When you have just one day to explore a city as vibrant and eclectic as Asheville, you want to make the most of it—especially when you’re traveling with a family spanning three generations. Recently, I had the chance to take on this adventure with my 70-year-old mom and my 2-year-old son.
The best decision we made? Spending $40 a piece (discounts for seniors, military personnel, and children) opting for Asheville’s Gray Lines Hop-On Hop-Off tour. It offered flexibility, stunning sights, and unforgettable memories!a perfect way to experience the city at our own pace. The tour starts at The Visitor’s Center (yep – free parking) and takes you to all the major stops, Downtown Asheville, The Grove Park Inn, Historic Montford Ave, Biltmore Village, and the River Arts District. Along the way, their experienced guides tell you all about the history of our area. If you want to take a little bit longer at each stop, tickets for the second day of the tour are free.
To be clear, this is not a paid sponsorship for Gray Line’s Hop On Hop Off tour, although they’re welcome to contact me. There are many ways, no wrong ways, to visit and see everything Asheville has to offer, however, if you only have a day or two, there’s no better way to take in everything. If you don’t finish seeing everything in one day, the next day’s ticket is free.
Morning: Setting the Stage for Adventure
We started our day at the Asheville Visitor Center, where the Hop-On Hop-Off trolley departs. Tours start at 10AM and end at 4PM from the visitors center but are doing pick-ups as late as 5pm.
**Mom tip: Pack light and eat breakfast before you get there (Early Girl Eatery is a favorite and nearby). There’s plenty of good eating in Asheville, but it took about an hour from the house, getting out of the car, waiting for the 1st bus to leave, before we got into downtown (there are a few stops on the bus before you get there)
The trolley itself was comfortable, with plenty of space for my mom and little one to settle in. My son was thrilled with the open windows, giving him a clear view of everything outside, while my mom appreciated the gentle pace and the chance to sit back and relax.
The Tour: Historic Montford District
You’ll drive through Montford Historic District. The beautiful, well-preserved homes with their unique architectural styles were a sight to behold. My mom, a history buff, loved listening to the guide’s stories about the area’s rich past.
Stop 1: Grove Park Inn
Our first stop was the iconic Grove Park Inn. You’ll stop by a few hotels on the tour, although, this may be the only one worth hopping off for. The stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains were breathtaking. We took a leisurely stroll around the property, marveling at the expansive stone terraces and the luxurious yet inviting atmosphere. If you get there between 11-3 you can have lunch on the terrace. This is one if the best views in the Asheville City limits. If you’re there at Christmas, you can see the National Gingerbread House Competition display.
Stop 2: Exploring Downtown Asheville
There are 3 stops in Downtown Asheville. We got off at Pack Square and walked to the last stop by the Grove Arcade. If you’re hungry at this point, there are TONS of restaurants in this area. Pack Square is on the corner of Biltmore Ave and Patton Ave. If you follow Patton Ave to Pritchard Park, you find even more shopping and eating. You could walk around all day in downtown but most of the eating and shopping is in this area.
**Spouse tip – one of my favorite hidden gems is Wake Foot Sanctuary AND It’s right next to one of the stops. You can stop in for a quick 45-minute aromatherapy foot soak with the option to add a shoulder massage or cup of tea. Trust me, you’ll get big points for this one. You may want to call ahead to know when the sessions are and to make a reservation. The sessions are only about 45 minutes (plenty of time for a quick beverage for the non-foot soakers) https://wakespa.com/
Stop 3: River Arts District
Next, we made our way to the River Arts District. This was a highlight for all of us. My mom was fascinated by the artists at work in their studios, chatting with them about their techniques and inspirations. My son was captivated by the vibrant murals and sculptures scattered throughout the area. We even found a family-friendly café where we could sit down for a snack, giving us a chance to recharge before continuing our journey.
Stop 3: Biltmore Village
After hopping back on the trolley, we headed to Biltmore Village. The cobblestone streets and charming shops made it feel like we were in a quaint European town. My mom enjoyed browsing the local boutiques, while my son and I explored the toy store, which turned out to be an unexpected gem. Wayside café may have the best burger in Asheville
Final Thoughts
The Hop-On Hop-Off tour was the perfect way to explore Asheville in a day, especially with family members of different ages. It offered the flexibility we needed, allowing us to see the city’s highlights at our own pace, with plenty of opportunities to hop off and explore further. Whether you’re a local looking to experience Asheville in a new way or a visitor trying to make the most of your time, I highly recommend this tour. It’s a day in Asheville that my mom, my son, and I will cherish for a long time to come.
If you would like more info or recommendations while on vacation in any of the towns in Western North Carolina, please give us a call at 888-699-2987 or via email at [email protected]. We are available 7A – 7P 7 days a week and would love to help you plan your vacation. Or simply click on this link for our contact form.
