s love of fresh Hawaiian food. Visit Huli Sue’s →

The Aventine

A tasting room created by Plēb Urban Winery to showcase their locally produced wines and feature other producers who also focus on their local terroir. These growers and winemakers are known for using organic, biodynamic or minimal intervention practices. The Aventine is also home to the wine exhibit of the North Carolina Craft Beverage Museum.

Cultivated Cocktails

Formerly H&H Distillery, Cultivated Cocktails Distillery began as a time for a father and son, Wendell and Taylor Howard to bond over their mutual love of science and the art of distilling, and has since grown to a full-scale operation that produces award-winning spirits each year. The shop offers small batch handcrafted spirits, home bar goods, mixers and gifts.

Highland Brewing

The largest independent, family-owned brewery native to the Southeast. With a portfolio of beers that honor tradition and blaze new trails, they are proud to be Asheville’s pioneer in craft and a leader in southern beer.

Independently owned and operated, no-nonsense, New York-style pizza. They’re slinging thin-crust pizza, Italian restaurant staples including subs, pasta and salads and locally sourced vegetarian options, as well as beer, wine, hard cider and coffee.

Peace, Love, Tacos

Located in the historic S&W Market, a little sister restaurant to Mountain Madre, Mexican kitchen and agave bar. We focus on the freshest ingredients full of flavor, locally sourced from Hickory Nut Gap Farms and Mountain Foods as well as handmade margarita mixes.

The Blackbird

Hands-on owner, Chef Michael Reppert works with local and regional farmers and food producers to ensures that his food is fresh and a true reflection of Western North Carolina. The Blackbird’s goal is to delight guests with cooking grounded in the traditions and ingredients of the Carolinas, creating an affordable and vibrant menu that is Modern Southern with a “nod” to tradition.

Opened by James Beard nominee and local legend Katie Button, La Bodega is a sister restaurant to Cúrate. This is their all-day café & Spanish specialty food shop, providing house-baked bread and pastries, casual lunch, take home paella in the evening, curbside pickup and semi-prepared frozen Cúrate favorites.

Well-Bred Bakery

Well-Bred is an award-winning bakery and café enjoyed daily by locals and tourists alike. They offer lunch, brunch, fine pastries, cookies and cakes. In September 2015, Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe was featured in Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of 15 Amazing Small Town Bakeries!

Bun Intended

Bun Intended serves Thai-inspired street food and specializes in steamed buns, bak and curry. Specializing in homemade steamed buns, they combine organic ingredients and locally-sourced proteins with innovative flavors and colorful dishes to create delicious food. Winners of 2019 Asheville Food Truck Showdown.

Asheville Food Tours

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Asheville Food Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Registration is now open for our Wild Food Immersion Series - Click here to learn more!

Forage & Feast in Asheville

Experience tripadvisor's #1 foraging activity in the us.

Where else on the planet can you walk in the woods, be entertained, and find a five-star meal coming out of the earth?

guest review

• MOST POPULAR

Foraging Tour

Wander through woods and meadows with expert guides, gathering any of over 500 edibles depending on the weather and the season. Enjoy a cooking demo, tasting, and the option to have your finds prepared at one of Asheville’s top restaurants.

• Clock 10 a.m.
• Calendar Thurs.
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Wild Food Stroll

Discover some of our area’s most common edibles of field and forest just five minutes from downtown Asheville. That evening, enjoy edibles seen on the tour at the inn’s Vue 1913 restaurant.

• Clock 8am-7pm
• Calendar daily

What’s in My Yard?

Discover your yarden , the wild edibles growing just outside your door. You’ll meet over a dozen wild foods: greens, berries, mushrooms, and more. You’ll receive a list of your edibles and a “treasure map” showing where to find them. We’ll talk about harvesting and preparation, similar-looking species, medicinal uses, and more.

Ready to go wild? Experience what brings millions to Asheville every year — the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the vibrant food scene — with our unique forage-to-table tours.

We’ve been taking people “out to eat” for over 27 years. Tours are offered year-round. Led by expert guides, you’ll discover at least a dozen wild edibles, including ones you might find in your own backyard. Depending on the weather and the season, these can include mushrooms, greens, fruits, roots, berries, flowers, nuts, and more. We’ll gather together and cook up a tasting. Keep your foraged finds or have them crafted into an appetizer at an award-winning Asheville restaurant .

For a truly unique, 100% Asheville experience, join us off the eaten path. Tours average 10 participants and are family-friendly and suitable for all ages and abilities . Our introductory e-book is included, and all equipment is provided. Discover how fun, safe, easy, and delicious foraging can be!

Our guides are all experts in the field , including a former forager for over 75 restaurants, a naturopathic doctor, a board member of the North American Fruit Explorers, and an ethnobotanist with a master’s in Appalachian studies. For them, foraging is a way of life. With passion and precision, they make foraging safe and fun .

“With Hannelore’s help, we were able to literally get a taste of the connection people can experience with nature.”

A Lovely Morning with Hannelore , TripAdvisor

We had a wonderful adventure from morning to night , TripAdvisor

“My 7-year-old had constant questions, and Christian was so sweet, she took a moment every time to answer and talk with him.”

Google review

“Justin was informative, engaged, and obviously very passionate and knowledgeable, which in turn made us more excited.”

A great way to reframe how you experience nature , TripAdvisor

“Thanks to Kat, I was feeling like a kid again AND having fun with my grown-up teen. It’s not easy to find both things in one experience!”

Food is Everywhere,  TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Reviews

The foraged items can be taken to local restaurants where they cook a plate so delicious I couldn't believe it came from what I'd always considered weeds…

It was like having an all-access backstage pass to nature's most fantastic show on earth.

beautiful and informative

It’s like going on a treasure hunt where no one sees the treasure but you…I felt I was in a different world with the perfect guide.

You could be in any kind of shape, any kind of experience, at any age and it would be valuable and fun.

Even in the middle of winter, we had a great time.

A must for any foodie, backpacker, or nature enthusiast.

I left the tour with the ability to turn a quarter of my backyard into a salad.

You truly felt like they wanted you to have an amazing time.

We took our 6th tour last month and look forward to our 7th one tomorrow.

I felt like I was a kid again, surrounded by enchanted, abundant woodland.

Everyone had a good time - no matter the age.

I have done multiple tours with No Taste like Home and every time gets better. I learn more and experience more. They are magical.

the time just flew by

This is an activity you could do more than once and have a totally different experience each time.

We've wanted to take one of these tours for years and absolutely loved it. The guide and tour were interesting and tasty. We can't wait to return to Asheville and take the longer tour! Highly-recommended!

I booked the Wild Food Stroll with my 2 kids, and they LOVED it. Our guide was knowledgeable and had fun activities for kids (eat leaves from a tree like a giraffe). My kids came home and have enjoyed pointing out the edibles in our yard...and eating them too!

Our family ranging from 4 to 72 years old all had a blast. The tour was very informative and interactive. We all got to enjoy the outdoors while tasting what the wilderness was offering that day. Highly recommend for an activity that is not only different, but a lot of fun.

We had a great time strolling around with Becky. She was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We learned a lot and she created some excitement for us to forage around our own area when we returned home. Thank you.

wildfoodasheville

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Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

• Contact for booking
• Asheville, NC 28801
• Phone: (919) 237-2254
• Region: Downtown
• Visit Website

Asheville Downtown Tasting Tour – Asheville’s Downtown Tasting Tour is a fun and delicious way to explore the city! Throughout the walking tour, you will sample savory and sweet favorites from downtown Asheville’s renowned farm-to-table restaurants, eclectic cafes, and specialty food stores. You’ll also learn about the history of the city, the architecture, and the incredible culinary scene from your tour guide. By the end of this tour, you will feel like a local! Register in advance. 

