River Arts District: Tip-Based Sightseeing Tour
4.7
32 Ratings
Asheville
Experience the vibrant River Arts District (RAD) with a tip-based sightseeing tour. Explore galleries, learn about the history, enjoy local snacks, and discover the legends of the French Broad River.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- The Magnetic Theatre - We will start here. The guests will watch the actors perform a brief act and get an idea of what the theatre does in the community. Some lucky guests will get a chance to view an act as we walk throughout the RAD on special occassions!
What's Included
- Entry to multiple venues
- A variety of tastings
- Exciting live demonstrations
- Complimentary snacks
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
The River Arts District, also known as ‘RAD,’ has entertained countless visitors over the years. Yet, often, guests wonder, ‘what’s next on arrival?’ With this in mind, I’ve designed a tour that encapsulates the exciting features of RAD, offering an unforgettable hands-on experience.
Our journey, beginning at Magnetic Theatre, leads us down Depot Street, plunging into the rich history of the RAD, its artists, and a single gallery visit! We explore the historic Grey Eagle Music Venue, indulge in delectable Taqueria titbits, and witness a fascinating glass blowing display at the NC Glass Centre. We then trace the river’s path, absorbing tales about the French Broad’s legends while discussing potential river activities for after the tour!
The shorter tour, starting at 11am, includes gelato tasting and concludes at the cotton mill.
For those attending the 2pm tour, we wrap up on Foundy Street, learning about local graffiti and sampling regional wine or beer at the two local breweries.
The total distance covered is about 0.75 miles.
Location
The Magnetic Theatre
Depot Street
Outside of the Theatre under the sign with the magnet on it! I recommend parking at the free parking lot right beside the theatre.
Also if you want to park halfway between the meeting spot and the end, you can park at the visitor center in the river arts district at 3 River Arts Place
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(32 Ratings)
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Alexandra_g
Dec 24, 2023
Fantastic experienxe - Dave was an excellent guide. He explained us the history of Asheville and guided us through the district with nice stories and introductions to artists
Beautiful area
Highly recommend the tour and Dave as a guide
Thank you
Review provided by Viator
Stewart_g
Oct 13, 2023
Great guide and history - We especially loved the history of the area. The guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. Recommended
Review provided by Viator
Yvonnedz8414ts
May 27, 2023
Awesome Asheville Art District Tour - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sallymr1910rx
Jan 6, 2023
Awesome Experience - Sarah was awesome, personable, and fun. We loved the "history lesson" along with the different art areas. A great tour if you are interested in a certain style of art to purchase.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C9249adphilh
Dec 12, 2022
Outstanding experience to an enchanting city. - This visit focused on the River Arts District. I was impressed with the art but more impressed with the working artists who took the time to talk with us about their craft. I would also highly recommend the GrayLine trolley tour. Very personable tour guides with a wealth of knowledge and stories about Asheville.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jazzmine_b
Dec 10, 2022
Personalized great fun - Wonderful experience. We ended up being the only ones on the tour and got a personalized experience. We usually go to art museums at each city we visit, but this was so much better as in multiple galleries we got to meet the artist and get great details about their work. Only thing we missed is being able to see some glass blowing but didn't take away from the great experience. They do recommend $30 tip per person although you can give what you want, but for some it is good to know in advance
Review provided by Viator
Caroline_r
Oct 13, 2022
Well worth it! - Dave was so knowledgeable and entertaining. With only a day in town gave me a great history lesson and tour of amazing artists !
Review provided by Viator
Sipsavorserve
Oct 13, 2022
Great guided tour. - David was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and we had a lot of questions. We got a tour of the River Arts District that presented its past, present and future. Would definitely recommend this informative and enjoyable tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patrickbf1127ev
Oct 10, 2022
Good way to learn about the neighborhood and its galleries - enjoyable walk - I did a morning tour (11am) and it was an enjoyable way to learn about the River Arts District! Stopped in a couple art galleries, but probably not enough time to do shopping - it would give you an idea of places you may want to go back to. Learned some history about the district too, from its origin to some of the development of the area. Included a break with a snack about halfway through.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nwillens
Oct 8, 2023
Somewhat disappointed. - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
