Asheville's Historic Streets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Overview

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts the second-largest collection of Art Deco architecture in America. On this walking tour, you’ll discover the city’s remarkable history, from its Cherokee origins to its Roaring Twenties boom. You’ll also hear about the unexpected preservation of its architectural treasures due to the Great Depression. (Don’t worry, it will make sense later.) This tour starts at the Visitor’s Center and takes you through downtown Asheville’s most iconic landmarks. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the visionaries who shaped its distinctive character. You’ll learn how wealthy entrepreneurs like E.W. Grove and George Willis Pack transformed the city’s skyline and see how the arts have flourished here, from traditional Appalachian folk music to contemporary crafts. You’ll discover the city’s literary connections to Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry while passing bustling music venues and artisan markets.