Asheville Downtown Custom Corporate Tour – Let Taste Carolina introduce you to downtown’s most exceptional hidden gems! You’ll enjoy delicious food and drink from the city's best chefs and mixologists. Along the way, your tour guide will share how Asheville came to be the foodie destination it is today. Whether it’s a private tour for ten people or 200 people, Taste Carolina will tailor a special day or evening to your needs. Contact by phone or email. 

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Eating Asheville Tours

Review Highlights

“ We choose the standard tour (there is a high roller tour ) and our tour guide was Anne. ” in 15 reviews

“ Kasey was our tour guide and provided humor and historical knowledge as we went from location to location. ” in 15 reviews

“ We will be back and the first thing I will book is another Eating Asheville food tour, hopefully with Joe ! ” in 21 reviews

Location & Hours

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20 Battery Park Ave

Asheville, NC 28801

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Eating Asheville specializes in Walking Food Tours of the nation's only "Foodtopian" society, Asheville, North Carolina. We have walking brewery tours of Asheville. Beer City, USA. …

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Should I do the classic or high roller tour? I care about the food more than the drinks!

I suggest the classic tour since you are more a food person like I am. We had a very good time walking with a very well informed guide. I hope you have as good an experience as we did.

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Overall rating

144 reviews

Joe was a great tour guide! Personable, knowledgeable and friendly. The food was amazing and more than enough. Highly recommend!

We had a great time! I loved learning about the local food (and drink!) scene, and Joe was a fantastic tour guide! He personalized the tour for us by asking everyone what they most wanted to learn about - for me it was everything. :) I also really love that you all feed a homeless/hungry person for each ticket that is purchased. Highly recommend for a great way to learn about the city and indulge in some great small bites and yummy drinks.

Delicious empanada!

Great beer!

A fun excursion. A sampler of good food and a taster from the restaurants that you will want to revisit. Our guide Joe was warm, friendly very knowledgable and fun. We also learned more of Asheville history. An unexpected plus was meeting and hearing the stories of the others who we were also on the tour. Instant friend's! We did the High-Roller. Go for it!

See all photos from John K. for Eating Asheville Tours

Did we have a good time overall? Yes. However, do I think it's worth the $92/person price tag all in with taxes and fees... to sample 5 places with varying portions of food and drink? Not quite. The classic before fees is $79/person. It offers "minimum of 5 stops and at least 2 drink pairings" from their website. Don't get me started on the 15.5% extra they tack on for "taxes and fees". If the unavoidable city tax for Asheville is 7%, the remainder is 8.5% for what? Their website/payment services? To be fair, the pricing is similar to one we took part in NOLA $78/person with Destination Kitchen but the food and portions were more balanced (albeit without drink pairings). For $10 more base price, you can book the high roller tour $89/person. After all is said and done I'm wondering if we should have spent the extra amount and upgraded to the high roller since the descriptor highlights "most elegant, trendy, and acclaimed" options. I understand the business also needs to make a profit along with giving a cut to the tour guides. At the beginning and throughout the tour, the guide continued to emphasize that if we were still hungry by the end that they have not done their jobs. However, there's more to consider. I'll go through the 5 places we tried and how one of the newest additions isn't even listed still on their website so if you were to look ahead of time for the offerings you would not expect it! We met our group inside the Grove Street Arcade on a Monday in September which is a great spot with some shops and public restrooms before we started. STOP 1 - The Rhu https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-rhu-asheville This is the cafe/breakfast bakery sister to Rhubarb, which is more upscale. They prepared a small cup of iced sweet tea with half of their breakfast sandwich. The refreshing tea with sugar cubes paired nicely with the buttery biscuit sandwich. Value: $8.50 for full sandwich and drink was not listed so going to estimate total is worth one sandwich. STOP 3 - Bold Rock https://www.yelp.com/biz/bold-rock-asheville-asheville The Cidery story actually started in VA but I'm glad they expanded to NC. We sampled a 6~7 oz cider paired with a Bruschetta and Bacon Apple Grilled Cheese. (American, cheddar, goat cheese, local apples, bacon, Dijon aioli, sourdough) It was super tasty and really enjoyed everything!! Value: ~$5 half pour, ~$10 for the food so one of the better values STOP 3 - Mëhfil https://www.yelp.com/biz/mehfil-asheville-2 Full buffet spread of ~6 Indian dishes with Mango Lassi and a tasty alcoholic beverage too! Now this place is the spot I mentioned isn't even listed with their logo on the restaurant page... I checked their Instagram which isn't updated frequently either and they announced just the day before our tour so this is brand NEW. Unfortunately this is one of the cuisines my SO does not eat. We would not have known that reserving in advance... which is a shame. Value: ~$25-30 honestly since they were offering generous full size portions of their dishes that you could serve yourself, this was hands down the best cost wise. If you were to fill up it would be at this stop. The staff were also super nice and hospitable! STOP 4 - Manicomio Pizza https://www.yelp.com/biz/manicomio-pizza-asheville Plain and simple pizzeria with some funky designs. We sampled a single slice which may have been their special of the day with cherry tomato and artichoke and a lemon wedge to spritz. It tasted good, but forgettable. They just gave us water. Value: $5.50 by the slice for daily special STOP 5 FINAL - Sunshine Sammies https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunshine-sammies-asheville Makes sense we'd end on dessert and we sampled 1/2 a sandwich of I believe their seasonal pumpkin! It was a sweet way to conclude the tour. Value: $4, a full size seasonal flavor is $8 I was full from the generous spread offered at Mëhfil which carried the food and drink side of the tour. Unfortunately my SO didn't get to fully enjoy the experience, and there was no way we could have expected they'd take us to the new restaurant that was just announced. Even being generous with some of my estimates, I landed at value of ~$60, which is still short of the cost you're paying especially when more than half of these locations are more fast casual spots. The most disappointing was the pizzeria, since aside from the artwork I didn't feel anything unique about the taste and seems like a wasted opportunity given the list of other more interesting restaurants. I enjoyed the historical information the guide sprinkled throughout along with background about each of the locations. Next time I'll keep in mind for Mondays where many restaurants aren't open.

See all photos from Hanna G. for Eating Asheville Tours

Two friends and I visited Asheville for the first time and this walking food tour was the highlight of our trip! Joe was our guide and he went above and beyond to show us the sites and to teach us about the history of this amazing city. Best of all was the amazing food and beverages- we kept debating which dish was the best! We will be back and the first thing I will book is another Eating Asheville food tour, hopefully with Joe! Highly recommend!!!

See all photos from Traci H. for Eating Asheville Tours

An absolute blast - so much great info about the city, the local restaurants, such great food. An absolute blast of an afternoon. Savannah was an incredible wealth of knowledge and has an palpable, genuine love for the food scene of Asheville. I would recommend it to anyone coming here.

Keeping a group of people engaged for a few hours is a hard task, especially when there are distractions. However, Joe captured our whole tour groups attention right away, and was an amazing tour guide! We went to a few restaurants and were blown away by each one. We went from the Middle East, to American Cider, to modern Mediterranean to Indian Comfort, and ended with local chocolate and gelato. In addition to our food, we encountered a few potent potable (alcohol) pairings that hit the spot. Overall, if you want to try some new restaurants, expand your palette, or try new bites at somewhere you've already been, I highly recommend booking a food tour with Joe at Eating Asheville. You will NOT be disappointed!

