The past, present, and future of African Americans in Asheville is a story of resilience and ingenuity. Learn about this powerful story on Walking and Driving Tours

Hood tours are an intimate, interactive experience guaranteed to leave you looking at this mountain town with new eyes.

A recipient of Tripadvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award, chosen directly by our tour patrons as top 10% of attractions worldwide!

Walking Tours

Eagle Street, Downtown

 

Walking tours explore East End Valley Street in Downtown Asheville, home to shops and galleries featuring merchandise and art from African American artisans and artists, YMI Cultural Center, Stephens Lee Community Center, The Block, and significant African American architecture. More information listed under FAQ’s.

  • Thursday – Saturday
  • $30/adult; $27/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+.

 

Burton Street

Walking tours explore the Burton Street community, one of Asheville’s oldest African American neighborhoods founded by E.W. Pearson in 1912, including the Burton Street Community Peace Garden and Burton Street Community Center – former segregated African American elementary school. More information listed under FAQ’s.

  • Thursday – Saturday
  • $30/adult; $27/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+.

 

Driving Tours

Driving Tour

 

Driving tour begins at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, visiting significant downtown sites, as well as various sites in neighborhoods throughout the city (Shiloh, Burton Street, Southside, Eastend Valley Street). Each driving tour is different and not guaranteed to visit all of the listed neighborhoods. We conduct driving tours in a 14-passenger bus or 9 passenger van. More information under FAQ’s.

  • Thursday – Saturday
  • $55/adult; $49.50/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+

 

 

 

Private and Group Tours. 

Contact us by email at info@hoodhuggers.com or call 828-275-5305 Ext 0. See our FAQ for more details about Private and Group Tours.

 

FAQ’s

WHATS THE BEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR TOUR?

The fastest and easiest way to book your tour online. Through our booking software, you can see all available dates and times. You’ll receive a confirmation of your booking via email.

HOW LONG ARE THE TOURS?

1.5

WHERE DOES THE DRIVING TOUR DEPART FROM?

CHECK BOOKING CONFIRMATION FOR ACCURATE DEPARTURE INFORMATION.

Driving Tours: Meet at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce – 36 Montford Avenue.

 

WHERE DOES THE WALKING TOURS DEPART FROM?

CHECK BOOKING CONFIRMATION FOR ACCURATE DEPARTURE INFORMATION.

Burton Street Recreation Center, 134 Burton St.

Eagle St./Downtown Walking Tours: Stephens Lee Recreation Center – 30 George Washington Carver Ave.

DO WE OFFER PRIVATE TOURS?

Yes, if date, time is available and there’s an additional cost for private tours and non – tour days. Email info@hoodhuggers.com or call for booking details.

DO YOU OFFER GROUP RATES FOR LARGE PARTIES and SCHOOLS?

Yes, for groups of 15 or more.

DOES HOOD HUGGERS OFFER DISCOUNTS?
No.
OUR TOUR DATES AND TOUR TIMES.

THURSDAY – SATURDAY AND TIMES 10 AM. 1PM & 4PM.

 

DO I HAVE TO PRINT OUT OR PICK UP MY TICKETS?

You do not. We always recommend reading over your email confirmation, so you know where and when your tour departs, as well all the other important information from Hood Huggers International, however we use a check in system so all we need is your name.

DO THE TOURS RUN IN INCLEMENT WEATHER?

We will reschedule or issue a gift card if there’s severe thunderstorm, snow and roads are unsafe. We will let you know by text, email or by phone before tour time. Please provide accurate information when booking your tour.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

We will issue a full refund to all cancellations outside of 48 hours’ notice. 

No refund If you are late to your tour, we will issue you a gift card or reschedule your tour.

 

IS THE TOUR APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES?
Yes.
IS THE VAN OR BUS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

Unfortunately, our vehicles are not wheelchair accessible. However, we will do our best to accommodate disabled passengers and can store walker if necessary.

CAN I BRING MY DOGS ON TOURS?

PERMISSION REQUIRED FROM HOOD HUGGERS INTERNATIONAL.

DRIVING TOURS:

Service Dogs as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted on all tours.  (Please note that therapy dogs and emotional support dogs do not qualify as Service Dogs.).

In addition to Service Dogs, (pet) dogs weighing under 20 pounds are welcome on the tour provided they remain in the owner’s lap during the entire tour. Dogs must be current on rabies and other vaccinations and must be friendly. One per tour allowed.

WALKING TOURS: Service Dogs as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted on all tours.  (Please note that therapy dogs and emotional support dogs do not qualify as Service Dogs.).

Must remain on leash and clean up after dog.

NO OTHER ANIMALS ALLOWED ON ANY TOURS!

Have a service animal?
Email or call our office at info@hoodhuggers.com or (828)275-5305 Ext 0 to discuss accommodations.

IS IT APPROPRIATE TO GIVE GRATUITY?

Yes, gratuities are greatly appreciated by our guides and performers. 

HOW SHOULD I DRESS?
Comfortable clothes and shoes.
IS THE BUS AIR CONDITIONED OR HEATED?
Yes.

History. Art. Poetry. Music. Community green spaces. Vivid voices. Grassroots initiatives. Led by DeWayne Barton, Hood Tours are among the social enterprises housed under the umbrella of Hood Huggers International that practice the CAP Framework.

Building Capacity

Amount of monies reinvested into the community

Tours spark grassroots economic development in Asheville’s historically African-American neighborhoods, generate economic support for African-American-owned businesses, while building on strengths intrinsic to the community that allow for self-determination and sustainability.
A portion of all proceeds through Hood Huggers International are devoted to community reinvestment.

Testimonials

Quotes from past tour participants:

I am grateful to DeWayne for collecting and telling stories about our community that might have been lost. These are not only stories of struggle but also stories of great resilience. This experience has given me deeper appreciation for my neighbors and for what we might build together.

J. Clarkson

The Hood Tour should be called Wonderhood! Hoodaganza! Black Hoodstory! Just calling it a tour is not enough. The history of black Asheville is rich with tragedy, sadness, triumph, and inspiration, and DeWayne Barton brought it all alive for us. We could have gone on for a few hours more – the story of Affrilachian people, their extraordinary achievements and their everyday courage, is so compelling.

Daav Wheeler

Youth Leadership: Tours offer employment opportunities for young people.

Tours have been featured in National Geographic, Forbes, Our State magazine, C-SPAN, and various regional publications.

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