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

Explore Asheville with artist, poet and visionary DeWayne Barton. Hood tours are an intimate, interactive experience guaranteed to leave you looking at this mountain town with new eyes.

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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

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

Walking tours

Walking Tour

Eagle Street, Downtown

Friday – Saturday

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.

$30/adult; $27/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+

(taxes and fees are not included)

We charge an additional fee for tours scheduled on non-tour days and private tours

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Walking Tour

Burton Street

Friday – Saturday

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.

$30/adult; $27/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+

(taxes and fees are not included)

We charge an additional fee for tours scheduled on non-tour days and private tours

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Walking Tour

Southside

Friday – Saturday

Friday – Saturday Walking tours focusing on one of the largest areas for African-American commerce, participants will visit Eddington Center, River Arts District, The Grant Center, Walton Street Park and Pool, Rabbits

$30/adult; $27/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+

(taxes and fees are not included) We charge an additional fee for tours scheduled on non-tours days and private tours

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Driving tours

Driving Tour

Asheville

Friday – Saturday

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Driving tour covers Burton St Community, Downtown and East End Valley

$55/adult; $49.50/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+ 

(taxes and fees not included) 

We charge an additional fee for tours scheduled on non-tour days and private tours

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.

FAQ’s

HOW DO I PURCHASE TICKETS?

Go to www.hoodhuggers.com/tours

HOW LONG ARE THE TOURS?
Between 1.5 and 2 hours
WHAT DAYS DO YOU OFFER TOURS?
Fridays & Saturdays at this time. Tours may be booked on other days, depending on availability, for an additional fee.
DO I HAVE TO PRINT OUT OR PICK UP MY TICKETS?
No, we will have your name.
WHERE DO THE DRIVING AND DOWNTOWN TOURS DEPART FROM?
Driving Tours: Meet at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce – 36 Montford Avenue, 28801

Downtown Walking Tours: Meet at the Stephens Lee Recreation Center – 30 George Washington Carver Ave., 28801

WHERE DOES THE BURTON STREET WALKING TOUR DEPART FROM?
Burton Street Recreation Center, 134 Burton St, Asheville
IS THE TOUR APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES?
Yes.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
No refunds on reservations canceled within 24 hour of tour time. If a tour doesn’t meet our required minimum of 5 people we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule tour.
IS THE VAN WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
No.
IS IT APPROPRIATE TO GIVE GRATUITY?
Yes.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP DISCOUNTS FOR LARGE PARTIES?
No.
HOW SHOULD I DRESS?
Comfortable clothes and shoes.
IS THE BUS AIR CONDITIONED OR HEATED?
Yes.
DOES HOOD HUGGERS OFFER DISCOUNTS?
No.
HOW MANY SEATS ARE ON THE VAN?
9 seats
CAN I BRING MY DOG ON THE BUS?
No.
DO THE TOURS RUN IN INCLEMENT WEATHER?
Our tours run rain or shine! However, we will reschedule the tour if the roads are unsafe. If a tour is rescheduled we will let you know at least 1 hour prior to the scheduled start time. When booking your reservation, please provide us with a number where we can reach you if we need to reschedule.
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