Joe (our guide) is all of the positive things you'll read about in the other reviews, and has the storytelling knack of a local attorney (which he was in a former life!) We lucked out with getting a little more than advertised in our Classic Tour, and plan to try out one of the more extensive packages next time. One note that shows you a lot about Joe's character: along the tour, he would stop to hand out healthy snack bars to a few homeless individuals. The next time you're walking down a street or driving somewhere and you want to help someone who's in a rough spot, think of Joe.

Eating Asheville Walking Food Tour was a blast! Our tour guide was Joe Azzolino. He was informative and funny. We did the Classic 5 restaurant tour and it was perfect. Let me tell you that we are still talking about the off the charts delicious Sausage Biscuits from RHU!!!!!!!!!!! Joe made sure that we always had a designated table(s) to sit at in each restaurant, he bussed our tables, and food was brought out promptly and hot. The dishes we ample amounts too. Highly recommend this tour! Yummy!!

The High roller was a blast and we got to try so many different food options. It is so fun to do food tours in different cities to try places you may have been and to be able to hit up new spots you wouldn't normally venture into. We chose the high roller to get the most out of the day and the portions were not small and nothing was skimped on! I would absolutely recommend this tour too anymore.

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An Asheville Food Tour: 10 Fun Places to Eat + Where to Stay

Thank you to Aloft Asheville Downtown for hosting me. As always, all opinions and recommendations are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy  here .

I always try to find really fun eats everywhere I go and well, I found them in Asheville ! This may be the most I have EVER eaten on a 5-day trip! I even gained 1.5 pounds and I usually lose weight on a trip from so much walking! The food was seriously that yummy…

So, not only do I have the perfect eats list for you, but I also have the perfect place to stay in Asheville! Don’t worry, it’s close by so you don’t have to go far to crash with your full belly! 😜

Asheville Resources & Recommendations

• Aloft Asheville Downtown – (where I stayed) Read reviews | Book rooms
• TripAdvisor – Find the best tours and reviews for Asheville!

Where To Eat

1. buxton hall barbecue.

Normally, I don’t look for a BBQ place. Being from Alabama, I can get a lot of good BBQ here. However, this place got great reviews. We decided to check it out!

After starting with their French Onion Dip for an appetizer, I ordered their signature Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich . This wasn’t just another fried chicken sandwich.

Nope, it had both pimiento and American cheeses, bread and butter pickles and the most AMAZING white BBQ sauce! It was better than any white BBQ sauce I’ve EVER had! My friend and I both told the waiter we just needed a spoon…or a straw!

After you drink…um, I mean eat all the white BBQ sauce you possibly can, finish the meal off with their Banana Pudding Pie or their S’mores Icebox Pie ! Both were good, but the Banana Pudding Pie was the clear winner and it’s a Southern favorite!

One other cool treat is that they serve RC Cola products including Cheerwine! Remember Cheerwine? This definitely brings me back to my childhood!

TIP: They don’t take reservations. We went on a Thursday night around 7:45-ish and got a table. It was pretty full! Also, there is a lot across the street that is pay-to-park. It isn’t expensive, but you do have to sign up for the app which I didn’t like. Street parking is available too.

Buxton Hall BBQ is open Sunday-Friday 11:30am-3pm and 5:30pm-10pm and Saturdays 11:30am-10pm and is located at 32 Banks Avenue, South Slope Asheville, North Carolina.

2. Biscuit Head

The line out the door should give you a clue…it might be relatively new (only established in 2013), but Biscuit Head rocks the breakfast scene!

We might have slightly pigged out. I mean just slightly…you have to try several things on the menu right? You know, normal things like eggs, sausage, and fruit.

But also, really unique specials of the day like coconut chocolate bacon and banana bread with strawberries and a balsamic reduction glaze!!

Most everything comes with a giant fluffy biscuit and they have an assortment of jellies, jams and spreads to put on those biscuits! Cool flavors with a twist like chocolate jalapeño, sour cherry and Amaretto. This was my most favorite part!

TIP: Earlier seems better here. We went on a Friday morning at 9:30 and still had to wait in a line about 10 people deep. When we left at 10:45, the line was how you see it in the photo-out the door and around the corner! Also, you order your food in line and THEN go sit down. You aren’t allowed to save a seat while your friend is ordering.

Biscuit Head is open Mon-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm and has multiple locations.

3. French Broad Chocolates

Stop in at French Broad Chocolates for an afternoon snack or dessert.

Not only is it the cutest place ever with rustic features…

but it has incredible desserts! These are the chocolate mousse and the chocolate crème brûlée and they were both amazing!

TIP: After your delicious dessert, grab a mini box of their chocolates to go for later! I did this and was so excited to taste their exotic flavors on the car ride home from the trip!

French Broad Chocolates is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Fri/Sat 11am-Midnight and located at 10 South Pack Square, Asheville, North Carolina 28801

4. Green Tea Sushi

For those of you sushi-lovers out there… Green Tea Sushi is where you want to be!

My favorite sushi is salmon and I wanted a plate full of it!

Along with my miso soup and salmon sashimi , I also ordered a variation of the Asheville Roll . I say a variation because it normally has salmon tempura and cream cheese on the inside with smoked salmon and avocado on top. I changed the smoked salmon to fresh salmon and added mango.

Let’s just say it made an awesome combination!

TIP:  They have a wide selection on the menu and it’s fresh so you can’t go wrong with whatever you order!

Green Tea Sushi has various hours of operation and is located at 2 Regent Park Boulevard, Asheville, North Carolina 28806

5. Tupelo Honey Cafe

Another great place we had brunch was Tupelo Honey Cafe !

We started off with biscuits and honey and washed them down with two of their signature house-made drinks: Lavender-Limeade Fizz and Sparkling Blueberry Punch .

For entrees, Heather had the Gulf Coast Lump Crab Benedict (except with salmon because they didn’t have crab that day) and I had the Tupelo Shrimp & Grits . Both were fabulous!

There may or may not have been a Banana Pudding Pancake on the side…😍 I like banana pudding, okay??

TIP:  Be prepared to wait around 30 minutes especially during peak times. Also, don’t be afraid to try to make a combo of your own. I wanted a side of the Banana Pudding Pancakes, but they couldn’t do a side of them. They could, however, bring me one regular pancake with a side of the banana pudding. Score!

Tupelo Honey Cafe is open Sun-Thurs 9am-9pm, Fri/Sat 9am-10pm at the Downtown Asheville location (where we went) located at 12 College Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801. They do have other locations in Asheville and in other states!

You might also like: 15 THINGS TO DO IN ASHEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Rhubarb serves farm-to-table cuisine in a contemporary, yet rustic atmosphere. The owner and executive chef is John Fleer, a three-time James Beard finalist!

We chose to share a combo of their Passing Times (small plates) and an EYV (Eat Your Vegetables) and tried the Goat Cheese Buratta , Heritage Pork Meatballs , and Smoked Mushroom Cassoulet .

I couldn’t decide what I liked best…the goat cheese was creamy, the meatballs so flavorful and well, I love anything with mushrooms in it!

Then they brought out the Chicken Fried Border Springs Lamb Sweetbreads . How awesome is this presentation??

The Sweetbreads were amazing! Let’s just say we left full  stuffed and happy.

