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
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Tour Days: Thursday – Sunday
- Times: 10am, 1pm and 4pm
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.
$30/adult; $27/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+.
Burton Street
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Tour Days: Friday – Saturday
- Times: 10am, 1pm and 4pm
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.
$30/adult; $27/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+.
Driving Tours
Driving Tour
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Tour Days: Friday – Saturday
- Time’s: 10am,1pm and 4pm.
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.
$55/adult; $49.50/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+
Private Tours and Group Tours
Contact us by email at info@hoodhuggers.com or call 828-275-5305 Ext 0 for information.
FAQ’s
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.
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
DO WE OFFER PRIVATE TOURS? DO OFFER TOURS ON NON-TOURS DAYS?
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 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.
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.
IS THE TOUR APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES?
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 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.
IS IT APPROPRIATE TO GIVE GRATUITY?
Yes, gratuities are greatly appreciated by our guides and performers.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP RATES FOR LARGE PARTIES and SCHOOLS?
Yes, for groups of 15 or more.
HOW SHOULD I DRESS?
IS THE BUS AIR CONDITIONED OR HEATED?
DOES HOOD HUGGERS OFFER DISCOUNTS?
HOW MANY SEATS ARE ON THE VAN AND BUS?
9 seats on van and 14 seats on bus.
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.
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.
A portion of all proceeds through Hood Huggers International are devoted to community reinvestment.
Testimonials
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.