Nice tip-based tour of West Asheville, NC. This isn't the part of town a tourist typically gets to on a quick trip, given how cute and walkable downtown Asheville is. West Asheville is an up and coming area built out along a long road, Haywood Rd.
Tour highlights:
*Wonderful local guide who really cares about the neighborhood
*Murals everywhere - gorgeous
*Stops into a few small businesses along the way to taste coffee, ice cream (one flavor was designed from a drink from another business down the road), Thai Tea, and beers at the brewery's.
What we loved the most was seeing how all the small businesses are locally owned and it appears that the business owners all know each other and really work in tandem to support the local culture and mutual success. Our guide, and second guide in training, were such treasures to get to learn from and hear their stories and lived experiences with West Ashville and its evolution. Tip them well when you take this tour please!
Downsides:
*Haywood Rd is a long, busy road with a highway cutting through it
*Looks like gentrification is setting in, which may change the bohemian feel in a short while. Expect to see prices rise along Haywood Rd. along with the housing prices. Enjoy it while you can!