TIP: Make reservations in advance. Closed on Tuesdays. Order from The Rhu for a picnic lunch to take with you to one of the many surrounding parks!

Rhubarb  is located at 7 North Pack Square, Asheville, North Carolina 28801

7. Vortex Doughnuts

Pop into Vortex Doughnuts for breakfast or just a treat! It’s one of the best donut shops in North Carolina !

They have yummy flavors like this Turtle one, Cherry Chocolate , Salted Caramel, and more!

If you are a coffee drinker, they do great latte art and the latte is pretty tasty itself!

TIP: There are so many good flavors, I recommend getting a few to share with a friend for taste testing!

Vortex Doughnuts is open daily 7am-5pm and is located at 32 Banks Avenue #106, Asheville, North Carolina 28801

8. Blue Ridge for Sunday Champagne Brunch

Blue Ridge is described as a farm-to-table artisanal buffet. It’s located in the Omni Grove Park Inn and you are handed a glass of champagne as you are escorted to your table overlooking that gorgeous view from the back of the Inn!

When I say they have everything you can imagine on the buffet, I do mean EVERYTHING! From crab claws, a variety of salads, chicken and waffles and bread assortments…

to donut trees, homemade crepes, desserts and even a candy station!

TIP: Book in advance either on their website or OpenTable. It is a LARGE restaurant, but Champagne Brunch is only served on Sundays from 12pm-2:30pm.

Blue Ridge is located 290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28804

9. Early Girl Eatery

After hiking to Triple Falls, a filming location in the first Hunger Games, we decided to catch a bite at Early Girl Eatery which sort of has its own role in the movie franchise. Well, Josh Hutcherson was interviewed there by Entertainment Weekly while in town filming. Does that count?

Once again, we tested out a few things on the menu. Hiking can you make weirdly hungry. I said weirdly because…well, because this:

I ordered Broccoli Cheddar Hushpuppies (served with apple butter and creamy garlic dressing), 1 Strawberry Chocolate Chip Pancake (all baked into the batter, not toppings) and a side of French Fries .

Yeah, I know. This is what happens after a 4.5-mile hike combined with wanting to sample something different on the menu (hushpuppies), the special off the menu (pancakes) and something you only allow yourself to eat when you travel (fries).

All 3 were really good. My favorite was the strawberry chocolate chip pancake! I couldn’t really taste the cheddar in the hushpuppies so they just tasted like regular hushpuppies to me, which I love. I also liked both the garlic dressing and apple butter with them too (just not in the same bite).

TIP: If you get a seat in the very back, you can have a view of Pritchard Park.

Early Girl Eatery has various hours of operations and is located at 8 Wall Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801

10. King Daddy’s Chicken & Waffles

On our last meal before going to see the murals in Asheville and then heading home, we stopped at King Daddy’s Chicken & Waffles . I’m sure you can guess what we got!

Yep, you guessed correctly! You can choose your type of chicken, type of waffle and even your syrup or topping! I got chicken tenders and a Belgian waffle with caramel sauce . It was absolutely amazing!

You might be wondering why I chose caramel sauce. Hint: it’s under Sticky Fingers !

TIP:  Think outside the box! Choose a topping from the list you might not normally see and surprise yourself! Also if you don’t like to deal with bones in chicken breasts, get the chicken tenders. Much better experience!

King Daddy’s Chicken & Waffles is open daily 8am-10pm and located at 444 Haywood Road #101, Asheville, North Carolina 28806

Where To Stay

Aloft asheville downtown.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Asheville, look no further than the Aloft Asheville Downtown .

The Entrance

Walking into the front entrance, you are greeted by the announcement that the Aloft Asheville Downtown has a foster dog!!

Having 2 rescue dogs myself, I love this and didn’t know about it before my arrival!

The first thing that drew me to the Aloft was all of the colors. Bright, cheerful color everywhere. This is really only about 1/3 of the lobby. It’s huge!

There’s a convenience store where you can get Starbucks coffee!

Hit up the W XYZ Bar  for a drink with friends. The locals even come here to hang out!

While you’re having drinks, get your pool game on or even have your own impromptu guitar gig!

The Hallway

Let’s talk about how cool this hallway is. VERY rarely do I notice a hotel hallway, let alone do I stop to photograph it!

The spacious rooms have extremely comfortable beds where you crawl beneath the fluffy duvet and sink into the mound of pillows while you watch the large flat screen TV on the wall directly in front of you.

One of the most important things I look for is usually on this table. Outlets. Outlet access is important. There were plenty for both beds located below the drawer complete with an open shelf to store your computer, iPad or anything else larger than your phone.

But, guess what else it had?

Switches to turn the overhead lights off without having to get out of bed!! Such a simple amenity is so huge to me. After I’ve gotten in from a long day and I’m just flipping on the computer to work, it’s really nice not to have to get out of bed again just to turn off the lights!

The Bathroom

The bathroom area is spacious and includes a separate sink/counter space from the shower/toilet area. Perfect when you have two people trying to get ready at the same time. Especially if those two people are both girls!

Closet area, safe, and coffee maker with supplies conveniently located all right there!

One thing I haven’t seen before that I love and will now look for…In the shower, not only do you have ample space to store your toiletries (whether you use the nice ones they provide or your own), but they actually have hooks to hang your shower puff!

Finally!! I didn’t need to pull out my travel hook at this hotel and that was a first!

You have a mini fridge as well as a carafe and glasses for water. They provide ice like most hotels, but they also provide you with a carafe to fill with their purified water which is located at a station in the hallway.

No need to buy bottled water or drink tap water (if that isn’t your thing). Fill up your carafe with purified water and store it in your fridge if you like it cold! Perfect!

The Best (My Favorite) Part

Meet Cricket , he’s Aloft Asheville’s 99th foster dog !

He’s a 2-year-old Rat Terrier and is the sweetest thing ever. Hopefully, he’s already been adopted. He is completely comfortable with people and likes his toys!

Did I mention he’s cute and super sweet? I HATED saying bye to Cricket and I wanted to take him with me, but I already have 3 dogs .

I love the work that Aloft Asheville Downtown does with dog rescue. Cricket is #99 and when they reach #100, they are having a big party celebration!

Convenience, fantastic amenities, super-friendly staff, colorful, vibrant decor and participates in animal rescue. All reasons the Aloft Downtown is THE place to stay in Asheville!

Aloft Asheville Downtown found a forever home for its 100th foster dog!

Lolly, Aloft Asheville’s 100th Foster Dog. Photo Credit: Madison Roberts Photography

According to the hotel’s official press release from May 7, 2018, “Lolly, a Papillon Chihuahua mix, went home today with the Hultin family from Flat Rock, marking the 100th dog to find its forever home through the foster dog program at Aloft Asheville Downtown, a McKibbon Hospitality property.”

Lolly with her new mom, Karen Hultin. Photo Credit: Madison Roberts Photography

” ‘We couldn’t be more excited to be Lolly’s forever family,’ said Karen Hultin. ‘Adopting her through Aloft Asheville and working with their foster dog partner, Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue, has been a wonderful experience. Their program is an excellent model that helps save the lives of dogs in need and serves as a fun perk for travelers and locals visiting the hotel.’ ”

Aloft Asheville Downtown has served as a catalyst for programs in 10 other hotels across the US and one in Canada. They have been featured in People , O Magazine , Condé Naste , The Huffington Post as well as other news media.

