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
Walking Tour
Eagle Street, Downtown
- Duration: 2 hours
- Tour Times: Thursday – Sunday.
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+
Walking Tour
Burton Street
- Duration: 2 hours
- Tour Times: 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+
Driving Tours
Driving Tour
Asheville
- Duration: 2 hours
- Friday – Saturday
- Requires minimum of 5 and Max 12.
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.
$55/adult; $49.50/youth ages 4-17 & Senior ages 60+
Email info@hoodhuggers.com or call 828-275-5305 ext. 0 for prices and information on Private Tours and Large Group Tours of 15+.
FAQ’s
HOW DO I PURCHASE TICKETS?
HOW LONG ARE THE TOURS?
Between 1.5 and 2 hours
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?
WHERE DO THE DRIVING AND DOWNTOWN TOURS DEPART FROM?
CHECK BOOKING CONFIRMATION FOR ACCURATE DEPARTURE INFORMATION.
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?
CHECK BOOKING CONFIRMATION FOR ACCURATE DEPARTURE INFORMATION.
Burton Street Recreation Center, 134 Burton St, Asheville
IS THE TOUR APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES?
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
IS THE VAN WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
IS IT APPROPRIATE TO GIVE GRATUITY?
DO YOU OFFER GROUP RATES FOR LARGE PARTIES?
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?
CAN I BRING MY ANIMALS ON TOURS?
DRIVING TOURS: NO DOGS ON BUS OR VAN.
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.)
In addition to Service Dogs, (pet) dogs weighing under 25 pounds are welcome on the walking tours with a leash. Dogs must be current on rabies and other vaccinations and must be ‘stranger’ and ‘other-dog’ friendly. One dog per adult.
NO OTHER ANIMALS ALLOWED ON ANY TOURS!
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.
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.