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River Arts District Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour

River Arts District Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour

Overview

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the River Arts District, where history, artistry, and resilience come to life. This community has weathered immense challenges—including a historic flood in 1916 and the most recent flood of 2024, which is considered the thousand year flood. This vibrant community of artists has risen from the wreckage, more passionate than ever to share their stories and creations with you.

On this pay-as-you-wish tour, you’ll explore the district’s rich history, meet incredible artists who lost everything yet refused to give up, and hear firsthand accounts of survival and rebirth. Along the way, enjoy a delicious tasting, witness a mesmerizing glass-blowing demonstration, and experience the indomitable spirit that makes this artistic hub so special.

Come support, celebrate, and be inspired. The River Arts District is back—and ready to welcome you!

About 1.5 a mile walk

City: Asheville

Mon 20 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $5.00

Make a reservation

Mon 20 Oct

Starting at $5.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Entrance to venues, tastings, and live demonstrations

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Trackside Studios

We will start here with a demonstration from the artist of how their artwork is paired with videography to create a unique multimedia experience

The Grey Eagle

Guests will get a private tour of this historical music venue including stories about different musicians who have performed here as well as the history behind the murals and paintings that line the walls.

362 Depot

We will meet some local artist and explore their galleries

Lexington Glassworks

We will watch a live glass blowing experience. Depending on which artists are available, we may even get to interact with one of the glass blowers and have them explain the process to us!

Show 1 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (34)

Stewart_G

Oct 2023

We especially loved the history of the area. The guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. Recommended

nwillens

Oct 2023

Heard about businesses s we passed them, actually visited a bout 4-5 places and walked briefly thru a park. Mostly passed abandoned places, felt like a city tenement area and was basically disappointed, Only one other couple besides myself and my wife, Saw highwater mark painted white where water rose during a prior flood. At least weather was agreeable.

Response from Host

Oct 2023

Neil, I know that you were late and were only able to attend half of the tour. The area is full of artists and we aren’t able to visit each of them but instead hope to give you an idea of where to visit on your own. The river arts district is lovely and I’m sorry to hear that you did not enjoy it.

yvonnedZ8414TS

May 2023

It was such a pleasure to have Jordan, the owner, schedule MV as our tour guide through the Asheville Arts District. She was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the Arts District and incorporated that so well into the tour in conjunction with the current state of the key galleries we visited. It was a huge bonus as she took us on two stops to rest along the way to enjoy a free yummy plantain sample, and at the end of the tour a free gelato sample. I would highly recommend scheduling a tour with Jordan’s business. Ask if you can get MV as your tour guide as she is excellent.