Pet Perks-Aloft Asheville Downtown

• Pets stay free of charge
• The hotel provides water bowls, a signature pet bed, dog toy, and locally baked dog treat
• Artificial turf path made just for dogs to run and play on the hotel’s outdoor Air Walk

I don’t know about you, but this makes me want to make a trip to Asheville just to bring my dogs to stay at the Aloft Asheville!! 😍🐶🐾❤

Have you been to Asheville and eaten at any of these places or stayed at the Aloft Downtown ? What was your favorite place to eat or your favorite part of the hotel? If you go to any of these, I would love to hear how it goes!

Also, for you adventure lovers, check out my day ziplining in Asheville !

‘Til next time…

Trimm Travels,

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22 Comments

Wow, it is amazing how much you managed to eat in just 5 days. It looks like you spent your whole time just eating. I am not judging here when I travel it is also 90 percent food intake. The food of Ashville looks delicious. I have to admit, having never been to the US, that it has an image of being unhealthy not very tasty and in general greasy, but all the pictures you took look delicious.

Hi Lena, we did manage to eat a LOT in 5 days but it isn’t by far all we did for sure. That was more eating than I usually do on a trip but there was a lot of good food there. Definitely, there’s a lot of food in the US that isn’t healthy, but you won’t have problems finding healthy options here nor specialty diets either (such a vegan, vegetarian, etc). Like just about every other country I’ve been to, it’s choices of the eater! Thanks for reading! 🙂

Wow so much food! Those doughnuts looked incredible! As a vegan myself, would you say there were veggie options in most places in Asheville?

Hi Anna, oh yes there are DEFINITELY a LOT of vegan options in Asheville! I would say Asheville is a fabulous place for vegans honestly! You shouldn’t have an issue there at all! The donuts were amazing I have to say! Thanks for reading! 🙂

Donuts and biscuits and brunch OH MY! All of these places look amazing. We’ve been interested in visiting, but we had no idea Asheville was so foodie! Thanks for sharing this awesome list 🙂

Hi Meagan, believe me it wasn’t on my radar either! I had no idea Asheville was such a foodie town, but it is and they do quite well at it! Definitely try to go visit. Thanks for reading! 🙂

I would (will!) absolutely plan a trip to Ashville just for the Coconut Chocolate Bacon!! That sound spectacular – and I’m a huge bacon fan so always looking for a new variety. I’ve never even heard of White BBQ Sauce, so will need to check that out as well. I love the idea of a hotel having a foster dog – what a brilliant way to find new homes for shelter animals. Gives people a chance to connect with the dog one-on-one. And, I would imagine it’s a lot less stressful on the dogs to keep them there than in a shelter, too. Wins all around!

Hi Cynthia! YES!!! You’re so right about it being less stressful on the dogs! They get used to being around people and get loved on by guests and the staff and get to lounge in the chairs. It’s just a perfect situation for them. And I had never seen or heard of this happening until I got on site. And the coconut chocolate bacon. Girl. I’m not a bacon fan (cue the gasps I know!) and this was good stuff! White BBQ sauce is the best. Come on down to the south and experience good (not always healthy) food! Thanks for reading! 🙂

Everything looks so delicious! I like how you managed to eat at so many places in 5 days…we were so disappointed that we were only able to visit 3 of our 7 chosen places in 3 days in Panaji, Goa. Also, all these eateries have such cool names. Why would anyone not want to have breakfast at a place named Biscuit Head!

Hi Mohana! I’ve been there with not being able to eat at all the places I had planned and it stinks. I was actually surprised we packed in as much eating as we did, but we stayed hungry with all the activities we had planned too! And yes, Biscuit Head…it’s the best thing ever that place! Thanks for reading! 🙂

Been to Asheville a number of times, and the food scene there, as you discovered, is delectable. Loved hearing about Aloft — what a cool, funky vibe for a Marriott property! And so very very cool they have a foster dog program. In fact, I love arriving at a hotel, or B&B or inn and being greeted by the “official pooch” who takes it very seriously ensuring every guest has equal opportunity to play, snuggle or pet. Put that hotel on my “to stay at” list next time I am in Asheville. And will look to check out Rhubarbs too.

Hi Michael, man the food is amazing! And yes, I love to be greeted by the resident doggy too! It says a lot to me when any property has an animal in residence, but this one just blew me away with a foster/adopt program! Definitely try to stay there next time you are in Asheville and love on the foster pooch! Thanks for reading! 🙂

Isn’t it remarkable how food and food culture can define a place and even make less interesting place interesting. The better tasting food the more we like the place. Right now I am visiting Warsaw in Poland where the food is simply amazing. No matter what I try it tastes delicious. Cannot get enough. So I am eating, and eating and eating. …. and surely gaining pounds,,, but I love it. Warsaw will always be for me a place of comfort. I guess we are all foodies. Bon appetite.

Hi Eva, for sure the better the food the more interesting a place! This usually (well, a lot of times) dictates my perception of a place and what stays in my memory too! Thanks for reading! 🙂

Wow….think I’d have to go on a diet beforehand if I ever visited Asheville, with all that amazing food around !

Hi Mel, nah…no prior dieting required. Just staying active with all the local activities was enough to not really gain weight and I think the 1.5 lbs I did gain was gone within 2-3 days so that was water weight! LOL! Asheville does have an amazing food scene! Thanks for reading! 🙂

The Biscuit Head and the French Broad Chocolates had me riveted. Seeing the queue outside the Biscuit Head, I am sure that they must be serving one hell of a breakfast. The chocolates and desserts of French Broad Chocolate look really tempting. This is a wonderful list of eating places and places to stay in Asheville.

Hi Sandy! Biscuit Head serves a FANTASTIC breakfast for sure!!! The aLoft is the perfect place to stay too! Thanks for reading! 🙂

That’s an impressive amount of food! This seems to be a fantastic way to discover local produces. Such a diversity of choices, colors, and taste! It must have been heaven (though I could see dreaming about food at night!). Rhubarb and Tupelo Honey Cafe would see me as a regular customer!

Hi Patricia! You’re right, it’s a fantastic way to discover the local produce! It was heaven, I did dream about food and I still miss those places to eat. Rhubarb and Tupelo Honey are both amazing! Thanks for reading! 🙂

Thank you for this detailed guide!

Hi Harriet-Thanks for reading! 🙂

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11 of the Best Tours to Take in Asheville

Asheville’s walkability makes it a great place to explore on your own but lots of great tours can add a deeper dimension to any vacation. Whether you’re looking for a deep dive into Asheville’s craft beer or culinary scenes or for something completely different, like a foraging tour, these are 10 of the best tours to take in Asheville.

La zoom bus tours.

La Zoom tours are in a class of their own. As Asheville’s loudest tour in terms of the giant purple bus and rowdy patrons that can BYOB, these tours employ some of the best comedians and performers in town. Choose from their city comedy tour, haunted comedy tour or band and beer tour – the latter features an actual band at the front of the bus. A separate kids’ comedy tour option can also be booked and has become a popular option for birthday parties and field trips.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTCGSxEBoB3/?taken-by=lazoom

Those who want to do more than taste Asheville’s famed craft beer scene should consider booking a brewery tour at Sierra Nevada or New Belgium or join one of the regularly scheduled tours at a number of other Asheville breweries. But craft beer geeks should consider joining a certified Cicerone-led Brew-Ed tour, which National Geographic has dubbed one of the best tasting tours in the world.

Several rental outlets dot the French Broad River providing adventurers with kayaks, tubes and SUP boards to enjoy the massive river away from its banks. Wai Mauna Asheville leads highly rated SUP, or stand-up paddleboards, tours that take guests through the Biltmore Estate or Asheville’s River Arts District .

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYqsD5XAcl0/?taken-by=waimaunasup

Wild foraging tour

No Taste Like Home has the corner on wild foraging tours in Asheville, led by foraging expert and author Alan Muskat who spent decades supplying prestigious restaurants and resorts like the Grove Park Inn with bushels of mushrooms. Now, he offers tours that put guests in his shoes, sharing his expertise and breaking bread over the group’s findings as tours included a cooking demo and tasting, restaurant-made appetizer with your finds and an optional cooking class.

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If you’d rather eat cuisine prepared by some of Asheville’s amazing chefs instead, consider one of Asheville’s top-rated food tours, which many visitors have remarked as the highlight of their trip. Choose between Asheville Food Tours or Eating Asheville , both ranked in the top 15 of tours overall.

Giant bicycle tour

The Amazing Pubcycle caters to the barhopping crowd as a way to get from place to place a bit quicker and with a plastic cup in hand aboard a 13-passenger megacycle. Bachelorette and bachelor parties love these power-pedal experience that will ride your group from bar to bar or just for a spin around town.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQqXUKEFENQ/?taken-by=amazingpubcycle

Waterfall tour

Waterfall hunting is an active sport in Asheville since the area has literally hundreds of waterfalls of all shapes and sizes to discover. Some visitors opt to go on a self-guided waterfall hunt, but for a richer experience, interested folks can book a hiking tour of Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls through Tumblestone Tours and Transportation , ranked as the #1 tour in Asheville on TripAdvisor.

Blue Ridge tour

Speaking of the Blue Ridge, another way to experience this iconic mountain range is through the Blue Ridge Hiking Co. Founded by Appalachian Trail expert and author Jennifer Pharr Davis, her company offers day and overnight trips as well as scheduled hikes and workshops.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be9LJSPHzjQ/?taken-by=blueridgehiking

Hot air balloon tour

For another amazing way to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors may want to consider a magical hot air balloon tour. Many tour-goers have called their balloon-riding in Asheville bucket-list-worthy, and these tours become especially popular during the area’s extremely colorful falls.

Haunted tour

Whenever a city has maintained some of its original structures – and Asheville has many centuries-old haunts – then ghost stories often follow. Combine Asheville’s location among America’s oldest mountains with its historical landmarks and it’s no surprise that Asheville has several highly rated haunted tours, including one by the infamous La Zoom “big purple bus” haunted tour and the hearse tour operated by Dark Ride Tours.

Asheville Urban Trail

Lastly, this self-guided walking tour won’t cost you a thing except for time. Start at Pack Square ’s visitor center to grab a map and visit plaque #1, then follow the 1.7-mile trail as it weaves through downtown and showcases Asheville’s history, culture and a few iconic figures through bronze statues and plaques.

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Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

Places to Stay

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Fall Color Forecast 2024, Asheville & NC Mountains

Plan your summer festival fun in the nc mountains.

The fall foliage show in the mountains and foothills surrounding Asheville in western North Carolina brings a kaleidoscope of leaf colors for many weeks. Our Blue Ridge and the Great Smoky Mountains have one of the longest autumn color seasons in the country, thanks to our many 6,000-foot peaks (highest in the eastern USA), deep valleys, and varying microclimates. Experience a 5-week span of color that slowly descends from the tallest ridges down to the lowest valleys. During the past 20 years, we've tracked the foliage peak times and the best places to see. (Feature Photo: Graveyard Fields)

Blue Ridge Parkway & Mountains Fall Color Forecast 2024

Leaf peepers ask: “When is peak color?” Great news... we have many weeks of autumn color in our mountains and foothills. Since you find the areas of the best color by simply driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or other scenic roads up and down the ridges, you don't have to worry about exact dates. The elevation is the biggest factor for the time of color change. Also, chilly sunny weather speeds up the color change, and warm weather and rain prolong it. See the many details below!

Our Typical Peak Foliage Color Timeline - Don't focus on exact dates since nobody can predict mother nature.

• September Last Week: Spotty color begins at 6,000+ feet in the highest mountains plus on high rocky ridges, including  Rough Ridge  and  Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• October First Week: Colors transform above 5,000 feet elevation, including  Mount Mitchell  and Grandfather Mountain . Mile-high Beech Mountain is a great place to stay for refreshing temperatures. South on the Parkway, head to Waterrock Knob and Black Balsam areas. Hike & picnic atop both Max Patch and Roan Mountain on the AT.
• October Second Week : 4,000-5,000 feet elevation. Best colors really pick up steam, including Mount Pisgah and Devil's Courthouse areas south on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The mountains surrounding Waynesville and Cashiers peak, including Whiteside Mountain with the Shadow of the Bear . Also, see the colorful highest ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and drive the Cherohala Skyway . Camp at Lake Santeetlah .
• October Third Week: 3,000-4,000 feet elevation. The ultimate week for the most color includes large sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check out Little Switzerland off the Parkway, as well as Bakersville and Spruce Pine . This also includes much of Pisgah National Forest near Brevard . Drive the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway . Top hikes there include Looking Glass Rock or Cradle of Forestry . North of Asheville, the best color will be Banner Elk , and hikes to Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain at Linville Gorge. West of Asheville, head to Maggie Valley , Cherokee , and Bryson City .
• October Fourth Week: 2,000-3,000 feet elevation. The city of Asheville, French Broad River , and Biltmore  show their best color, along with many of our small towns, including Sylva and Saluda . It's a great time for a waterfall hike in DuPont State Forest or a stroll at the NC Arboretum .
• November First Week: 1,000-2,000 feet elevation. Color fills the lush Hickory Nut Gorge at Chimney Rock . See the fall reflections on Lake Lure . Also, hike and camp at Lake James and South Mountains State Parks east of Asheville. The leaf progression concludes in the foothills around Marion , Rutherfordton , and Tryon Foothills Wine Country .

Note: We tweak this forecast depending on weather patterns and our observations. Please remember that locations for peak color are estimations based on previous years. Also, areas at the exact same elevation often change at different times, depending on sun exposure, soil conditions, and more.

Fall color on Biltmore Estate includes the massive mum display in the Walled Garden. See our  Fall at Biltmore Guide .

Blue Ridge Parkway Top Stops One of America's top scenic drives is the best place to see the autumn show.  See our 20 Parkway Top Fall Stops  near Asheville.

Fall Events There are many street festivals and autumn-themed events in September and October in Asheville and nearby small towns. See our Favorite Fall Festivals . 

Best Photo Spots For ideas, go to our  Blue Ridge Mountains Fall Photo Tour . Find our top Scenic Drives and top Mountaintop Hikes with panoramic views.

Autumn Leaf Viewing Tips Here are some of our tips for a fabulous fall getaway:

• Make your lodging reservations ASAP at our top B&Bs , cabins , and hotels . Many book up weekends well in advance.
• To avoid the biggest crowds and to save on lodging, stay Sunday through Thursday nights. Saturdays during October are very busy everywhere!
• If you are exploring the outdoors in our national parks and forests, research first. Frequently, you will not have cell or Internet service in remote areas, including many hiking trails and waterfalls.
• With the Blue Ridge Parkway's great variation of elevation, it is the easiest place to find color during most of October. The elevation of the Parkway in Asheville is approximately 2,200 feet, and it rises to 6,000+ feet as you drive north or south. When you find a particular area of brilliant foliage, take a hike , picnic at an overlook, or detour on an intersecting road. Be patient and expect slow traffic, especially Saturdays and Sundays. Since the Parkway has limited signage for things to do along the road, see our Blue Ridge Parkway Top 20 Fall Stops .
• If you encounter fog and low clouds on the Blue Ridge Parkway, don't despair. The weather changes rapidly, so it could be sunny around the next bend. In mid to late October, snow or ice is possible at the higher elevations. Road closures and conditions on the Blue Ridge Parkway, along with weather reports, are available by calling the Parkway information line at (828) 298-0398.
• Bringing the dog? See our Pet-Friendly Guide .
• Bring a sweater or jacket. While it might be 70 and sunny in Asheville, it could be 20 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Rainy day? Here are some indoor options for things to do.
• Take a picnic or snacks, especially if you are driving the Parkway. Restaurants and stores can be hard to find in the most scenic areas.
• For visits to Biltmore Estate, buy your tickets in advance to save money and to get your preferred house tour time. See our Fall at Biltmore Guide for details.
• Fill up the gas tank before leaving the city. Gas stations are sparse in remote areas, and there are none along the Parkway.
• Don't rely 100% on your GPS to navigate our mountain roads. That's a good way to get lost. Take a map or our written directions for the many places we feature.
• Take your camera. The warm light of the early morning or late afternoon can create especially dramatic images. Rainy days often provide the most striking and rich photos! Morning fog also creates dramatic photo opportunities.
• Enhance fall colors by wearing polarized sunglasses.

Stroll through a variety of gardens and on peaceful woodland trails, located in Asheville adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don't miss their impressive bonsai garden exhibit and many special events during the year.

Navitat Canopy Adventures

Experience the zipline canopy tour USA Today called “one of the best in the nation!” Just 20 minutes from Asheville, Navitat has two very different courses with the longest zip line at 3,600 ft. long.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing from Bryson City. Many special event train rides including beer, wine and Polar Express.

300 Things to Do

See our master list of places to see and things to do in the western North Carolina mountains, including Asheville and our many small towns. 

Packages & Specials for Asheville & Mountains

Pick a package or special perfect for your vacation, with discounts and travel deals for hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, country inns and cabin rentals in the North Carolina mountains.

Experience Biltmore

Take in the grandeur of our country's largest home, the "Downton Abbey" of America. Explore the many rooms inside the house, walk through breathtaking landscapes and gardens, taste vintages at the winery and enjoy fine dining. See many things to do with our detailed insider's guide!

Shadow of the Bear

See this unique fall natural phenomenon in Jackson County just for a few weeks each year, evenings along US 64 near Cashiers in Nantahala National Forest.

Farm Visits & Tours

Visit farms and learn about their local food. See buffalo and alpacas, sample local cheeses, watch bees make honey, visit wineries, pick apples and more. Plus, tour historic farms at Biltmore and in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Winery Visits & Tours

In addition to the nation's most visited winery at Biltmore, take a winery tour in the foothills area including around Hendersonville and Morganton. Sample the local wines while enjoying the mountain views. See our Top Wineries to see in western North Carolina.

Fly Fishing

Enjoy plenty of fishing spots, whether novice or experienced. Full- and half-day guided trips, tying classes and classes geared toward women. 

Blue Ridge Parkway Top 50

Elk in Cataloochee, Great Smoky Mountains

Watch the elk in beautiful Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The best time is just before sunset. Take a picnic and tailgate. Also, tour historic buildings or hike.

Weekend Getaways: Discover Top 40 Coolest Mountain Small Towns Near Asheville

There are lots of options if you want to plan a few fun day trips while you are in Western North Carolina. Explore our favorite cool small towns in the NC mountains near Asheville, each with its own personality, local shops and restaurants, friendly residents, and relaxed atmosphere.

Best 75 Mountain Hikes

There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are in pristine national forests or parks. We picked our favorites and created extensive guides for each with photos and details. Find hikes for all skill levels in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.

Waterfalls Top 60

Of hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, we picked the most spectacular falls that are easy to find. Some can be enjoyed with a short walk or even roadside. Others require a scenic hike. See full descriptions for each, with plenty of photos! Also see Waterfall Drives & Maps.

Downtown Asheville

Spend a day exploring downtown, with hundreds of locally-owned shops and galleries, museums, restaurants, breweries, and pubs. Visit Pack Square Park, dance at the Drum Circle, go to a festival or enjoy street performers. See our favorite things to do!

18 Scenic Drives

See gorgeous countryside, mountain views and charming communities on a windshield tour via national and state scenic byways near Asheville. Lots of opportunities for stops along the way. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Top 30 in NC

Explore the most visited national park in the country! See our top places and things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side near Asheville. Four entrances to the Park are within 60 miles of downtown Asheville.

Top Guided Tours & Experiences

Take a guided tour for sightseeing, art, wildlife, history, food, beer, waterfalls, wellness and more in Asheville and western North Carolina. See our list of favorites.

Top 20 Picnic Spots

Dine outdoors in nature! Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views.

Top 75+ Outdoors - Asheville & NC Mountains

Explore our mountains with hikes, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and many thousands of acres of national forest and park land. Get outside in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains with our 70 favorite things to do.

Top Art Galleries

Visit a gallery to be amazed at a big variety of local art and craft, including glass, paintings, pottery, and every other medium you can imagine. Asheville and the North Carolina mountains are home to hundreds of world-class artists. Here are our favorite galleries to see their creations.

Thanksgiving & Christmas Looking ahead, see our  Thanksgiving Things to Do  and  Top Holiday Outings .

• Fall Festivals & Events: Asheville & WNC (September-October)
• Top Bed and Breakfasts In and Around Asheville
• Best North Carolina Cabin Rentals Near the Asheville Mountains
• Vacation Packages & Specials, WNC, Asheville & Biltmore
• Fall Color Photos: Blue Ridge Mountains Top 25

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Fall at Biltmore

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Solo vacations: the 36 best places to travel alone in 2024.

These fun destinations make traveling on your own simple and spectacular.

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From beach retreats to artsy escapes, take your next solo trip to somewhere spectacular.

Perth, Australia

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Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

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Asheville, North Carolina

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New York City

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Search form, aspca spay/neuter alliance.

Our Services

• The ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance offers high-quality, low-cost spay/neuter services to the communities of Western North Carolina.
• If you reside in Buncombe County or the surrounding areas, please click on the "Book Online" link below to make a spay/neuter appointment for your pet.
• Appointments and transport services are also available through our partnerships with local shelters and rescue organizations in 18 surrounding western North Carolina counties.
• Please check out the "Directions" tab above to find contact information for our spay/neuter partners operating outside of Buncombe County. You may get an appointment more quickly through one of them.

  Surgical Fees

There is no additional cost for pregnant, in-heat or cryptorchid animals or community cat ear-tips.

We accept debit and credit cards only. Financial assistance may be available. Please email [email protected] for details.

  Vaccine Fees

Administered only with surgery.

Required Vaccines

Optional Canine Vaccines

Optional Feline Vaccines

Important Instructions for Patients Before Surgery     |     After Surgery

Please read before booking! We have very limited public appointments at this time and do our best to provide them to pets and their owners most in need. We respectfully ask that if you are able to afford a traditional veterinary provider, you seek a spay/neuter appointment with them. We appreciate your consideration.

Book Online for Asheville, NC

If you are finding it difficult to get an appointment directly through us, please see the Directions tab (above) for partner organizations who also offer spay/neuter appointments.

  Not in Asheville? Find a clinic near you.

ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance adheres to the standards for Spay/Neuter Medical Care Guidelines developed in 2008, and updated in 2016, by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians' Veterinary Task Force to Advance Spay/Neuter.

ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance has worked to provide a solution to pet overpopulation in Western North Carolina since 1994, and we continue to expand our reach nationally through spay/neuter training programs.Since opening, we have spayed and neutered over 500,000 cats and dogs.

Our 11 licensed veterinarians and 35 medical support staff are leaders in providing high-quality spay/neuter procedures and have been described as “setting the gold standard” across the nation by those who have trained with us. All of our veterinarians are compassionate animal lovers who have collectively performed hundreds of thousands of spay/neuter operations. At the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance, your beloved pet is in safe, caring, and professional hands.  

The ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance is operating on a modified schedule with limited public appointments available. You may make a spay/neuter appointment here . You may make a post-operative recheck appointment by calling (855) 434-9285.  

Tour Our Facility

Take a virtual stroll through ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance's campus

  Contact Us

Email us at [email protected] .

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Take the US 19/US 23 South to the I-240 West, exiting at 3A (Patton Avenue). Turn right onto Leicester Highway and drive approximately 7/10 mile, turning right onto Heritage Drive (between the GO Grocery and the Enmark gas station). Bear right at the fork, then left, following the signs for "Building A."

Take the I-40 West to the I-240 West, exiting at 3A (Patton Avenue). Turn right onto Leicester Highway and drive approximately 7/10 mile, turning right onto Heritage Drive (between the GO Grocery and the Enmark gas station). Bear right at the fork, then left, following the signs for "Building A."

Take the I-26 West to the I-240 East, exiting at 3A (Patton Avenue). Turn right onto Leicester Highway and drive approximately 7/10 mile, turning right onto Heritage Drive (between the GO Grocery and the Enmark gas station). Bear right at the fork, then left, following the signs for "Building A."

Take the I-40 East to the I-240 East, exiting at 3A (Patton Avenue). Turn right onto Leicester Highway and drive approximately 7/10 mile, turning right onto Heritage Drive (between the GO Grocery and the Enmark gas station). Bear right at the fork, then left, following the signs for "Building A."

Free Transportation Services

We offer a free transport service, which is provided through our 20 animal welfare transport partners in 18 counties of Western North Carolina.

Our highly skilled and dedicated employees pick up scheduled patients at a pre-arranged location that is supervised by a local transport partner. The patients are then brought to our facility in safe, climate-controlled vehicles for surgery, and then returned to the drop-off location the next day.

If you are interested in having your pet transported to our clinic, please contact your local humane organization, listed below, to ask about the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance transport schedule.  

Not in Asheville? Find a clinic near you.

Join Our Team!

We’re seeking qualified candidates in the Asheville, North Carolina, area to fill open positions at the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance. Put your compassion for animals to work today as part of our team.

The ASPCA offers a competitive compensation, great benefits, and the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance is currently offering relocation assistance and a signing bonus for Registered Veterinary Technicians who join our team.

Community Cat Program:

We are currently offering FREE spay/neuter surgeries and rabies vaccinations for community cats trapped in Buncombe County.

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Site near Bryson City voted top 10 in two outdoor adventure categories: Why it's special

Western North Carolina has made appearances on summer-related  USA TODAY 10Best  readers choice awards  yet again , earning spots on three lists of best 2024 adventure tours.

Results released June 5 include Best Adventure Tour Operator, Best Aerial Adventure Park, Best White Water Rafting Tour and more. Candidates for  10Best lists  are chosen by expert panels and voted on by readers to determine the final top 10 for each list.

Here are the WNC choices this time around, information on each winner and more.

More: Will northern lights be visible in NC this week? Conditions favorable for auroa borealis: What to know

Best Adventure Tour Operator

Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City ranked eighth in this voting. The 10Best story detailed NOC's opening in 1972 as a rafting tour company, and expansion beyond the rivers of N.C. including tours from southern Iceland to the Zambezi river. Adventure tour operators offering outdoor activities like hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and more were chosen for voter consideration.

Though the company now operates internationally, 10Best praised its domestic adventures for showcasing rafting opportunities across the Southern U.S. Apart from rafting, the company offers a variety of adventurous options such as zip lining, mountain biking, tubing and more.

10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Adventure Tour Operator

• Wild Women Expeditions (Corner Brook, Newfoundland)
• WHOA Travel (New York, New York)
• Explorer Chick Adventure Co. (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• Adventure Canada (Mississauga, Ontario)
• Stubborn Mule Travel (Ipswich, United Kingdom)
• Bindlestiff Tours (Las Vegas, Nevada)
• MT Sobek (Emeryville, California)
• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Bryson City, North Carolina)
• Thomson Safaris (Watertown, Massachusetts)
• Intrepid Travel (Toronto, Ontario)

More: Charlotte the stingray is no longer pregnant: Team ECCO issues statement

Best Aerial Adventure Park

The Gorge Zipline in Saluda ranked eighth on this list. It earned the spot for living up to its self-billed descriptors: steep, fast and beautiful. Aerial parks with zip lines, rope bridges and climbing elements were chosen by experts for voting.

The Gorge Zipline is actually comprised of 11 zip lines in total, over a mile of aerial fun with a total descent of over 1,100 vertical feet. For good measure, the course in Saluda also features a sky bridge and three rappels.

10Best Aerial Adventure Parks

• Botanical World Adventures (Hakalau, Hawaii)
• The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring (Sandy Spring, Maryland)
• RYZE Adventure Park (Maryland Heights, Missouri)
• Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin)
• Aerie's Resort (Grafton, Illinois)
• Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures (Cape Canaveral, Florida)
• Flying Rabbit Adventures (Greenville, South Carolina)
• The Gorge Zipline (Saluda, North Carolina)
• TreeUmph! Adventure Course (Bradenton, Florida)
• ZipZone Outdoor Adventures (Columbus, Ohio)

More: Hidden gems: How many WNC towns are among an 'underappreciated' 10 in North Carolina?

Best White Water Rafting Tour

Nantahala Outdoor Center placed slightly higher for its white water rafting options in particular, coming in at seventh in this voting. Experts submitted choices for voters with "exciting itineraries, variety of options, and well-trained guides." Appalachia was praised for its variety of options, with NOC chosen as one of the best.

The 10Best entry on NOC's rafting opportunities praised the company for its variety of options. Though Bryson City's Nantahala River hosts the company's main headquarters, the list also mentioned added bases on the Pigeon River, French Broad River and other locations, allowing for thrilling excursions all across the Southeast.

10Best White Water Rafting Tours

• Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours (Durango, Colorado)
• Northwest Rafting Company (Hood River, Oregon)
• Pocono Whitewater Rafting (Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania)
• Downstream Adventures Rafting (Empire, Colorado)
• Rivers & Oceans (Flagstaff, Arizona)
• Glacier Guides and Montana Raft (West Glacier, Montana)
• ACE Adventure Resort (Oak Hill, West Virginia)
• Wilderness Voyageurs (Ohiopyle, Pennsylavnia)
• Hells Canyon Raft (McCall, Idaho)

More: Best waterfalls in Western NC: See the tallest, falls with short hikes, swimming holes

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].